Program Overview

Study the science behind the criminal mind and start exploring the complex thought processes behind the actions, reactions and intentions of offenders within the justice system with our BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminological Psychology course.

In our BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminological Psychology course you will be given a firm grounding in key elements of psychology and investigate the theories and principles behind both forensic and criminological psychology, and how these are applied through the UK legal system and more to develop an expert understanding and skills in applying and being able to share this knowledge with others. This hands-on course is delivered using the equipment and facilities in our outstanding £30m Science Centre, where you will build your expertise in laboratories and with cutting edge facilities like our cognitive research cubicles, observation labs, IT labs and psychophysiological equipment in out Psychology Human Sciences Suite. With Staffordshire University, you’ll be given opportunities to examine methods for collecting and analysing information, to provide the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills and receive feedback.

Focused on future employability, our course will see you applying forensic and criminological techniques, such as the measurement of physiological responses in interview and video settings. You’ll also get the chance to complete a work placement as part of your studies, which is your opportunity to get real-world experiences in a professional sector, such as the prison service, health, victim support and more.

What’s more, during the course you will get the opportunity to enrich your learning with digital development opportunities and begin to make networks with like-minded students and inspirational guest lectures.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminological Psychology

Work placements
Students on all undergraduate Psychology courses at Staffordshire University can opt to undertake a placement (sandwich) year; a structured work experience opportunity which enables you to develop and implement psychology specific and transferable skills whilst getting experience in a professional working environment, in a sector or role that aligns with your own career interests.

Placements take place between Levels 5 and 6 of our undergraduate degrees and last for a period of 9 months, typically from September to June. The Placement Year is an assessed, pass/fail year that would be added to your existing programme of study. The assessment is by written reflection and submission of a placement activity log. Please note that it is the responsibility of the student to secure their own work placement – but we will support you through the selection, application and approval process.

Throughout your placement period you will be supervised by a Workplace Supervisor (usually your line manager) and you and your supervisor will have regular contact with the University through an allocated University Placement Supervisor. Contact with both you and your workplace supervisor may at times be via phone, Teams or Skype, and you will also receive at least one planned visit by your University Placement Supervisor to the workplace towards the beginning of the Placement.

The fee for the placement year will vary depending on the year.

If you choose to undertake a placement as part of your course, you will be able to use it to gain experience in a sector or role that align with your own career interests. Previous placement have included the likes of Academies, the YMCA supporting young people experiencing homelessness, as case workers at the British Red Cross, Mind, fostering services, Asha, as Psychology Support Workers at Midlands Psychology, Staffordshire University Technical Services, research assistantships, ‘Change Grow Live’, mental health and wellbeing clinics.

While some students carry out their placement in a setting close to the University, students do have the flexibility to look for placement opportunities further afield including international opportunities if appropriate and the Psychology Department works with local, regional and national employers alongside international University partners to provide students with placement and work experience opportunities.

Feedback from students who complete the placement year is overwhelmingly positive with many reporting it has helped them prepare for the world of work and helped guide their future career plans.