Joint Honours Psychology and Criminology

A joint honours degree provide an excellent opportunity to study two subjects in depth and explore how psychology can contribute to your understanding of many complex questions.

Psychology and Criminology (CM89)  allow you the opportunity to study two independent but related and compatible subjects in equal proportions.

Student FAQs 

Students often have questions about studying a joint honours degree:

1. What does joint honours mean?

All undergraduate degrees consist of 360 credits – 120 in each year of a three year degree.  Taking a joint honours degree means that you devote 50% of your time studying with us in psychology and the other 50% in your other department.

2. What will I study on a joint honours degree?

In your first year you will study three core modules in psychology  Perspectives on Social and Individual Behaviour (semester one), Perspectives on Psychobiology and Cognition (semester two), and Investigation and Communication which runs through both semesters.

In the second and third years, we develop these modules further and introduce you to other topics in psychology including Social Psychology, Brain and Behaviour, Cognitive and Developmental Psychology together with the psychology of Individual Differences.  An important aspect of second year teaching is Research Methods. In this module you will learn more advanced statistical techniques in addition to qualitative research methods such as how to analyse conversations and conduct interviews and focus groups.

By the third year you will be fully competent at designing and carrying out your own research. Subsequently a large part of your third year will involve carrying out research in a topic that interests you. Although not a requirement you will be encouraged to conduct your research project in the context of your other degree subject. For example, the use of persuasive communication in Marketing, or the influence of cross-cultural differences on attraction.

You will be able to find out what you will study in the other half of your chosen degree scheme by visiting the links above.

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages for studying for a joint honours degree?  Is it more work?

As in many aspects of life there are both advantages and disadvantages in taking joint honours.  Many students relish the opportunity to study two areas that they really enjoy at a higher level and we aim to support students as they make the links across their subjects.  A final year project is a great way of doing that and we try to make seminars an opportunity to make connections.  A disadvantage could be seen as not having the opportunity to study more specialised aspects of psychology such a health psychology or advanced social and cognitive psychology.  However, you are introduced to all these areas at sometime during your degree.

Whether you study for a single or joint honours degree you will be expected to work hard; it really is true that the effort you put in is rewarded by the standard of the degree you graduate with.