Criminology and Psychology, BA (Hons), with industry placement

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour, criminal causes, public responses to crime, and the psychology of those involved or affected. Building on foundational knowledge in the first year, students specialise in areas such as crime, victimology, criminal justice, and prevention, while developing transferable skills for global employment. Opportunities include applying theoretical perspectives to real-world issues, critically analysing trends in crime and justice across local and global contexts, and devising innovative solutions to criminal problems.Key benefits encompass an applied approach to building employable skills in criminal justice roles, insights from expert speakers, exploration of international crime perspectives, and potential field trips to destinations like South Africa or the USA. The curriculum progresses through modules on investigative practice, victimology, forensic psychology, and research methods, with options for placements and final-year specialisations in areas like organised crime or addiction. Assessments include essays, presentations, and problem-solving exercises, ensuring fair monitoring of student progress.

This course has a common first year. The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience. If you discover a passion for a specific area of study, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year, upon successful completion of your first year and subject to meeting progression requirements. Year one of this course aims to give you a thorough grounding in the study of crime, criminal behaviour, justice, and the law in a global context. Working alongside students from Criminology, and Criminology and Law, you will not only develop the knowledge you need to progress in your degree, but also be encouraged to think critically about the issues, see crime from legal and moral viewpoints, and be creative in finding solutions to problems. Modules Investigative Practice - 20 credits Criminal Behaviour - 20 credits Criminal Justice - 20 credits Crime Typologies - 20 credits Forensic Mental Health - 20 credits Legal Approaches to Crime - 20 credits Year Two In year two you will continue to build on your knowledge and understanding of crime and criminal justice by looking deeper into forensic psychology and at key institutions, such as policing, and systems of punishment. You will also be introduced to the concept of victimology. Finally, you will begin preparing for your final year research project by exploring methods and processes for researching crime. Modules Researching Crime - 20 credits Victims and Victimology - 20 credits Perspectives in Forensic Psychology - 20 credits Forensic Psychology in Context - 20 credits Policing and Society - 20 credits Punishment and Control - 20 credits Placement Year There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future. If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,250. For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement. Final Year In the final year you will apply the knowledge from your first two years in the more specialised areas of violence and exploitation and organised crime. You will also be able to develop specific interests and expertise to suit your career plans through options in Psychology including crime-related areas such as addiction or aggression, or other areas such as counselling or educational psychology. You will also take your research project in which you will produce a research paper on your own contribution to knowledge. Modules Global Organised Crime - 20 credits Rehabilitation and Criminal Justice - 20 credits Optional module - 20 credits. Choose one from the following: Criminal Behaviour and its Contexts Addictive Behaviours Child and Educational Psychology Optional module - 20 credits. Choose one from the following: Clinical Neuroscience Counselling Psychology Aggression and Violent Behaviour Research Project in Criminology - 40 credits We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website.