Program Overview

Studying in our well-respected, vibrant learning and research culture, the University of Bolton's BSc (Hons) Criminological and Forensic Psychology degree offers you an in-depth understanding of offending behaviour from both offender and victim perspectives. Our forward-thinking course was awarded the 2017 Award for Innovation in Psychology Programmes by the British Psychological Society (1), demonstrating our commitment to bringing criminological and forensic psychology to life away from the classroom by offering you an array of innovative and practical learning opportunities.

Our supportive and experienced team will help you gain a strong foundation in the theories and practice of psychology, focusing on forensic theories including aggression, sexual offending, terrorism and delinquent behaviour. We'll also lead you in an exploration of legal and court psychology, including interviewing techniques used by the police and issues around court testimony.

As a graduate of this course, you'll be well prepared to pursue further study and careers in a variety of areas, including the prison service, health, police, probation service, victim support and services targeting families of offenders or victims. Accredited by the British Psychological Society, our course enables you, on achievement of the required grade, to progress to further professional qualifications and employment as a registered psychologist.

(1) https://www.bps.org.uk/news-and-policy/university-bolton-receive-psychology-programme-award accessed on 12 May 2022

Highlights

• Our Psychology courses are ranked top 10 in the UK and first in Greater Manchester for student satisfaction for the fourth year running, according to the Complete University Guide 2022.
• Also, The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 ranks our Criminology courses first in the North West of England for teaching quality and student experience for the second year running.
• This course is one of only a few criminological and forensic psychology degrees in the UK accredited by the British Psychological Society. Accredited as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC), this degree is the first step toward becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
• Based at our main campus in Greater Manchester, the University of Bolton has invested in creating a learning environment that offers innovative methods of teaching and assessment using top-class facilities, such as our observation and psychophysiology laboratories.
• We work hard to ensure the course evolves in response to current issues in psychology. For example, our curriculum includes up-to-date teaching around the themes of honour-based violence and terrorism.
• Our highly-qualified staff, who have substantial experience in the field, deliver our course content. By offering personal supervision throughout the course, we aim to give you the best possible opportunity to achieve your true potential.
• We'll encourage you to complete the British Psychological Society accredited Occupational Testing Level A Certificate, which is highly recommended for a career in this field.

Key Features

• You'll explore the theories and principles of forensic psychology and how these are applied in legal and other offender settings. You'll also discuss the social and psychological context of offending and examine methods for collating, assessing, and analysing data.
• To help you learn how psychological theories are applied to the activities of psychology staff when they're working with offenders or victims of crime, you'll have the chance to participate in various workshops where you can practise and receive feedback on core skills.
• Your personal tutor will be on hand to support you throughout your degree, one of our team of helpful and approachable psychology staff with a diverse range of research interests and professional experience.
• We focus strongly on employability skills and the practical application of your studies as well as academic success. Workshops include leading group therapy and conducting a risk assessment with opportunities for placements in a relevant work setting.
• The applied nature of criminological and forensic psychology is stressed throughout the course, and you’ll carry out a criminal justice-related work placement in your final year.
• By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.