Psychology with Criminology

Psychology is the scientific study of thought, behaviour and experience, examining why people think and act as they do across the full range of human contexts. Criminology brings a complementary focus, examining crime, deviance and the systems societies build to respond to them, drawing on sociology, law, philosophy and policy as well as psychology itself. Together the two disciplines address some of the most pressing questions in public life: why do people commit crimes, how reliable is eyewitness testimony, what does effective rehabilitation look like, and how do social structures shape individual behaviour.

At Birmingham Newman University you will study both subjects across three full-time years. In psychology you will cover core areas including biological, cognitive, developmental, social and abnormal psychology, developing both theoretical understanding and the research skills needed to conduct and evaluate empirical studies. In criminology you will examine theories of crime from classical to contemporary, the workings of the criminal justice system, the experiences of victims, and debates around punishment, prevention and social justice.

The two subjects connect naturally in areas such as forensic psychology, offender profiling, jury decision-making and the psychology of policing.

The research skills you develop are particularly valuable. You will learn to design studies, collect and analyse data, evaluate evidence critically and communicate findings clearly. These are abilities that transfer into a wide range of careers.

Graduates from programmes combining psychology and criminology go on to work in probation, youth offending teams, victim support services, social work, the police, the prison service, community safety and mental health support. A significant number continue to postgraduate study, whether in forensic psychology, counselling, criminology or social policy. The combination gives you a well-rounded foundation for any career concerned with human welfare and the justice system.