BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology with Foundation Year

Course Overview

Arden University’s psychology and criminology foundation degree is a rigorous and career-enhancing course that provides you with an introduction to the key concepts needed to pursue your academic goals. The course combines a foundation year followed by a full undergraduate degree qualification. Your foundation year will help you develop key study skills such as essay writing, IT know-how, emotional intelligence and research skills that will prepare you to successfully complete a degree programme. 

Once you’ve completed your foundation year, you’ll focus on your chosen career path – in this case, criminology and psychology. Bringing together two related subject areas, you’ll gain a multi-disciplinary understanding of the reality of criminology and psychology, while also engaging in employment-related module assessments that are designed to give you the practical edge needed to stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – we are more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility

To be able to study this course, we need to see that you have: 

  • Passes at grade C (grade 4) or above in three subjects at GCSE level OR 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent – if your qualifications are older than 3 years we would also ask to see a professional CV.
  • Applicants may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and Reference if they do not meet the qualification requirements.  
  • We also offer this course as a standard bachelor’s degree without foundation year. 

Candidates are required to submit a personal statement (of between 350-550 words) or attend an interview demonstrating an ability to study for the programme. This statement should include:

  • Your motivation for undertaking the programme
  • Why you’ve chosen your particular course
  • Any long-term goals or career aspirations

English proficiency

  • IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent

Course fee

BlendedFee
Fee Per Year£ 9,250
Distance LearningFee
Fee Per Year£ 6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Course details and modules

By providing you with knowledge of the fundamentals of criminology and psychology, we’re preparing you to become a well-rounded professional who can take on all manner of challenges in your professional life. Criminology and psychology foundation degrees at Arden can be tailored to your specific interests and career ambitions, with a variety of modules on offer that have been developed by industry professionals who are leaders within their fields. 

Modules

Foundation year

  • Using Numeracy, IT & Data
  • Research Skills and Using Information
  • Values, Ethics and Working Collaboratively
  • Developing Academic Skills
  • Crime and Law in Context
  • Psychology of Everyday Life

Level 4

  • Introduction to Social and Developmental Psychology
  • Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology
  • Effective Interdisciplinary Study
  • Crime and Society
  • Criminal Justice System
  • Key Studies in Psychology

Level 5

  • Personality and Intelligence
  • Research and Ethics in Action
  • Contemporary Debates in Criminology
  • Environmental Criminology
  • Social Psychology
  • Policing and Police Powers

Level 6

  • Cross-Cultural Psychology
  • Contemporary Developmental Psychology
  • Youth Justice
  • Cybercrime
  • Research Planning and Project

Career prospects

The specialist skills you’ll have gained after graduating with your foundation degree include analytical and critical thinking, problem-solving, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and an appreciation of organisational behaviour and structures. All of these abilities are highly valued by employers, and will help you go on to build a successful future in your chosen career.

Where can I go after Arden University?

With this degree, the possibilities are endless – and go further afield than you might think! As well as graduating with critical, analytical and communication skills, a criminology and psychology foundation degree could lead to work in any of the following areas:

  • Counselling
  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Human resources
  • Police force
  • Probation and prison systems

What can a criminology and psychology with foundation year course do for me?

Graduating with this degree can open up a world of opportunities, in both psychology and criminology. After studying this psychology and criminology foundation degree, you will:

  • Have gained the ability to research and present information to various audiences
  • Feel confident in analysing and evaluating data
  • Have developed meticulous written communication skills
  • Be able to present findings in a range of formats including essay, presentation and report

What is Blended Learning in Arden University ?

Do you want to study for a Degree, but feel like you just don’t have the time to fit it into your life? Arden University’s  Blended Learning courses combine innovative online learning with traditional, face-to-face classes to give you a more flexible way to study.

How does it work?

The face-to-face hours are delivered as a part-time course would be, but with the additional independent online learning, you can still complete your Degree in 3 years*. This Blended approach means you can study anytime, anywhere and your tutors and support teams can be contacted outside of the classroom, online or over the phone.

When can I study?

Requiring just 8 hours of classes a week at your chosen UK study centre, you will have the opportunity to select when you want to learn: weekdays or  evenings .

  • Weekdays: 2 days per week either 9.00–13.00 or 13.30-17.30
  • Evenings**: 2 evenings per week 17.30–21.30

Where can I study?

With  Arden study centres across Birmingham, London , Manchester and Berlin, we believe we can offer a study option that suits most lifestyles.

So, whether you’re a full-time parent, striving to be employee of the month, or just don’t want the traditional study methods offered by other universities, Blended Learning at Arden University offers all the flexibility and support you need to fit study around your life.

Take a look at the courses on offer and talk to one of the Ulearn’s course advisors through our Live Chat function, or complete an enquiry form and someone will be in touch.

*4 years if taken with a foundation year.
** selected centres and courses only.

Flexible Intake Dates

At Arden University you don’t have to start your Degree in September like most other universities. We offer 6 different intakes throughout the year so you can start your course at a time that suits you and fits around your commitments.

Undergraduate Intake Dates

  • September
  • November
  • February
  • April
  • June

 How much will it cost?

We believe costs shouldn’t be a barrier to personal development which is why the cost of studying with Arden is lower than traditional universities. If you are looking for a smart, value for money option then look no further – you can stay in control of your finance and focus on your learning.

You can choose to pay for your course in full, in installments or through employer sponsorship. For UK students, you can also choose to pay with a student loan, if you’re eligible. For more information and for up-to-date fees please visit: https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/fees-and-funding

Part time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location. 

Our online students study their degree through iLearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud.  iLearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to our Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

iLearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy. 

Studying online does not mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We have even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you are currently learning. 

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.