Psychology (Criminal Behaviour)

This course is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of both general psychological theory and its application in criminal and forensic settings. You will be exposed to a wide range of applied and research topics, along with students studying general psychology, and will then be given the opportunity to learn about the applications of this knowledge in forensic settings.

Why do people commit crimes? This course aims to help you answer that question. In the final level (your third year if you study full time), you will get to choose a number of optional, specialist modules. We run a slightly different range of specialist modules each year, depending on staff expertise. Please view a list of our staff, staff list. Other information about the department is here.

The course places emphasis on a problem-based learning approach. Right from the start, you will gain knowledge and skills through hands-on work with psychological data, examining issues from across the spectrum of human psychology, but especially those pertaining to criminal and forensic areas of psychology. You will also examine various philosophical approaches to psychology in order to be able to evaluate, critique and question current psychological thinking.

In Psychology at the University of Wolverhampton, we have the philosophy that it is research which defines both the discipline and the specialisms within it. With this in mind students choosing to study the BSc Psychology (Criminal Behaviour) course will follow a path which focuses on applying both methodologies and theory specific to this area. In the final year of study, you will also take a module which looks specifically at the skills and knowledge required for potential career paths as a psychologist specialising in aspects of the study of criminal behaviour.

A number of our graduates go on to train as Clinical, Counselling or Forensic Psychologists, to work in the NHS as trainee cognitive behavioural therapists, or to work in other helping professions such as social work. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the police force, intelligence services, or prison service, you may find this specialised route particularly appealing.

However, by choosing this specialist course, you will not be restricting your future career opportunities either within or outside of psychology and in addition have the respect conferred by a BPS-accredited degree. Each year, our graduates go on to apply the knowledge they have gained with us to a wide range of jobs in the private, public and non-profit sectors.