Criminal Psychology with Foundation Year

Are you fascinated by criminal behaviour? Do you want to understand what drives people to commit crime? Our BSc (Hons) Criminal Psychology course blends psychological theory with real-world offending, victimology, policing and the Criminal Justice System. You'll explore everything from criminal profiling and mental health assessments to the psychology of investigations and courtroom decision-making.

With hands-on learning, state-of-the-art facilities and expert lecturers, this degree prepares you for a career that makes a real difference, whether in law enforcement, rehabilitation, research, or beyond.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Dynamic Career

Criminal Psychology offers a rewarding career at the intersection of psychology and the criminal justice system. You'll explore the psychology of offending and gain insights into criminal justice, law enforcement, and prison and probation services. The course prepares you to apply psychological principles in real-world settings, supporting offenders, victims, investigations, assessments and court processes, while contributing to safer communities and positive outcomes.

Accredited Course

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), providing eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) upon successful completion. GBC is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist and is required for entry to many accredited postgraduate and professional training programmes, including Forensic Psychology. The accreditation also supports progression into careers and further training across psychology, research, consultancy, healthcare, education and the public sector.

State-of-the-Art Facilities
BNU provides access to specialist facilities that support practical learning in Criminal Psychology. You'll use advanced psychology laboratories featuring virtual reality (VR) technology, an anatomage table, a dedicated counselling observation room, Biopac systems and SPSS data analysis software. You'll also have access to a mooting court and a recreated bedsit environment for crime scene simulations, helping you apply psychological knowledge in realistic professional settings.

Specialise in Your Degree
Following your first year, you can choose to continue on BSc (Hons) Criminal Psychology or transfer to BSc (Hons) Psychology or BSc (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy, allowing you to tailor your studies to your career goals at no extra cost. All three courses are also available with an integrated Foundation Year, designed to develop academic skills, confidence and preparation for undergraduate study for students who do not initially meet the entry requirements.

What Will I Study?
This course explores the psychology of offending, victimology, policing and the Criminal Justice System, helping you understand the factors that influence criminal behaviour, victim experiences and decision-making within justice settings. You'll develop skills in research, critical evaluation, data analysis and communication, culminating in an independent research project in your final year. The course prepares you for careers across criminal justice, education, local government, the charity sector, and prison and probation services, while also providing eligibility for the British Psychological Society (BPS) Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

At Bucks New University, you'll benefit from career-focused teaching, hands-on learning and a supportive community that helps you thrive throughout your degree and beyond.

You'll learn from lecturers with industry experience, gain practical skills in professional-standard facilities and receive personalised support through smaller class sizes. Beyond your course, The Big Deal gives every student free access to sports clubs, societies, fitness facilities, social events, trips, volunteering opportunities and career-boosting workshops. It's Bucks way of helping you discover new interests, meet like-minded people, build your CV and make the most of university life – all without paying extra membership fees.

Whether you're preparing for your future career, growing your confidence or looking for an unforgettable student experience, Bucks offers the opportunities and support to help you achieve your goals.