Criminology and Psychology

Criminology and Psychology are disciplines that shed light on some of the most difficult questions any society has to confront: why do people break the law, how does the criminal justice system respond, and what does psychology tell us about human behaviour in extremity? Criminology examines crime as a social phenomenon, exploring its causes, its measurement, its patterns, and the institutions society has created to respond to it. Psychology investigates the mental and behavioural dimensions of human experience, including the factors that shape personality, decision-making, aggression, and vulnerability.

At the University of Chester, this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year and also offers a year abroad, making it both accessible and internationally oriented. You will study the social and structural causes of crime alongside psychological theories of behaviour, developing an understanding of how individual minds and social environments interact to shape outcomes. Topics will include offender psychology, victimology, policing, restorative justice, mental health and the law, and the ethics of criminal justice.

You will develop your skills in research methods, data interpretation, and the construction of evidence-based arguments, all of which are central to both disciplines and to a wide range of professional careers.

Graduates of this combination are well placed for careers in the criminal justice system, including probation, prison service, police, and the courts. Social work, mental health support, victim services, and policy research are also common destinations. The psychological dimension of the degree opens paths in counselling, forensic psychology, and human resources, while the criminological element provides a strong foundation for roles in community safety, youth justice, and social research.

Further professional training is required for roles such as forensic psychologist or probation officer. Postgraduate study in criminology, forensic psychology, social work, or law is a well-established route.