Criminology and Psychology

Criminology and Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London is a joint honours programme that takes both disciplines seriously in their own right while developing the rich connections between them. Criminology examines crime and the criminal justice system, asking why offending occurs, how law and policing function, and what justice requires. Psychology studies the biological, social, cognitive, and clinical factors that shape human behaviour, including the behaviour of those who commit crimes, those who are victimised, and those who work within the justice system.

This three-year full-time programme is jointly delivered by the Department of Law and Criminology and the Department of Psychology, and it is accredited by the British Psychological Society. Accreditation means that graduates have the opportunity to gain Graduate and/or Chartered Membership of the Society, which is a significant advantage for those pursuing careers in psychology. The programme includes a sandwich placement year and a year abroad, giving you professional experience in a relevant setting and the opportunity to study in a different national context.

You will learn from researchers who are internationally recognised in their fields, and you will develop current, relevant, and transferable skills across both disciplines.

Graduates are well placed for careers in forensic psychology, counselling and psychotherapy, the police service, probation, social work, prison service, victim support, youth justice, and mental health services. For those wishing to pursue the route to becoming a Chartered Psychologist, the BPS accreditation of this programme provides the foundation for the postgraduate training that follows. Many graduates also go into policy research, the charitable sector, education, and roles that require the ability to understand behaviour in complex social and institutional contexts.

Postgraduate study in forensic psychology, criminology, clinical psychology, or law is a natural next step.