This new degree combines the fields of psychology and criminology. Through scientific study, staff expertise from both areas work together to integrate insights from both disciplines.
It not only covers the curriculum recommended by the British Psychological Society (BPS), through which you will develop an understanding of the individual, but also engages with criminological theories exploring crime, victims, societal structures and the operation of the criminal justice system. For example, you will explore internal human motivation, development, and mental processes.
The course places particular emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to practical, real world issues and controversies. You will examine current psychological-criminological debates by developing research design and analysis skills, allowing you to conduct your own research. This means you will develop expertise to match your future career goals: going onto phase 1 of becoming a forensic psychologist or working within the criminal justice system.
Therefore, the course also aims to further develop your intellectual and transferable employability skills, for example, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem solving.
Examples of workplace learning
Psychology at Bradford involves opportunities to be mentored by professionals in mental health who will guide your aspirations to work in this area, right from the first year of study.
These include once-a-semester week-long intensive employability weeks with input from a clinical psychology admissions tutor, clinical psychologists, a local educational psychologist, a psychological wellbeing practitioner and a range of businesses keen to attract psychology professionals.
In addition, there is an exciting range of placement opportunities such as teacher training, mentoring young people, mental health services, placement with the Bradford District Care Trust in clinical psychology (on a competitive basis prioritising under-represented groups), and working in the 'Born in Bradford' project.
In collaboration with Pain Association Scotland, we are planning to support members of the public in the self-management of chronic pain. Students from the first year of study will have an opportunity to observe and learn how members of the public benefit from this support, potentially offering experience relevant to a career in mental health services.
"A pioneering first"
"The collaboration between the University of Bradford and Pain Association Scotland is a pioneering first and will give students a valuable opportunity to understand the self-management approach to health, with a particular emphasis on chronic pain. This is a growing area of health care, especially relevant as health services move towards person-centred, bio-psycho social models.
"This is a very practical course component in which students will gain insights based on observing and participating in live group work with patients, the place where theory meets practice. Alongside the topics of self-management like stress, sleep, pacing, understanding pain, students will also see the bio-psycho-social model in action and will observe rapport-building and motivation issues.
"This is a welcome first of its kind that will equip students with positive formative experiences that will inform study and may even inspire career choice." - Professor Sonia Cottom, Pain Association Scotland.
Professional accreditation
This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Entry requirements
Typical offer - 112 UCAS tariff points.
We take into consideration a number of factors when assessing your application. It's not just about your grades; we take the time to understand your personal circumstances and make decisions based on your potential to thrive at university and beyond.
A levels
BBC - there are no subject specific requirements.
T levels
Merit - there are no specific subject requirements.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DMM - there are no subject specific requirements.
Applicants on Access Programmes
Meet UCAS Tariff of 112 - there are no subject specific requirements.
International Baccalaureate Requirements
112 UCAS tariff points to include at least 80 points from 2 HL subjects. Plus HL 3 or SL 4 in English Language and Literature A or English B.
Plus minimum of
GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).
Legal and Moral Constructions of Crime and Criminal Behaviour
yearFinal
Core
Offenders, Punishment and Change
Forensic Psychology
International Perspectives on Crime
Research Project in Psychology and Crime
Option
Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
Advanced Issues in Neuropsychology
Psychological Life Skills and Employability
Our facilities
Psychology students use this suite to observe and analyse human behaviour and interactions. You can run interviews, experiments, and other practicals with support from our academics and technical staff.
Fees, finance and scholarships
Tuition fee
2023
Home: £9,250
International: £18,628
Additional costs
There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.
Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.
Career support
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.
Career prospects
This course is designed to enable you as a graduate to pursue a career in Forensic Psychology and in the wider criminal justice system.
It will also develop a wide range of transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem solving, which are essential in all industry sectors.
Study support
A comprehensive support network is here for you to ensure you reach your academic potential and go on to further success in the future.
You’ll benefit from a range of support services, including:
Personal Academic Tutor
Student support / administration team
Academic Skills Advice service
Career and Employability Services
Disability Service
Well-stocked libraries and excellent IT facilities
Research
Academics in the School of Social Sciences are engaged in exciting and innovative research at the cutting edge of both psychology and criminology.
Our psychology research examines the application of psychology to understanding health and well-being, food and behaviour, lifespan psychology and neuropsychology.
Our criminology research engages both the practical and theoretical aspects of contemporary social policy at the international, national and local levels across a wide range of issues.
This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.