Criminology and Psychology, BSc (Hons)

A Flexible Degree

with an extensive range of final year optional modules.

criminology and psychology

Course Overview

Our BSc in Criminology and Psychology will give you expert scientific training in the relationship between the mind, brain, and behaviour together with an in-depth understanding of criminal justice theory and the links between these two areas.

You will study the psychological and neuro-scientific processes that underpin activities such as thinking, reasoning, memory and language, learn about the effects of brain injury, and explore ways to improve health-related behaviour.

You will gain a detailed knowledge and understanding of the most important theories of crime and deviance and their relevance to contemporary criminal justice policy, research, and practice.

Throughout your studies, you will develop excellent research, critical analysis, and communication skills, as well as a high degree of numeracy and ICT ability.

Why Criminology and Psychology at Swansea University?

Our School of Psychology has an outstanding reputation both in the UK and internationally. In the most recent research assessment, we were proud to maintain our research culture with a strong record of translating science into real-world consequences, with 100% of our impact rated as internationally excellent (REF2021).

Criminology at Swansea University is ranked:

  • 3rd in the UK for Career Prospects (Guardian University Guide 2025)

The Psychology degree is validated by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and, providing you achieve at least a 2:2 in your degree, you will be eligible for Graduate Membership of the BPS and for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), the first step to becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

 

Your Criminology and Psychology experience

Our flexible degree structure with an extensive range of final year optional modules gives you the scope to tailor your studies to your particular interests, career goals, or ambitions for post-graduate study.

You have the option of transferring to our four-year BSc Criminology and Psychology with a Year Abroad course and spend your third year broadening your skills and experience at one of our partner universities in Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, and the United States.

Criminology and Psychology Careers

As this BPS accredited degree is the first step towards pursuing a professional career in Psychology, many of our graduates have gone on to further study or work in specialist psychology fields.

The typical starting salary for an NHS trainee clinical psychologist is £35,392. As your career progresses you could earn between £50,056 and £96,376 or higher. Salaries in private practice vary.

You also have many opportunities in the criminal justice system, including roles with the police, victim support, and prison and probation services.

The experience and skills you will gain on this course will also equip you well for careers in other areas of health and social care, as well as sectors as varied as management, research, and marketing. 

Modules

Your early studies will introduce you to the key principles of law, criminal justice, human rights, statistics and research methods, and aspects of biological, social, and developmental psychology.

Later options allow you to focus on a range of criminology and psychology options alongside compulsory core modules.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

ABB-BBC

Criminology and Psychology, BSc (Hons)

Criminology and Psychology with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)