Criminological Psychology

Criminological Psychology demonstrates how criminological and psychological theories may be applied in order to provide explanations for crime causation, how to manage offenders and reduce offending behaviour. Psychological techniques are also considered in their application to criminal investigations and detection methods and improvement of the provision of evidence.

The appeal of this exciting discipline has been further enhanced in recent years by its high profile in the public domain as a result of its popularity in television and film portrayals. Criminological psychology is continually evolving and this course provides an introduction to this varied discipline and examines the application of this multidisciplinary approach in real-world settings.

What will you study?

The course programme has been designed to appeal to those with an emerging interest in criminological psychology and those already working in areas within the criminal justice field such as police, probation and prison officers.

Prospective students will study two principal subject areas (modules): Theoretical Perspectives and the Deconstruction of Criminal Behaviour and the Psychology of the Investigative and Judicial Process. Course content will include the application of psychology to the explanation of criminal behaviour, investigative techniques, the improvement of crime detection, and its relevance to specific areas within the judicial process, such as the provision of eyewitness testimony and jury decision-making.

The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of why individuals engage in criminal activities and how psychology can be applied in the investigation, detection and judicial fields as well as its utility in managing offenders.

Core modules

• Criminological Psychology
• Optional modules to be confirmed.

What you need to apply for this courseEntrants are expected to have a second class honours degree from a cognate social science discipline or equivalent professional qualifications in a relevant area. Prior learning - AP(E)LApplicants with prior qualifications and learning may be exempt from appropriate parts of a course in accordance with the University's policy for the assessment of prior learning and prior experiential learning. Contact the faculty office for further information. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Discount for Kingston University alumniAll alumni of Kingston University, who have been awarded a bachelors degree are entitled to a 10% discount on their tuition fees.The alumni discount of 10% applies to home, EU and overseas fee payers.Annual Fund postgraduate scholarshipsThe Development Office offers a number of postgraduate scholarships for UK and EU students.They are available for all courses (except teacher training/PGCE courses) and will pay 50% of the fees (up to £3,000 for the 2013/14 academic year) for a one-year full-time or two year part-time masters programme.International scholarshipsThe International Office offers awards totalling £200,000 every year, with each international scholarship worth £3,500. These are open to prospective full-time postgraduates in any subject area on a one-year taught masters degree based at Kingston University.You might also be eligible for an international loyalty bursary if you are an overseas Kingston University alumnus or have a family connection with the University.