Psychology and Crime Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

4 years full-time

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About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Gain a thorough grounding in both psychology and criminal psychology, which could be applied to a wide range of careers.
  • You’ll be taught by psychology and criminology lecturers who are experts in several fields and have a wide range of specialisms.
  • You'll be supported through a dedicated Transition and Progression Tutor, who will help you adapt to studying at degree level.

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This programme is not available to international students. Instead, international students should apply for our international foundation programmes delivered by our International Study Centre on campus. For more information please visit International Study Centre.

Our integrated foundation degrees are for those of you who possess the capability to pursue a degree but do not have the pre-requisite qualifications to directly apply to your desired course. The duration of the foundation element is one year, and, if you successfully pass, you will automatically progress on to the degree.

Through this pathway you’ll be studying Year 0 (Foundation Year) of the Psychology with Criminology with Foundation Year BSc(Hons) course (a 4-year course).

On successful completion of this year you can continue to study on the Psychology with Criminology with Foundation Year BSc(Hons)** or you could apply for to progress into Year 1 of one of the following courses:

  • Psychology BSc(Hons)**

  • Psychology with Counselling BSc(Hons)**

  • Criminology BSc(Hons)*

  • Criminology with Law BSc(Hons)*

  • Crime and Society BSc(Hons)*

  • Crime and Investigation BSc(Hons)*

  • Crime and Criminal Justice BSc(Hons)*

  • Crime with Forensic Investigation BSc(Hons)***

  • Professional Policing BSc(Hons)*

*Eligibility to progress into Year 1 of any of these courses is normally dependent on achieving an overall pass mark of at least 40 per cent.

**Eligibility to progress into Year 1 of the Psychology degree courses, including Psychology with Criminology BSc(Hons), is normally dependent on achieving an overall pass mark of at least 40 per cent. To progress into Year 1 of these courses you’ll also be expected to hold Level 2 Maths or Numeracy or GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.

***Eligibility to progress into Year 1 of Crime with Forensic Investigation BSc(Hons)is normally dependent on achieving an overall pass mark of at least 40 per cent. To progress into Year 1 of this courses you’ll also be expected to hold GCSE Science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology or dual award Science) at grade 4 or above, grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or equivalent qualification.

Why study Psychology and Crime Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree

During this Psychology and Crime Foundation Pathway you'll gain a thorough grounding in both general psychology and criminal psychology, which could be applied to a wide range of situations and careers once you graduate.

You’ll explore some specialist areas, including biopsychology, developmental psychology, personality and individual differences, and forensic psychology. We’ll also help you gain an invaluable insight into what makes people behave the way they do and why they choose to take part in criminal activity.

Psychology is the science of mind and behaviour. On this course, therefore, we’ll give you the opportunity to explore how psychological theory relates to the actions people take in life. You'll look at criminal behaviour and weigh up the different theories about the causes of crime – from parenting to society, peer pressure and genetics. You’ll look at how theories apply in the real world, to gain crucial insights into how psychology is used within the criminal justice system.

You’ll be taught by psychology and criminology lecturers who are experts in several fields and have a wide range of specialisms. They are focused on supporting you, and we have a dedicated Transition and Progression Tutor, who will help you adapt to studying Psychology at degree level.

Many of our lecturers are members of our Crime and Policing Research Centre, too, and produce world-leading research in this field. Some of our-final year optional modules are partly taught by professional clinical and forensic psychologists, giving you the opportunity to learn directly from those in professional practice.

This course aims to ensure you’re more attractive to employers. Alternatively, it will prepare you for further study, helping you expand your knowledge and hone your skills.

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

DDE at A Level.
64 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
MPP in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Pass at T Level with D or E grade on core.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits, 15 at Merit, 30 at Pass.
64 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.
NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade D.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements pages. If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Programmes.

For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the academic skills required to progress in higher education and successfully complete your academic studies. This will include a variety of transferable skills as well as life-long learning skills. You’ll learn about essay writing, referencing, numerical representations of data required for university study, and the how to use the library search facility in searching for scholarly material. You'll also learn how to evaluate sources of information and be introduced to personal development planning (PDP).

This module provides you the opportunity to apply the skills required in higher education study. This will include finding suitable sources, using the University's library search facility, and presenting your studies in an academic format. You'll learn how to plan and undertake a project whilst developing skills in the effective engagement with academic literature. You'll also be encouraged to evaluate your own academic skills and participate in peer review and feedback processes.

This module will explore the importance of effective communication in public services, along with providing insights into the differing individual preferences and needs of patients, clients, service-users and carers. You'll also have the opportunity to develop the basic knowledge, understanding, values and skills to support communication and personalisation when working with people.

In this module you'll explore the contexts of health and social care services for physical and mental health, and wellbeing. You'll consider what shapes provision, as well as what impacts on the variations in health and wellbeing outcomes for different groups in society. You'll also learn about key issues such as social and welfare policies, austerity, and social inequalities.

This module will introduce you to key issues relating to the study of society, social structures and systems, and also people as individuals. You'll explore important and topical issues relating to the psychology of human behaviour, how our society is organised and constructed, and how people experience social life. This will include consideration of crime and criminal justice, social structures, inequalities and social difference. This module aims to help prepare you for further study in core areas such as criminal justice and policing, criminology, psychology and sociology.

You'll study the major perspectives and methodologies in child development. The module focuses on applied settings such as education, the mental health system, the criminal justice system and the wider social world. You'll consider how developmental concepts have influenced the work of professionals in understanding development. The module will also help you in your transition to studying at degree level.

You'll be introduced to theoretical approaches and debates in cognitive and biological psychology, as well as analytical research skills using quantitative methods. You'll carry out research in our laboratories to identify and explain internal mental processes and biological factors that underpin behaviour.

This module will introduce you to research methods and data analysis in psychology. It provides the opportunity to develop both a theoretical understanding and practical skills. It covers key research issues, methods and data analysis in both quantitative and qualitative approaches. You'll also gain experience as a participant in several research projects.

In this module you will study Personality and Social Psychology. The module addresses three important questions. How do psychologists study personality? How do psychologists study individual and group behaviours, such as attitudes and language? Is Personality best understood as originating in constitutional or social factors?

This module will provide you with an introduction to psychological explanations of criminal behaviour as well providing you with an overview of how different areas of psychology can and have been used to explain and predict criminal behaviour. This module will also facilitate the basic concepts of applying theoretical models to crimes and criminal activity. On completion of this module you will be able to explain and evaluate criminal behaviour and present research findings to a wider audience.

In this module you'll be supported to develop a critical understanding of cognitive and biological explanations of human behaviour. You'll explore a diverse range of topics including psychopharmacology, behavioural genetics, memory and human perception.

In the developmental psychology part of the module you'll be supported to build on your knowledge of human development across the lifespan in a variety of contexts. You'll learn about different methodological approaches to studying human development and how to critique them. In the professional development part of the module, you'll reflect on your personal and professional skills development and how psychology-related skills can be used beyond university.

You'll explore how investigative and forensic psychology is contributing to the prevention of crime. The module will consider how psychology can help us prevent crime between individuals, such as domestic abuse and hostage negotiation, through to crimes between groups, such as smuggling and organisational espionage.

Through this module you'll be supported to further develop your knowledge of research design and analysis. You'll explore analysis of variance, multiple regression, factor analysis, discursive analyses, phenomenological analyses and ethics.

You will also choose 1 optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

You'll explore one of the most influential approaches to psychological therapy; namely Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). To do this you'll be introduced to the concepts CBT uses to understand psychological problems, apply them to complex case materials and explore how to assess whether CBT and other therapies work.

You’ll explore areas of psychology that relate to gender and sexuality through the study of published literature and will attend lectures based on a variety of topical areas of interest in the study of gender and sexuality.

Health psychology is the study of how behavioural, psychological and social processes influence physical health and illness. This module introduces you to the exciting discipline of health psychology through lectures and directed study. You'll explore some key theories, concepts and research. The module is aligned with the scientist-practitioner model, with its emphasis on evidence-based approaches to treatment, as well as research methods and skills which is reflected in the module content and assessments.

You'll take part in a practical training course which will help enable you to understand what a peer mentor does. You'll explore models of mentoring and consider methods which will help you to work with a mentee to support them in their studies at the University. You'll meet your mentees throughout the academic year and take part in Mentor Supervision Groups to ensure you are supported as a mentor.

You’ll explore and critically examine the various theories of judgement and decision making and be introduced to quantitative models of these cognitive processes. You’ll critically evaluate the notion of rationality and investigate ways in which people’s judgements and decisions can be biased. The module will also allow you to explore judgement and decision making in a range of real-world contexts such as health, business and economics, and to investigate techniques for improving decision making.

You’ll be introduced to the concept that many psychological problems and offending behaviour can be traced to previous experiences of criminal victimisation. You’ll also explore the potential for positive survivorship in the aftermath of victimisation. You’ll study sensitive topics including child sexual abuse, domestic violence and modern slavery in the context of challenging notions of victim blame and the inevitably of enduring psychopathology. There will be a focus on resilience, recovery and post-traumatic growth. Emphasis will be placed on developing your critical analysis skills which are essential for success in your third year of study and your future employability.

You'll be supported to build on your knowledge of social psychology and personality psychology through lectures and seminars. You'll consider some of the key issues we face in our world today, including crowds and social conflict, group processes and identity and close relationships.

On this module you’ll complete a period of work (either paid or voluntary). You’ll also explore the value of your degree in the workplace, reflect on your experience, and acquire career planning skills.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

In this module you'll explore explanations of criminal behaviour from a number of psychological perspectives including biological, cognitive and social. There's also an emphasis on psychology in practice, with lectures delivered by clinical and forensic psychologists from a local institutes. This will help you to develop an understanding of the practical application of psychological theory and the reality of criminal behaviour.

This module studies the key approaches, concepts and issues within the field of forensic psychology through a series of lectures and online facilities. You'll explore a range of psychological explanations for criminal activity relating to two main themes. Firstly, you'll critically consider various research areas within forensic psychology including prison treatment programmes, eyewitness and expert testimony, investigative interviews, crime and mentally disordered offenders. Secondly, you'll study a range of crimes such as murder, sexual crimes, arson, acquisitive and white collar crime.

You'll conduct research into your chosen area of psychology through the collection of original data to produce a report. You'll also communicate your research findings and work in progress through a short assessed presentation. Throughout the project you'll be supported to demonstrate high level research skills, an awareness of ethical principles and approval procedures, and an ability to work independently under supervision from a qualified member of psychology staff.

You will also choose 2 optional modules in this year. The current optional modules are:

Through this module you'll explore the need to conduct alternative, non-mainstream psychological research to study human experience and the social world. You'll investigate how perspectives including phenomenology, feminism, discourse analysis, semiology and psychogeography can be used to study topics, such as analyzing a popular television series, interpreting peoples’ accounts of the paranormal, arguments against therapy and psychology, sexuality and environments, and the radical analysis of towns and cities using mobile methodologies.

You'll explore the field of Investigative Psychology and cover a wide range of areas, including the work of Professor David Canter, Offender Profiling, Geographic Profiling, Investigative Interviewing and the Detection of Deception.

You'll study contemporary psychological research and theories of personal and intimate relationships. This will include material on different perspectives on personal relationships, physical attractiveness and attraction, how people form, maintain and end intimate relationships, sex differences in relationship behaviour, online relationships, and attachment and self-esteem in intimate relationships.

You’ll explore modern police investigation practice in relation to serious crime, including the contribution of forensic science, offender profiling, surveillance data and new technologies. You’ll consider how current research into serious crime, such as homicide, terrorism and sexual offences, informs practice and police decision making, as well as how investigations and major enquiry management have become increasingly professionalised.

The complex factors which interact to construct learning will be explored, using a mix of psychological theories and their influence on educational policy in schools and on further and higher education. You'll be supported to develop an understanding of how different people are enabled and disabled, in participating in learning and education.

You'll be introduced to the critical issues related to health, illness and disability in clinical and health psychology. The module challenges some of the preconceptions of ill-health from mainstream perspectives and considers how health and illness can be influenced by factors including culture, poverty, gender and sexuality. You'll be encouraged to consider how these factors impact on wellbeing and the experience and treatment of physical and mental illness and disability. Multiple perspectives will be considered in the critical, applied and research oriented module design. Through an essay you'll demonstrating a comprehensive and critical understanding of theoretical and applied approaches to the psychology of health and wellbeing.

You'll cover key concepts within neuroscience and link neuroscientific evidence that underpin core cognitive theory. Through a series of themed lectures, case studies and examples will be used to demonstrate the links between neuroscience, cognition and behaviour. Lecture themes include: atypical and abnormal (effects of specific damage or traumatic brain injury), typical and functional (underlying mechanisms and neural correlates for typical function and cognitive abilities) and issues in neuroscience (practical, ethical and workplace/professional application).

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

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Where could this lead you?

Your Career

Previous Huddersfield Psychology graduates have gone on to work in education, healthcare, research, business and public services in organisations including the NHS, The Kirklees Dementia Hub, UK Home Office, Reed in Partnership, Practice Plus Group, BBT Group Ltd and Holmfirth High School.

90%
Graduates from this course were in work or further study 15 months after graduation.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK Domiciled

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

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My first year experience

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Legal information

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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