Level 6

Psychology & Criminology BSc (Hons)

Duration Age Group Study Start Cost Available Locations
3 YEARS ADULT FULL TIME 18/09/2025
£8500 per year Southend Campus
Duration Age Group Study Start Cost Available Locations
3 YEARS ADULT FULL TIME 18/09/2025
£8500 per year Southend Campus
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If you require any support with your UCAS application, please contact the HE Admissions team headmissions@southessex.ac.uk

Overview

This course will run subject to validation. 

The fundamental aim of the Psychology and Criminology BSc (Hons) programmes is to provide students with the ability to apply theory, concepts, and ideas across multiple domains of psychological and criminological study. In doing so, this programme will also allow students the opportunity to hone these skills and develop a strong understanding of the mind and human behaviour across multiple domains alongside a holistic view of the underlying causes of criminality.

These programmes focus on the four key disciplinary strands of psychology, criminology, research methods, and employability. The combined focus on these core strands will ensure a well-rounded understanding of core concepts and theories both within and across multiple disciplines, fostering a level of critical thinking and personal development which will provide essential transferrable skills for a multitude of employability scenarios.

Year 3 modules are to further expand students knowledge across multiple applied domains of psychology and criminology, and to provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their critical thinking, planning, and research skills through the completion of an empirical Final Major Project (Dissertation). This will ensure that students gain, and can evidence, key skills and knowledge required to obtain skilled employment within the sector or pursue further postgraduate study.

Entry Requirements

You will need 64 UCAS Tariff Points or above from one or more of the following:

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma/Subsidiary Diploma/Certificat

BTEC National Award/Certificate/Diploma

Access to Higher Education Diploma (minimum 30 credits at Merit or above)

GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C (old specification) or Grade 4 (new specification) or above OR a Level 2 equivalent such as

For any qualification not identified above the HE Admission Team will determine equivalences through UKNARIC.

Applicants wishing to be considered for entry to the second year of study or wishing to import credits or evidence of prior learning into the course for which they are applying will be considered in accordance with the awarding bodies policy on Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning.

Applications from mature students who do not possess the entry requirements as listed above but who possess related professional experience or professional qualifications are welcome to apply. You will need to demonstrate by interview exceptional entry portfolio (this is likely to include evidence of paid or unpaid work experience) and/or written assessment that you are suitable for the course. In the first instance we suggest you contact HEAdmissions@southessex.ac.uk to discuss your application.

DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service)

Successful applicants for this programme may require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before commencing practice

placement in Year 2. DBS identification documents are verified by trained staff in line with DBS guidelines as part of the admissions process.

The administration charge for this service will be incorporated into the course fees.>

Important:

Disclosure and Barring checks cannot be carried out for applicants who are not or have never been resident in the UK. Applicants who reside or previously have resided overseas will be required to provide a criminal record check or certificate of good conduct from their country or countries of residence prior to entry on to the course.

Course Structure

Year one modules (Level 4)

  • Foundations of Psychology
  • Introduction to Criminology
  • Introducing Research Methods in Social Sciences
  • Personality, Intelligence, and Individual Differences
  • Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
  • Introduction to Policing

Year two modules (Level 5)

  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
  • Developmental and Social Psychology
  • Cognitive and Biological Psychology
  • Essential Skills in Applied Psychology and Criminology
  • Serious and Serial Offenders
  • Crime and Media

Year Three Modules (Level 6)

  • Final Major Project (Dissertation)
  • Psychology of Mental Health and Mental Disorders
  • Forensic and Criminal Psychology
  • Penology
  • Transnational Crime

Teaching & Learning

Contact hours: 13 hours per week. Plus independent study (suggested 30 hours per week).

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops which enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of independent learning.  

A range of appropriate facilities including the library and online learning resources the Learning Resource Centre and the Forum supports your independent learning.

You will receive on-going feedback as part of your one-to-one sessions with your unit teachers. You will also receive summative feedback on all formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your unit leader. Feedback can be given in a range of different ways in order to accommodate a variety of learning styles and aptitudes including group critiques, recorded verbal feedback and written feedback. 

Feedback on the Final Major Project/Dissertation module in Year three is provided throughout and through supervision meetings as scheduled.

Assessment & Feedback

Contact hours: 13 hours per week. Plus independent study (suggested 30 hours per week).

What Next...

Previous graduates from the University Centre have gone on to careers such as education research (National Office of Statistics) project management and support workers. Students have also entered Masters Qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Fashion Psychology, Mental Health Clinical and Forensic Psychology. Graduates have also undertaken teacher training and have achieved either QTS or QTLS enabling them to take up roles in mainstream schools.

Graduates wishing to progress in psychology can undertake a British Psychological Society (BPS) conversion award through an accredited institu- tion which will provide an opportunity to become eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). By gaining this you will be eligible to apply for a place on a society-accredited postgraduate training programme and in time progress to gaining Chartered Membership (CPsychol) of the Society. Your programme leader will be able to advise of accredited programmes.