Psychology with Criminology, BSc (Hons), with industry placement

Course summary

Some people commit crime while others lead law abiding lives. Why? On this course you’ll examine the nature of crime, investigating the impact it has on society – and what we can do about it. Choose to study at Plymouth and you’ll get the extra benefit of a course that covers the same topics we’ve developed for community justice professionals – providing you with a perfect start to your future career in a wide range of areas, from psychology to community justice.You will kick start your career. As a successful graduate, you’ll be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society, putting you on track to a career in professional psychology. You’ll expand your horizons and gain invaluable experience with opportunities for international exchange. You’ll also enhance your employability and grow your professional network by applying for an optional placement year.

• Gain insight into life as a community justice professional – you’ll study the same topics as professionals working in probation, policing, youth justice, community safety and victim services.

• Kick start your career – as a successful graduate, you’ll be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society, putting you on track to a career in professional psychology.

• Expand your horizons and experience with opportunities for international exchange and a year studying abroad (in Year 2).

• Enhance your employability and grow your professional network by applying for an optional placement year.

• Develop your skills as a scientist working alongside leading researchers with the Research Apprentice Scheme.

• Draw on cutting edge research across the social sciences to examine the nature of crime and explore the workings of the criminal justice system.

• Shape your own study path with an exciting range of topics available through lectures, optional courses and project supervision.

• Benefit from studying on a course that the Research Assessment Exercise rates as excellent for research and the Quality Assurance Agency praises for its quality of education.

• Make the most of our specialist facilities – we’ve got 22 labs to choose from, including a virtual reality laboratory with 3D modelling software, sound-proof cubicles with a range of stimulus equipment and computer laboratories. You'll be able to get your hands on everything you need for your own research.

• Complement your formal learning with regular Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) sessions that provide the opportunity for you to learn with and from your peers. Share knowledge, discuss ideas, and ask questions in a relaxed and friendly environment.

In your first year, you’ll study the basic theories of psychology, covering learning, social, developmental, clinical, cognitive and physiological psychology. From methods of psychological research, to information technology, communication and critical thinking, you’ll begin developing important skills for the workplace. And you’ll investigate criminology, learning about the criminal justice sentencing process in England and Wales. In your second year, you will study three modules in parallel in each semester, covering the whole breadth of the British Psychological Society curriculum. All modules include practical exercises in PsychEL, which you will record in your LabBook. The coursework includes authentic reports such as case studies, executive summaries, group presentations, data visualisations, interview skills and reflective reports. These will give you the confidence to step right into work when you graduate. In criminology and criminal justice you’ll explore theories of crime and culture, expanding your knowledge by choosing from a selection of modules, from victimology to youth justice. In the optional placement year (a 36 week placement), students will begin to apply their psychological knowledge in the workplace and develop the range of skills required to work within the specific placement setting. This zero-credit module is also home to timetabled careers talks and information for Stage 3 students who are away on placement. In your final year, you will have complete freedom of choice about the topics you specialise in. You'll study eight current topics from a list of over 20 options, taught by world experts in their fields. A typical year’s list includes options in forensic, developmental, health, clinical, occupational, cognitive, social, and neuropsychology. You'll also choose to work on your own research project, supervised by one of our staff. All of our staff are active researchers, and all of our staff teach, unlike other universities. As a large school, you can be confident that we can cover almost every area. In addition you’ll choose from a diverse range of modules to enhance your expertise in criminology and criminal justice.