Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This joint honours degree blends the scientific study of psychology with criminological theory and practice. In the psychology component you will cover core topics such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, biological bases of behaviour and individual differences, with a strong emphasis on research design, statistics and practical laboratory skills. The criminology component introduces you to causes of crime, crime prevention, criminal justice institutions, forensic psychology, victimology and policy responses. Modules are taught through lectures, seminars, labs, case studies and supervised research projects.

• Year 1 – Foundations: introductions to psychological science and criminological ideas; basic research methods and statistics; ethics in research; modules that develop academic skills and critical thinking.
• Year 2 – Intermediate topics: experimental and qualitative methods; developmental and social approaches; offending and desistance; policing and the justice system; applied modules looking at forensic assessment and interviewing techniques.
• Final year – Advanced study and project: topical advances in psychology and criminology; optional specialist modules (for example, forensic psychology, substance misuse, cybercrime, mental health and the law); independent research dissertation or a substantial applied project, often with opportunities for workplace-based research.
• Assessment methods: a mix of exams, coursework, practical reports, presentations, portfolio work and a supervised dissertation or research project. Group work and simulated forensic assessments are commonly used to develop practical skills.

Entry requirements

Nottingham Trent University typically seeks applicants who demonstrate strong academic ability and relevant personal qualities. Typical offers may be based on A-levels, vocational qualifications (such as BTEC), an Access to HE Diploma, or equivalent international qualifications. Applicants are expected to have a strong grounding in a science or social science subject but there is flexibility for cross-disciplinary backgrounds.

• Academic: usual entry-level expectations include successful completion of secondary school qualifications or recognised equivalents; specific offers vary by applicant profile and qualification route.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English should demonstrate proficiency through an approved test or qualification at the level required by the University.
• Other considerations: personal statements, references and, where applicable, relevant work or voluntary experience in care, support, criminal justice or youth services can strengthen an application. Mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications are considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates of Psychology with Criminology gain transferable skills in research, data analysis, critical thinking, communication and working with diverse groups — all valued across many sectors. Career paths commonly followed include roles in policing, probation services, youth offending teams, victim support, criminal justice administration, and community-based rehabilitation programmes. The psychology component also prepares graduates for further professional training or postgraduate study in areas such as clinical, forensic or educational psychology, counselling, social work and criminology-focused research.

• Direct employment: police and law enforcement support roles, offender management, casework in charities and NGOs, advocacy and support services, crime prevention and policy roles at local and national levels.
• Further study: postgraduate conversion courses, master's programmes or professional training required for chartered psychology routes (subject to additional accredited requirements), forensic psychology training, social work or legal and criminology research pathways.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University offers a campus-based learning environment with access to dedicated teaching facilities, laboratory space and resources for psychological testing and data analysis. The School engages with local criminal justice partners, creating opportunities for guest lectures, practitioner input and sometimes work-based learning or placements that connect academic study to practice. Small-group teaching and research-led modules help you develop practical research skills and employability attributes.

• Applied focus: curriculum designed to link theory with practice, including opportunities to develop interview, assessment and presentation skills relevant to forensic and criminal justice contexts.
• Support and employability: careers guidance, research supervision and extracurricular opportunities help prepare students for graduate employment or progression to professional training.
• Community and partnerships: links with regional criminal justice organisations, charities and support services provide contexts for applied learning and may support project work or placements.