Keele University

What you'll study

This programme brings together the scientific study of mind and behaviour with the social and institutional perspectives of criminology. In psychology you'll cover the core areas required for a broad psychological education: introductory psychology, research methods and statistics, biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology, and individual differences such as personality and abnormal psychology. Criminology content typically includes criminological theory, crime and society, the study of criminal law and the courts, policing and community responses, victimology, and introductions to forensic psychology and penology.

Teaching combines lectures, seminars, practical classes in specialist laboratories and computer suites, and supervised research projects. You will develop quantitative and qualitative research skills through design, data collection and analysis, culminating in a final-year project or dissertation that can draw on psychological or criminological topics. Assessment is varied and may include essays, exam papers, practical reports, presentations, group work and the dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold an appropriate secondary school qualification equivalent to UK A-levels. Successful applicants typically demonstrate competence in scientific or social science subjects; prior study of psychology is helpful but not always required. Candidates are expected to have competent English language skills and may be asked for evidence of literacy and numeracy at GCSE level or equivalent. Keele considers a wide range of qualifications including BTECs, international qualifications and Access to Higher Education diplomas, and also welcomes mature applicants with relevant experience.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with research and analytical skills, knowledge of human behaviour, and an understanding of the criminal justice context. Typical career routes include roles in the criminal justice sector (police, probation, offender management), victim support and advocacy, youth and community work, case management, and roles in charities and public services. The psychology components also prepare students for research assistant posts, roles in healthcare settings, human resources, and graduate training schemes. Many graduates progress to postgraduate study such as MSc courses, legal and social policy programmes, or professional training in forensic psychology or clinical, counselling and educational psychology (additional postgraduate or supervised practice routes are required for professional registration).

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a campus-based student experience with strengths in interdisciplinary teaching and research. The School of Psychology is research-active and supports student learning through small-group teaching, practical laboratory work and supervised projects. The combined Psychology with Criminology degree benefits from links across social science and law-related teaching, allowing you to study behaviour in context and to learn from staff whose research covers topics from cognitive neuroscience to criminal justice policy.

Students can expect access to specialist facilities for psychological research and computing, as well as opportunities to develop employability through project work, placements or voluntary experience in relevant agencies. Keele's student support services and a collegiate campus environment aim to help students integrate academically and socially while building the skills employers and professional bodies value.