Psychology

Psychology with a specialisation in Criminal Psychology is a degree that places the scientific study of mind and behaviour directly in the context of crime, justice, and the criminal process. Criminal psychology applies psychological theory and research to understanding why people offend, how investigations work, how witnesses and juries behave, what makes confessions reliable or unreliable, how offenders can be rehabilitated, and how victims are affected by crime. It is a field of genuine social importance and one that has grown substantially as a profession over recent decades.

At Nottingham Trent University, this three-year full-time programme covers the core areas of a psychology degree, including cognitive, social, developmental, biological, and individual differences psychology, alongside substantial specialist content in criminal and forensic psychology. You will study theories of criminal behaviour, risk assessment, offender profiling, investigative psychology, eyewitness testimony, and the psychology of the legal process. Research methods are developed throughout, reflecting the empirical character of both psychology and forensic practice, and the programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Graduates from this programme move into a range of careers in criminal justice, mental health, and research. Police forces, the prison service, probation, youth offending teams, and victim support organisations are established employers. Forensic psychology as a professional specialism requires postgraduate training beyond the undergraduate degree, typically through a doctorate in forensic or clinical psychology, but this programme provides an excellent foundation for that route.

Many graduates also move into social work, counselling, research, and public policy. The BPS accreditation provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is the essential first step on the route to becoming a chartered psychologist.