BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology

Course Overview

What motivates people to behave the way they do? What constitutes a criminal? Why do people commit crimes? This inter-disciplinary criminology and psychology degree covers a range of fascinating and thought-provoking modules, such as crime and society, the criminal justice system and the inequalities of the modern world. Perfect for students who want to explore both discipline areas, this course is the ideal stepping stone to your future career goals. 

While studying your criminology and psychology degree, you’ll aim to understand the world of social values and behaviours, building a solid foundation in both disciplines. This degree allows students to go on a real journey – from understanding the theories behind committing a crime and how the crime is treated in the legal system. If you’re passionate about debating and discussing the views of society and criminal influences, then you’re in the right place. 

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

Our BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology degree has standard entry requirements. To be able to study this course, we need to see that you have:

  • Two subjects at GCE A-Level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent; OR
  • If you don’t currently hold the above qualifications, we also offer this course with an additional foundation year, which is designed for students who need extra support when starting their degree course.

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.

English Proficiency

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

We are happy to consider your application if you can provide evidence of relevant work experience where you were required to demonstrate critical thinking and analysis skills.

We’ll also ask you for a personal statement that demonstrates your ability to study the course. This personal statement should outline any experience and skills you have in regard to numeracy, writing, and critical analysis/thinking. We may also ask you to provide references and evidence of further relevant experience.

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

With Arden University’s Criminology and Psychology degree, you have the chance to study two fascinating disciplines in the world of social science. By providing you with the fundamentals of each field, we’re preparing you to take your next step in a range of exciting and challenging industries.  

How do we assess you?

The way we assess our students provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your strengths in a variety of ways. That’s why we choose a range of different methods to keep track of your progress. These include:

  • Assignments
  • Essays
  • Presentations
  • Case studies
  • Portfolios of work

Modules

You have 3-9 years to complete this course, meaning that you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. However, many of our students complete their criminology and psychology online courses within 3-6 years.

Level 4

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

Level 5

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

Level 6

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

*The order of modules within each level vary depending on intake and mode of study

Career prospects

This course is designed to equip you with a range of transferable skills that will allow you to understand two unique disciplines in-depth, so you’ll eventually feel confident enough to make a decision about where your future lies. You may already have a career in mind or want to enhance a career you are already pursuing, we are here to support you.

What can I do after Arden University?

Completing a criminology and psychology course can open up a world of opportunity – both in the specific fields of criminology and psychology, but also further afield into other industries you might not have even considered! With that in mind, a few career options for you could include: 

  • Human Resources
  • Counselling
  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Government 
  • Community Safety
  • Crime Prevention & Policing
  • Probation
  • Legal & Prison Systems

You can also go on to study at Master’s Level. Arden University offer a variety of Master’s programmes and we are developing many more. Keep looking for further developments!  

What can a criminology and psychology degree do for me?

This degree gives students a voice. The aim of studying criminology with psychology is to gain a solid understanding of two well-established fields. Both of which are set out to recognise social values, the criminal justice system and human behaviours. While studying, you will: 

  • Develop your knowledge of criminological theory and psychological studies
  • Acquire a solid grounding in criminological thinking and principles
  • Adopt an enquiring and critical appreciation of criminology and psychology 
  • Develop an appreciation of the national and international contexts of criminology
  • Become an analytical social scientist who can handle both criminological and psychological issues of the modern world
  • Reflect on what works and what doesn’t in the justice and legal system
  • Apply your knowledge and experience to real-life scenarios 

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.