Psychology with Criminology BSc(Hons)

Select the year

2026-27

2027-28

Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time

UCAS Tariff

120-112

Recent Awards For Excellence

Find out more about these awards

About this course

Overview

This undergraduate Psychology BSc(Hons) degree is designed to give you 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.

Why study Psychology with Criminology BSc(Hons)

In Yorkshire and the Humber, we’ve ranked 4th for Psychology, 2nd for Sociology and Social Policy, and top 5 for Criminology in the Guardian League Tables 2026. Also, in the National Student Survey 2025, Psychology at Huddersfield is ranked top in Yorkshire for learning resources, assessment, and feedback (psychology (non-specific))

This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS); you’ll be able to apply, on a graduate basis, for Chartered Membership, if you graduate with a Lower Second Class Honours or higher and complete the empirical psychology project.

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 Applied Criminology and Policing 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.

You’ll have the opportunity to build your communication skills, assertiveness, ability to work in teams and presentation techniques, all of which are useful in many careers and professions. You’ll enhance your studies by using specialist equipment in our psychology labs, including an electroencephalographic (EEG) machines, biopacs, an eye movement tracker, an Oculus Rift (a virtual reality system) and specialist polygraph (lie detector machine).

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.

If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Psychology and Crime Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree or our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree.

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBB-BBC at A Level.
DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
Any NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 subject provided it equates to 120 UCAS points.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
Merit at T Level
120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

In addition you must have 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.

If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Psychology with Criminology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) or our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree.

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 page. If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Programmes.

You may be eligible to gain accreditation for your prior learning towards this course.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

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.

Option modules. Choose two from a list which may include:

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.

Option modules. Choose two from a list which may include:

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.

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

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

The course has enabled me to develop my knowledge in statistics and conducting research which has allowed me to follow my career path. The staff are so helpful and will go to the ends of the earth to help you, they really are brilliant. The accessibility of resources and contact with staff really helps if you're struggling.

- Summer Herbert
graduated from Psychology with Criminology BSc(Hons)

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/

Scholarships and Bursaries

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What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

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If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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What does the univsersity offer?

Gallery

Simulated driving experiment using virtual reality

A psychology student and lecturer testing the measurements of an electroencephalography (EEG) cap before using it to measure electrical activity in the brain of a participant in their experiment.

Preparing the electroencephalography (EEG) cap

A psychology student and lecturer conducting an experiment investigating visual attention using an eye tracking machine.

Investigating visual attention with an eye tracker

Students using SPSS software in computer rooms

The Cold Pressor

A psychology student and lecturer adjusting the finger sensors of a psychophysiology measuring device before conducting an experiment

Using finger sensors on a psychophysiology device

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Student story

Callum talks about how he's found a second home in Huddersfield and about the work experience opportunities which will help him to succeed in a competitive field.

Sophie stood on the bridge over the canal on campus.

Student profile

Read about how Sophie chose Psychology BSc(Hons) at Huddersfield because of its close-knit campus feel She aapreciates the enthusiasm and support of the Psychology teaching staff and the variety of assessment methods.

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My first year experience

Hear from Katie Boyer, a Psychology BSc(Hons) student. She talks about how exciting and nerve-wracking university can be, and hopes that sharing her first-year experience will help you feel more at ease and give you a clearer idea of what to expect.

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What career pathways are in Psychology

Studying psychology can open doors to many exciting careers within the discipline such as clinical, health, education, counselling, and forensic psychology. In this blog Dr Marta Wesierska explores the different career pathways.

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Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

Explore Huddersfield

Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.

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Your Student Experience

Get involved in great opportunities helping you to make friends from all across the world and create lifelong memories. Join one of over 100 societies with the Students’ Union, experience new cultures through global events, earn whilst you learn and build your skills via our Global Professional Award.

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Budget Friendly

Huddersfield is not only one of the friendliest towns, it also offers you a lower cost of living than most big cities. This means you could have more money to spend, making your uni experience even better. On campus you’ll also find plenty of facilities and services to help you budget and make your money go further.

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Sustainability Matters

We’re committed to sustainability and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our plan includes reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving wellbeing through sustainable buildings. We’re investing in digital solutions, low-impact travel, and embedding sustainability into teaching and research, investing over £1m in carbon reduction.

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Committed to Your Future

Since 2015, we’ve invested £198 million to create spaces where you can learn, collaborate and thrive. We’re continuously investing in our campus with your wellbeing in mind—adding features that make our buildings healthier, more supportive and better places for you to succeed.

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Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Social and Psychological Sciences may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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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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Psychology with Criminology BSc(Hons)

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

Accreditation and Professional Links

Why study Psychology with Criminology BSc(Hons)

Entry Requirements