Criminal and Investigative Psychology (Professional Placement Year)

Study a combination of accredited Psychology modules and tailored forensic topics on this Criminal and Investigative Psychology degree.


• Accredited by the British Psychological Society, this course enables graduates who meet the requirements to register with the BPS.



• Develop professional skills to help you in the next stage of your career.



• Gain practical experience by using statistical and data analysis software, interviewing rooms and our Crime Scene Lab.



Criminal Psychology is the area of psychological research and practice concerned with offenders and victims of crime, the processes of law and the courts, and the psychology of criminal investigations. Understanding the psychological, social, philosophical and criminological causes and implications of crime are at the heart of this discipline.

Question what type of person is most likely to commit a crime, and how crime and anti-social disorders could be reduced. You will have an opportunity to explore the more academic discipline of criminal psychology, including eyewitness testimony, the investigative process of criminal cases and crime scenes, forensic mental health, as well as exploring the ethical dilemmas of the field.

Criminal and Investigative Psychology at Bath Spa is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS); it includes the core developmental, cognitive, social and biological skills prized by the Society. As a graduate, you'll become a Chartered member of the BPS (provided you obtain a 2.2 overall and pass the final year dissertation).

Please note that the BSc (Hons) Criminal and Investigative Psychology at Bath Spa was historically named BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology. The course page live on our website reflects the older name

More about the Professional Placement Year
A Professional Placement Year (PPY), traditionally known as a sandwich year, is where you undertake a period of work with an external organisation for between 9-13 months. The placement occurs between your second and final years of undergraduate study. You can engage in multiple placements to make up the total time and are required to source the placement(s) yourself, with support from the Careers team.

Bath Spa University offers a huge range of Clearing courses across Creative and Performing Arts, Education, Humanities, Sciences and Business. Explore their range of career-focused degrees and get in touch today.

A degree from Bath Spa Uni offers practical, real-life experience that builds your skills through placements and trips. You'll be taught by knowledgeable and passionate educators who bring their industry expertise directly to you.

Bath Spa offers a thriving community across two campuses with excellent facilities and a buzzing social scene. The Bath Spa SU offers over 70 clubs and societies for you to choose from to help you get settled in.

Bath Spa prioritise student well-being and provides plenty of support to make sure you can realise your full potential. The Student Wellbeing Team will support you through whatever challenges you face.

Discover more and get in touch today!