Psychology and Crime

At a glance

Course Details

Overview

The Department of Social Sciences and Humanities has a long and successful tradition of teaching and research.

Special Features

• Many of our courses share common first-year modules, focusing not just on social science theory, but also on its practical application
• The courses are taught by social scientists, humanities and life sciences lecturers. The courses synthesise theory and practice to produce research-oriented social science and humanities graduates with strong analytical and practical skills
• The multidisciplinary approach of teaching in our Department ensures that excellence is maintained in all our degree programmes.  The Department was awarded the highest score possible (24 out of 24) in a subject review for Interdisciplinary Human Studies conducted by the Quality Assurance Agency for teaching quality, and received the highest commendation possible for social work and social policy courses in a recent QAA Developmental Discipline Level Engagement.  The Department also received a score of 4 in the latest national research assessments

Aims

The Psychology and Crime course combines a thorough grounding both in psychology and the study of crime.  Psychology modules will introduce you to fundamental psychological concepts and their relevance to everyday life.  Modules on crime will explore the main theories of criminal behaviour and how crime is regarded in society, and will give you an insight into the criminal justice system.  Some modules will cover both areas, such as psychological profiling, which examines how psychologists track down criminals.  Wider perspectives are provided throughout the course in sociology-related modules.

Career Outcome

We have an excellent graduate employment record, with 89% of our 2008 graduates in the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities in employment or further study six months after graduating.

An ability to examine issues in depth and to make constructive judgements on them is required in any number of careers, as is the capacity to work in groups to resolve problems, or research issues.  Both are important aspects of our courses, and both are highly valued by employers.

There are a wide range of opportunities available in local authorities, social service departments, voluntary sector organisations, advice centres, health and housing, the civil and public services and private organisations, as well as graduates going on to further study, teaching and research.

Entrance Requirements

If you are offering any combination of GCE A levels, Vocational A levels, AS levels, and Scottish Framework qualifications, our standard offers are:

To include two full GCE A levels or equivalent qualification. All candidates must demonstrate an adequate level of English (this would normally be GCSE grade C or equivalent).

Access to Higher Education Diploma – overall pass to include 18 credits at Merit or above, 9 of which must be at distinction.

Enquiries from mature candidates who may not necessarily meet these criteria are encouraged.  Please contact us for further information.

If you have not studied the appropriate subjects to the required depth, the foundation year is a bridging course designed to provide you with an academic background to study a Psychology degree.  Also, international students may enter our courses via the International Foundation Year, Social Sciences stream

Placements Available?

We do not offer placements on these particular degree programmes.

Full-time Study

All applications, including Foundation Degrees, must be submitted via UCAS's (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) online facility.

Your school or college will be able to advise you about making your application. Alternatively, full instructions can be found at: www.ucas.com

UCAS also provides a comprehensive guide called Applying Online which can be downloaded from the same web address.

If you are not currently at school or college, or have difficulty obtaining relevant literature, UCAS can be contacted directly:

• Tel: 0871 468 0468
• Email: enquiries@ucas.ac.uk
• Website: www.ucas.com