Criminology and Psychology BSc at Royal Holloway University of London

The course

This degree is jointly delivered by the School of Law and the Department of Psychology.  It is accredited by the British Psychological Society so that graduates have the opportunity to gain Graduate and/or Chartered Membership of the Society. Studying Criminology and Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London means that you will gain an understanding of crime, criminality, and the criminal justice system alongside the biological, social, clinical and cognitive factors that influence behaviour. You will learn from internationally renowned experts who will share their research and experience so that you gain current, relevant and transferable skills and knowledge which are highly sought after by employers. 

The degree develops students' understanding of psychological problems and interventions, how social and cognitive factors influence behaviour, and how behaviour can be modified. It also examines the underpinnings of criminal behaviour (including violent crime, terrorism, race and hate crime), and how society reacts to, controls, and is affected by crime and deviance.

Our balanced approach to research and teaching guarantees high quality teaching from subject leaders, cutting edge materials and intellectually challenging debates.  Throughout your course you will receive individual attention and flexibility to acquire expertise within a specialist field.

Our flexible degree programmes enable you to apply to take a Placement Year, which can be spent studying abroad, working or carrying out voluntary work. You can even do all three if you want to (minimum of three months each)! To recognise the importance of this additional skills development and university experience, your Placement Year will be formally recognised on your degree certificate and will contribute to your overall result. Please note conditions may apply if your degree already includes an integrated year out, please contact the Careers & Employability Service for more information. Find out more

• British Psychological Society accredited degree allowing you to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
• Develop a sound and extensive knowledge base in criminology and psychology.
• Enables a scientific understanding of the mind, brain and behaviour.
• Develop a range of key research skills and techniques.

Your future career

A Criminology and Psychology degree at Royal Holloway, University of London can lead into a variety of career paths.

Within six months of graduation, 95% of sociology graduates and 90% of psychology graduates (Unistats 2015) have gone onto full-time employment or further studies.

As well as careers directly linked to criminology and psychology, the transferable skills gained will form an excellent basis for potential careers in criminal justice agencies.

As such, graduates have found employment with criminal justice agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service, the police, probation service, youth custody and the prison service. Others have pursued careers in banking, publishing, media, management, youth work or other support work.

For those interested in continuing onto postgraduate study, as this course is accredited by the British Psychological Society, graduates have the opportunity to gain Graduate and/or Chartered Membership of the Society, and eligibility to apply to our MSc in Forensic Psychology.