Psychology, Crime and Justice

Psychology, Crime and Justice draws together two fields that illuminate each other in important ways. Psychology provides the tools to understand individual behaviour, cognition, emotion and mental health, while criminology and justice studies examine how crime is defined, investigated, prosecuted and punished, and what the experience of the criminal justice system means for those who pass through it. The combination is both intellectually rich and practically relevant to careers in policing, probation, the courts, social work, forensic services and victim support.

At the University of Bedfordshire, this four-year programme includes a foundation year, which provides a structured introduction to academic study and the key concepts of both disciplines before you move into the main degree curriculum. The foundation year is designed to broaden access to the programme, supporting students who may benefit from additional preparation before degree-level study. The programme has been developed with input from industry professionals and includes specialised forensic psychology content, ensuring that the curriculum reflects the realities of working in applied psychological and criminal justice contexts.

You will study core psychological theory alongside criminological frameworks, examining how psychological knowledge is applied in forensic and justice settings. Topics might include offender profiling, risk assessment, the psychology of interviewing, victimology, the treatment of offenders, and the psychology of criminal behaviour. You will develop research skills in both quantitative and qualitative methods, which are essential for evidence-based practice in the relevant professions.

Graduates go on to work in probation, youth offending, the prison service, victim support, social work, the police service, forensic mental health, and related fields. Those wishing to practise as a Chartered Psychologist will need to complete further postgraduate training, and the degree provides a strong foundation for that route. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in forensic psychology, criminology, social work, or counselling.