BSc (Hons) Psychology (Criminal Behaviour)

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.

You will specialise in psychology and criminal behaviour throughout the course, breaking away from the general psychology cohort at regular intervals to work on group projects and other assignments that pertain directly to criminal behaviour.  You will receive support from personal tutors who are expert in relevant areas of both applied and theoretical psychology. We believe our system of personal tutoring contributes considerably to the success of our students through regular reviews of academic progress and opportunities for careers advice.   

The Psychology Department at the University of Wolverhampton offers state-of-the-art facilities in which to study, including dedicated research and computer labs with specialist testing software, an observation room with a one-way mirror, video equipment, a psychological test library, plus much more.

The Faculty of Education Health and Wellbeing series of seminars and lectures spans education, sport, care, psychology health and wellbeing, bringing you a variety of engaging speakers and experts from the University of Wolverhampton and many other UK universities, visit www.wlv.ac.uk/fehw/lectures

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.

You will gain knowledge and skills of both a general and a specialised character.  You will gain a broad understanding of psychological theories in a range of sub-disciplines, and gain listening and communication skills, analytic and statistical skills, and a good grounding in how psychology is applied in forensic and related settings.  These transferable skills apply to a wide range of other disciplines within science, general management and sales.  

The University of Wolverhampton prides itself on helping students gain a number of desirable graduate attributes, including specialist knowledge and enterprise, technological literacy, research skills, effective communication and global awareness. From our 2009 graduates, 90.7% were employed and/or in further study which is higher than the national average of 88.7%.

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"During my time I felt all the staff in the department genuinely wanted me to do well and were more than happy to invest their time and effort in achieving this, they were always extremely helpful and understanding not to mention patient." 
Mel West

"Following graduation from an undergraduate psychology degree, I acquired the position of trainee practitioner with the National Autistic Society. Currently I am in the process of applying for a postgraduate course in clinical psychology. Although competition is high, with my education and experience I am hopeful that I will secure a placement."  
Yukyee Chang

"There are many great aspects to studying at the University of Wolverhampton. For me it meant that I could live locally, using the free shuttle bus between the campuses. The on-site facilities were very good too, giving me easy access to computers, books and journal articles."

Kirsty Lee

These modules are correct at the time of publication. Modules may change over time due to validation and continuous monitoring policies. Applicants will be notified in writing of any significant changes to their chosen course(s).

• British Psychological Society (BPS)

  Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

• British Psychological Society (BPS)

  Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

2019 Entry

GCSE Maths and English grade C+ / 4 or equivalent.

The following are considered equivalent of grade 'C' mathematics:

• OCN Access to HE Core Mathematics
• National Test level 2 Numeracy
• Key Skills L3 Application of number
• Functional Skills L2 Mathematics

The following are not accepted:

• Key Skills L2: Application of number

Plus Either

• BBC from  A Levels 
• BTEC QCF National Diploma D*D*
• BTEC Extended Diploma DMM
• The Access to HE Diploma requires candidates to accumulate 60 credits, at least 45 of which are at Level 3.  To study psychology at the University of Wolverhampton, students must further achieve at least a 'merit' or 'distinction' in at least 24 of their Level 3 credits.  You are also required to have achieved 12 credits at Level 2 or 3 in English and 12 credits at Level 2 or 3 in Mathematics within the Access or have evidence of  GCSE English and Maths at grade C+/4 equivalence.
• Successful completion of the International Foundation Year in Education, Health and Wellbeing guarantees entry on to this course
• International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here
• If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.

Other Requirements

Students must have studied a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, it is expected that some applicants will be mature students with work experience, who wish to further their career development. These applicants will be processed through standard procedures, which may involve an interview as part of the process. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

Those who do not meet the entry requirements may be offered an alternative course.