BSc Honours Psychology with Criminology Degree

Overview & facilities

The BSc Psychology with Criminology Degree (Honours) in London is designed for those who wish to pursue careers within any part of the criminal justice system (particularly forensic psychology) where a detailed understanding and knowledge of human behaviour is important. It is a unique opportunity to study, integrate and apply two areas that are important to the understanding of crime.

The Psychology degree aims to

• Support the acquisition of knowledge and skills in criminology
• Encourage your development of a critical approach to your studies, evaluating theory and evidence accordingly
• Prepare you to be a participant in society through an awareness and understanding of crime and crime control in society
• Equip you in effective written, oral and IT communications skills
• Develop your analytical, research and graduate skills relevant to a range of professions
• Encourage you to develop as an autonomous learner; and instil a culture of lifelong learning in you
• Provide a thorough grounding in major areas of criminology that will enable you to progress to postgraduate training and education

Based at our Hendon campus in London, you will gain knowledge and understanding through active participation in a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, weekly assignments and practical exercises, tutorials, e-mail support, independent self-directed study and-or experiential learning.

Why study Psychology with Criminology at Middlesex

• Confers BPS (British Psychological Society) Graduate Basis for Registration; a prerequisite for anyone wishing to progress to graduate study to qualify as a Forensic Psychologist
• The four-year degree offers a work-based placement opportunity
• Best and most up-to-date facilities for teaching and research in the UK: including psychophysiology laboratory,  social observation laboratories, video editing suite,  virtual reality laboratory, auditory cognition laboratory, testing cubicles, and over 150 PCs specifically set up for psychology students.
  
  

Content & modules

This programme is based at our flagship Hendon campus.

Modules

• Year 1

  Explaining Crime (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To introduce students to the leading criminological explanations of crime as developed from the late 19th century to the late 1970s. The module focuses upon levels of explanation examining individualistic, sociological, political and radical theories of crime.

  Foundation Psychology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides a basic general introduction to developmental, cognitive, biological, individual differences and social psychology. The characteristic approaches adopted within these areas of psychology are explored and students are encouraged to adopt a reflective and critical perspective on the subject matter covered.

  Psychology Skills and Methods (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  Module aims: to develop essential academic and IT skills, and to introduce students to the principles and practice of psychological research. Experience will be given in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data, together with opportunities for developing skills in the dissemination of such results with the conventions, styles and critical approach of academic work.

• Year 2

  Biological Cognitive Psychology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Module aims: to give students an overview of the biological bases of behaviour and the cognitive approach to psychology. After initial study of the anatomy physiology of the nervous system, attention is focused on aspects of behaviour that have a clear biological component. Through a series of practical laboratory sessions students will investigate specific central and peripheral nervous system variables and their relation to behaviour. In the second half of the module, the nature of the cognitivist approach to psychology will be outlined and key theories relating to major cognitive faculties explored. Understanding of these is enhanced through a series of interactive seminars.

  Institutions of Criminal Justice (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides an introduction to some of the key institutions involved in the criminal justice process and a critical understanding of contemporary issues in criminal justice. The main focus of the module will be on the criminal justice system in England and Wales, though other material will be drawn upon for comparative purposes. At the end of the module you should be familiar with recent policy debates around such issues as relations between the police and public, the working of the criminal courts and reform of the prison and probation systems.

• Year 3

  Applied Social Psychology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to explore the application of psychology to social problems in the areas of crime, conflict and violence, taking into account individual, group and social factors. It considers how individuals and groups become involved in, and perpetuate, these problematic behaviours, and also considers the consequences for victims, government and justice responses, and approaches to prevention. The module aims a to extend students understanding of social psychology through its application to social problems facing modern societies; b to develop students aptitudes for identifying pathways for social change through the understanding the psychological processes implicated in social problems.

  Dissertation (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Students pursue independent study with a designated supervisor on a topic not offered in-depth among the normal range of modules. The student will be expected to carry out an original investigation using a recognised psychology or cognitive science research method, and produce a dissertation based on that research. The title and methodology of this dissertation must be agreed with the supervisor in advance. Undertaking this module will enable participants to develop their methodological and statistical knowledge acquired through previous research methods training; it will develop their competence in the production of coherent written reports which are clearly presented and which have an analytic and critical orientation, and it will provide the opportunity for final year students to become competent and self-sufficient researchers.

  Drugs, Crime and Criminal Justice (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to introduce students to the contemporary debates surrounding drugs, drug use and its control. It will develop students knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in social definitions of drugs and drug users and their skills in applying criminological theories to drug issues. It aims to facilitate critical analysis and evaluation of the laws, policies and institutions of drugs control and their social, economic and political contexts. The module also aims to foster and develop students critical interest in the reform of drugs control policy.

  Homicide and Serious Crime Investigation (30 Credits) - Optional

  Students will be introduced to the developing science of police investigation and shown how the adoption of new public management practises influenced police procedures. The programme will begin with an explanation of how the police function changed from that of a peace keeper to a crime investigator and how science professionalized that role. It will then be followed by students assuming the role of an investigator and being presented with a murder investigation that will require them to consider the impact the law, science and management.

  Organised Crime and Corporate Offenders (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module will introduce students to the critical debates on Organised Crime and Corporate Offenders. They also become acquainted with the issues of defining these areas of criminality and the problems of conducting meaningful research. The programme will begin with explanations of how social, political and economic conditions allowed organised crime to develop and discuss the links with White Collar and Corporate Crime

  Policing (30 Credits) - Optional

  The aim of this module is to provide a critical understanding of contemporary issues in policing. It is centrally concerned with relations within the police and between the police and public. The module will examine structures of governance and accountability and contemporary controversies associated with policing styles in the contemporary context. Criminology at Middlesex University in its orientation is concerned with issues of crime and interpersonal violence. The police are the gatekeepers of the Criminal Justice system and this module examines the role of police, its organisation, culture and position in society. To develop an understanding of the range of problems facing policing and the methods used to combat them. The module gives students knowledge designed to acquaint them with core knowledge and skills and some practical experience.

  Violent Crime (30 Credits) - Optional

  The module aims to discuss the dynamics of interpersonal violence and its control, the social and spatial parameters of violent crime, theoretical perspectives on violent crime and the victimology of violence together with a review of research related to such behaviour.

Download the course specification

Entry & applying

We normally make offers on aminimum of 280 UCAS tariff points, plus GCSE Maths and English Language at grade C. BTEC National Diploma/International Baccalaureate/Advanced Progression Diplomas at equivalent tariff. Access to HE - Pass. Applications from candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed. Additionally overseas students whose first language is not English will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English, eg IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 paper-based or 213 computer based.

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

Whilst there is a specific focus upon forensic psychology the conferment of graduate basis for accreditation with BPS (British Psychological Society) maintains the possibility of careers in all areas of psychology. Students who have completed this degree have sought various careers within the criminal justice system- including commencing the chartering process to be a Chartered Forensic Psychologist. Others have trained as Counsellors, Social Workers and Academics.

Where do our graduates go?
Based on the data from respondents of the 2009-10 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education survey, six months after graduating:

• 78% of Middlesex BSc Psychology with Criminology graduates were in employment or further study 
• 22% were unemployed or doing something else, such as travelling

Middlesex graduates from this group have been successful at gaining employment iwith companies such as:

Metropolitan Police, Slough Youth Offending Team, Essex County Council, NHS, Answer Back, Lloyds TSB.

Placements

Placements at Middlesex University date back to 1968, and since then have played a significant role in providing relevant work experience to complement the academic training gained at university, thus enhancing employment opportunities. Indeed the placement course has also played an essential role in providing the experience required for those students wishing to continue at postgraduate level in areas such as Educational, Clinical, Forensic, Health and Occupational Psychology. 

Procedure and duration
The Placement is normally for one academic year (33 weeks), and in most cases is based at an established organisation within the UK. In some cases there have been a number of overseas placements in USA and Canada, and more recently there are plans for internal placements within the Psychology Department.

At the beginning of each academic year the students enrolled for the Sandwich Degree register with the Placement Officer and are introduced to the Psychology Placement coordinator. This it to ensure that they receive full support in their preparation for, and placement at their chosen organisation.

The placement year commences after students have successfully completed their second year of BSc studies at University. Each student will then be assigned an academic member of the Psychology Department to act as their visiting tutor.  The visiting tutor’s role is to liaise with the organisation regarding the student’s progress and fulfilment of the placement requirements. 

Types of placements and requirements of the placement year
A wide range of influential and established organisations are involved with the placement course, for example Great Ormond Hospital School, St Georges Hospital, Priory Hospital, Institute of Psychiatry, Institute of Education, University College London, Holloway Prison, and the Metropolitan Police. Students’ involvement in such organisations includes engaging in everyday activities for example classroom education within the hospital school and running of anger management courses for the prison inmates. In addition, placement students have been engaged in a wide range of clinical and educational research, for example eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, autism and stuttering, and investigating the psychological factors in relation to male and female rape.

During the placement year, students are required to keep a log-book for each week’s activity, to produce a critical review of their placement year and to make a presentation to the university organised placement conference.

Furthermore, the placement year is expected to provide an excellent opportunity for the students to develop and complete a scientifically based project in line with their placement experience, and submit as their final year BSc dissertation. 

Benefits of the placement year
It has generally been demonstrated that students who successfully completed their placement year benefited greatly in practical experience in relation to the application of theoretical concepts gained at university, showed a greater sense of maturity and self confidence, developed an insight into their strengths and weaknesses, developed an appreciation of the reality of work and organisation and, most importantly, enhanced their career prospects. Indeed a number of our BSc graduates in Psychology are now in positions of full-time employment with their placement organisation, for example the Metropolitan Police, Priory Hospital, Institute of Psychiatry, Institute of Education and St Georges Hospital.