Criminology with Social Psychology

The Criminology with Social Psychology programme at the University of Essex provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the social sciences, focusing on the complexities of criminal behaviour, the criminal justice system, and the psychological factors influencing human conduct. This interdisciplinary course combines core principles of criminology with in-depth insights into social psychology, enabling students to explore the causes, consequences, and responses to crime within society. Throughout the programme, students will examine a wide range of topics including theories of crime, forensics, policing, punishment, human behaviour, and social influences on individual and group actions. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and research expertise, preparing graduates for careers in areas such as criminal justice, policy development, social research, or further academic study. The programme also emphasizes practical learning through workshops, seminars, and opportunities for internships or work placements, providing real-world experience. With a dedicated faculty of experts in criminology and psychology, students benefit from engaging lectures, research-led teaching, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. The University of Essex’s vibrant academic community promotes a collaborative environment where students can engage with diverse perspectives and participate in innovative research projects. Graduates of this programme will possess the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to analyze crime from multiple angles, understand psychological dimensions of human behaviour, and contribute effectively to societal safety and justice initiatives. The programme aims to produce socially conscious professionals equipped to address criminal and social issues with empathy, insight, and evidence-based approaches. Whether pursuing careers in criminal justice agencies, social services, research institutions, or further academic pursuits, students will be well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

In your first year all your modules are compulsory. For BA Criminology with Social Psychology your optional modules can be chosen from within our Department of Sociology, School of Health and Human Sciences and Department of Psychology. There is a great deal of choice for these optional modules due to the extensive range of modules offered by our departments.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
During your second and third year you will have 90 credits of compulsory modules and you will take a further 30 credits of optional modules. In your final year you will write a dissertation worth 30 credits as part of your compulsory element.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Crime, Law and Society;
Discovering Psychology;
Researching Social Life 1; and
Sociology and the Modern World

Year 2

Sociology of Crime and Control;
Social Psychology;
Researching Social Life 2; and
one option from either sociology, health and human sciences or psychology

Year 3

Globalisation and Crime;
Project: Sociology ; and
one option from either sociology, health and human sciences or psychology

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
• BTEC qualifications, in relevant disciplines, will be considered on an individual basis, depending on the units studied. The standard required is generally at Distinction level.
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with Social Psychology at the University of Essex is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the criminal justice system, criminal behaviour, and the psychological factors influencing human actions. This programme combines core criminological theories with social psychological concepts, aiming to equip students with analytical skills and critical thinking abilities necessary for careers in criminal justice, policymaking, research, and related fields.

Throughout the course, students explore various topics including the nature and causes of crime, criminal justice policies, law enforcement procedures, and ways in which social psychology explains individual and group behaviour in contexts related to crime and social deviance. The curriculum integrates coursework from sociology, psychology, law, and criminology, offering a multidisciplinary approach to understanding complex social issues.

The programme is structured over three or four years, depending on whether students opt for a sandwich year or part-time study. It includes lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and independent research projects. Students have opportunities to engage in criminological research and develop practical skills through placements, which may involve collaborations with local law enforcement agencies, social services, or NGOs.

The university's facilities support innovative teaching and research, with access to dedicated labs for psychology experiments, a well-stocked criminology library, and extensive online resources. Additionally, students benefit from the university's strong links with criminal justice organizations, providing valuable networking and employment opportunities post-graduation.

Graduates from this program are well-positioned to pursue careers in areas such as criminal investigation, forensic psychology, social work, probation services, policy analysis, or continue with postgraduate studies. The program's emphasis on research and critical understanding ensures graduates are prepared to address contemporary social issues related to crime and human behaviour.

Overall, the Criminology with Social Psychology degree at Essex offers an engaging, challenging, and rewarding academic experience, fostering a comprehensive understanding of criminological phenomena backed by psychological insights, preparing students for diverse and impactful careers in the social sciences.