Psychology with Criminal Investigation

This course in psychology with an emphasis on criminal investigation will give you insights into human behaviour, explanations of the causes of crime and criminal justice responses. It successfully combines core content from the British Psychological Society (BPS) with innovative modules exploring current critical criminology and psychology debates.

Undertaking this psychology with criminal investigation degree may open the door to postgraduate study or training to work with ex-offenders or victims of crime.

As the course is accredited by the BPS, there may be the option of potentially further study in a related area such as Forensic Psychology and going on to train as a Forensic Psychologist.

You will learn from staff and guest speakers with valuable experience in the field, and have the opportunity to gain work experience where you can apply your knowledge and skills.

Our psychology research facilities include:

• state-of-the-art brain imaging electroencephalogram (EEG)
• eye tracking equipment
• a range of experiment and research software.

We provide access and a high standard of support for the use of these facilities.

What you'll study

Our Psychology with Criminal Investigation degree will give you a foundation in psychology and develop your knowledge in specialist areas of criminal behaviour and the treatment of offenders.

You will enhance this knowledge thanks to the expertise of our lecturers, many of whom are involved in research in the field. Their specialisms cover fascinating and evolving areas such as cyber-bullying, binge drinking and honour-based violence.

Throughout the course, you will have a personal tutor working with you. In addition, you can expect to learn through:

• lectures
• seminars
• workshops
• tutorials (in small groups and one-to-one)
• experiential (work-based)
• supported online tasks
• independent study.

An important part of the course is the Psychology in Practice module, where you will undertake work-based learning and apply theoretical knowledge gained on the course to the world of work and real-life experiences. You may undertake this element in organisations that are directly involved in supporting crime victims and rehabilitating ex-offenders, such as:

• victim support schemes
• offender resettlement organisations
• drug support schemes
• after-school clubs
• market research.

Additionally, you will expand on your IT skills during the course, which includes using online survey-building and statistical analysis software. You will also develop research skills which enable you to design, conduct, analyse and write up a Psychology research study in your final year.

Throughout the course, you will also have access to specialised equipment and software that will aid your learning and provide practical research skills, including:

• experiment building software such as Testable, SuperLab and Psychopy
• BIOPACS
• eye tracking units with biofeedback integration capability
• electroencephalography (EEG)
• portable EEG
• validated cognitive ability tests.

By the time you graduate, you will have finely-tuned knowledge in this sought-after specialist area, as well as developing advanced research, literacy and numeracy skills that employers value.

It's not too late to study at London’s 2nd highest-rated university for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2026).

UWL's world-class facilities and outstanding teaching will give you all the tools you need to succeed. Musicians can rehearse in performance rooms, audio recording spaces and a 200 seat black box studio. Pilots can brave the storm in the Boeing 737 flight simulator. Lawyers can perfect their argument in the mock courtrooms, and chefs can whip up delicious creations in industry-standard kitchens and serve real customers at Pillars, the student-run fine-dining restaurant located on campus.

You'll also be learning in one of the world's best student cities (2026 QS Best Student Cities) - think Saturday afternoons in Covent Garden, study sessions in the British Library and live concerts in the O2 arena. With scholarships and bursaries reserved for Clearing applicants, no ambition is out of reach!