Programme Specifications
Psychology and Criminology (with integrated year in industry)
Information provided by Department of Psychology:
Information provided by Department of Law & Criminology:
N/A
Information provided by Department of Psychology:
Psychology for the Psychology contribution of the degree with the additional contribution from other subject benchmarks.
Information provided by Department of Law & Criminology:
Criminology
Information provided by Department of Psychology:
September 2023
Information provided by Department of Law & Criminology:
September 2023
Information provided by Department of Psychology:
Psychology Joint Honours provides graduates with foundations of psychological theory and application together with appropriate academic and employability skills. Students are encouraged to move from being supported learners to becoming autonomous learners as they progress through Levels 4, 5, and 6. Level 4 is designed to provide a solid foundation in psychology, and also how these foundations are underpinned with research. Level 5 continues to encourage inter-relatedness of psychology that is underpinned by research, but is designed to encourage a more independent approach to learning in more specific modules. On completion of Level 5 students will be equipped with a sufficiently broad stock of information and practical experience of techniques, to make an informed decision about a topic for the Research Project at Level 6. Level 6 builds on the core modules at level 5 as students complete their engagement with specific core modules. In terms of assessment, it is expected that as students move from supported to autonomous learners that this will be evidenced in their assessment where their work will be based on tutor-led material at Level 4, while at Level 6, students will be required to produce and analyze material independently, drawing not only on final year content but that of the entire programme. Students completing this degree will have:
• A thorough knowledge of psychology, where psychology is defined in broad terms as the scientific study of mind, brain, behaviour and experience, and the complex interactions between these.
• A knowledge and critical understanding of the key academic constituencies which compromise Psychology within the areas of biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology together with the psychology of individual differences.
• An ability to think, speak and write professionally; to question, to be critical, to be analytical, and to be creative in ways appropriate to the subject.
• An ability to apply a range of psychological methodologies appropriately and to understand their limitations.
• Skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods and research design
• An understanding of the rigorous and precise nature of scientific method and a thorough grasp of experimental design and statistical analysis.
• An ability to undertake original research using investigative skills appropriate to the laboratory and applied settings, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• An awareness of relevant ethical considerations.
• An ability to apply their understanding of psychological theory and research in a variety of applied areas.
Information provided by Department of Law & Criminology:
The core educational aims of the programme are designed to:Provide a sound introduction to the interdisciplinary area of criminology and a consideration of the major theories and key political, social and legal issues arising out of the discipline as well as providing a basic introduction to the social science theory base and to social diversity and divisions and their impact on crime and criminology.
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Provide training in criminological principles and theories and their application.
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Equip students with the analytical skills necessary to undertake the intellectual study of criminology.
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Stimulate students intellectually to take an active role in their learning and lead them to a critical appreciation of the discipline and its major debates.
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Develop students’ ability to apply knowledge to the resolution of theoretical and practical problems.
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Equip students with the social science research skills to permit them to locate, read and critically assess the work of others and critically assess the work of others and to conduct simple research projects of their own and to understand what can be achieved through use of different methodologies.
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Equip students with an ability to understand crime, victimology, academic criminological debates and social and other responses to these from local, national and international perspectives and to recognise the impact of political, media and popular opinion on this area.
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Equip students with a basic understanding of principles of human rights and civil liberties as applied to criminology and to their associated professions and professional applications.
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Develop students’ ability to analyse a complex and diverse range of materials and to integrate them to form new perspectives, theories or solutions to the crime problem.
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Raise student awareness of political, policy and social issues and how they interact with crime and its control, and encourage reflection on the whole body of knowledge and its impact on peoples lives.
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Through students’ study of criminology to develop in students a range of generic skills which will be valuable in their future employment and enable them as citizens to contribute to their communities.
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Provide students with the knowledge and skills base to permit them to proceed to further studies in criminology or to employment in agencies and organisations associated with this subject base.
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Generate in students a genuine interest and passion for the areas studied, thus providing them ith a broad basis for life-long intellectual, personal and social
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development.
Information provided by Department of Psychology:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills and other attributes in the discipline of Psychology. The structure and delivery of the degree scheme recognize the need to achieve an appropriate balance between the acquisition of the subject specific knowledge, and the development of generic skills. Integrating these two components of the scheme is a central feature of the degree scheme. The programme outcomes are referenced to the QAA benchmark statements for Psychology and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and relate to the typical student.
Information provided by Department of Law & Criminology:
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The learning outcomes of this programme are designed to meet the expectations of the latest Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Benchmarking Statement for Criminology. The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge, understanding, skills and critical and reflective abilities in the discipline.
Information provided by Department of Psychology:
By the end of the joint honours degree, students will be expected to have acquired and demonstrated:
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A1 A comprehensive knowledge of the core domains within psychology and their applications.
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A2 an understanding of the relationship between psychology and cognate disciplines e.g. biology, sociology, psychiatry.
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A3 a comprehensive appreciation of the assimilation within psychology of themes, theories, methods, and findings from other discipline a
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A4 a comprehensive appreciation of the integration which can occur within the subject.
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A5 a comprehensive knowledge of a range of research methods and measurement.
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Techniques.
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A6 an in-depth knowledge of selected specialists areas of psychology at Level 6.
Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through a combination of lectures (A1-A6), group seminars (A1-A4, A6), coursework (A1-A6) and laboratory work (A1-A6), as well as through supervision (A1-A6). Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent study both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. Knowledge and understanding are assessed through a combination of seen and unseen examinations (A1- A6) and in-course assessments (A1-A6), in the form of practical laboratory reports (A1-A6), essay assignments (A1-A4,A6), group presentations (A2,A3,A5,A6), portfolios (A3), in-class tests (A1, A2, A3, A5), project report (A2, A4,A5), oral presentations (A1-A6) and research participation (A2), and eLearning assessments that include Wikis and Blogs (A1-A6). Importantly, the whole degree encourages, promotes, and facilitates active learning where students are able to learn through less formal means, such as the Psychology Society and public lectures. Students are also supported through academic progress meetings with their personal and / or subject tutors.
Information provided by Department of Law & Criminology:
Successful students on the Criminology degree scheme will have developed a knowledge and understanding of:
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The major theories, concepts, values, debates, principles, and approaches in the study of criminology.
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How crime, deviance and victimisation are socially and legally constructed.
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The key issues, policies, processes, institutions, actors and debates in deviance, crime, law and criminology.
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How to apply core criminological theories and reasoning to applied topics, policies and situations.
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How to develop a reflective approach to the discipline and to develop a critical understanding of analytical methods.
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How social science research, both quantitative and qualitative, should be read, designed and conducted in this field and what part ethics and risk play in the design and execution of research.
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The importance and critical appreciation of various methods of investigation and research as applied to these fields.
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The discussions in deviance, crime, victimology, academic criminological
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debates and responses to these from local, national and international perspectives and the impact of political, media and popular opinion on this area.
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The official and unofficial structures, methods and processes of criminal law, law enforcement and punishment systems in control and prevention of deviance and crime.
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How to relate criminological theory to policy debates and to use these to analyse such policy and practice.
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The key dynamics, processes and problems facing contemporary criminology, law and the legal system.
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How these approaches and the disciplines of both criminology and law help us to explain, understand and influence crime and its effects and are, in turn influenced by other disciplines and theories
Teaching, Learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be chieved and demonstrated:
The learning outcomes (knowledge and skills) are achieved through an integrated programme of lectures, seminars, supervisions, practical sessions, group work and the independent, guided reading and research efforts of the student. Lectures introduce broad areas of theory and knowledge, which the students then build upon in preparing for and participating in seminars. These seminars provide students with an opportunity to learn how to engage with, and reflect on, their modules in a supportive learning environment. They can draw on this experience when completing coursework assignments and preparing for examinations. In the seminars, students also learn how to read and interpret criminological publications, policy documents, research reports and a range of other materials. Students are provided with marking criteria, which allow them to focus their efforts on the level and type of achievements necessary for success. They are supported in their learning through academic progress meetings with their personal tutors, as well as receiving feedback on progress from subject tutors. Assessment of knowledge and the acquisition of key skills are monitored by: seen and unseen written examinations; the assessment of group work; the completion of term-time assessments (both written and oral); the preparation and presentation of at least one dissertation. The personal tutor system helps students in planning their studies and focussing on future career objectives.
The two compulsory research skills modules are a key feature of the degree. One module is at Level One and is studied in the first year, the other is a Level Three module taken in the second year of the degree. hese modules are specifically designed to equip students with a basic understanding of different research methods and methodologies, as well as provide them with a number of transferable skills that can be applied in a wide variety of occupational and professional contexts. Written assignments in these modules focus on the collection, presentation and analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data. These research skills can then be further strengthened in the dissertation modules.
With regards to the degree scheme overall, the acquisition of the intended learning outcomes is assessed through seminars (some assessed), a range of assessed coursework and examinations. Each module has assessment methods tailored to its aims and objectives, these are set out in the module handbook available to students.
Information provided by Department of Psychology:
• B1 the ability to integrate simple and challenging ideas and empirical findings and assess the relevance of theoretical knowledge in applied contexts;
• B2 the ability to extrapolate and comprehend the application of knowledge within the areas of psychology;
• B4 the ability to display critical thinking skills;
• B5 the ability to process information in a manner displaying advanced cognitive skills;
• B6 the ability to define and appreciate complex problems and offer solutions;
• B7 Integrate and critically evaluate information and data from a variety of sources to construct cogent arguments;
• B8 Attend to the distinction between primary and secondary sources of information;
• B9 Reflect on experience of learning and adjust intellectual perspective.
Teaching and Learning and Assessment
Student development of intellectual skills from B1-B8 are promoted through lectures, group seminars, coursework, and laboratory work, as well as through supervision at Level 6. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent study both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught / learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. The application of these skills in the context of specific areas of psychological enquiry is demonstrated through lectures and seminars for core and optional modules at Levels 1, 2 and 3. Reflection and self-assessment (B9) are integral to the learning of intellectual skills and will be developed through feedback on summative and formative assessments and through the online PDP facility. Intellectual skills (B1-B8) are assessed through a combination of seen and unseen examinations and in-course assessments, in the form of practical laboratory reports, essay assignments, portfolios, in-class tests, project report, group and oral presentations, and research participation, as well as eLearning assessments; The use of reflection tools through the PDP are used to develop the students critical awareness and identify their performance. Personal tutors provide feedback regarding academic performance of students.
10.2.1 Practical Skills
On completion of the Programme students should be able to:
• C1 - Interact ethically and professionally with research participants;
• C2 - Generate and explore complex hypotheses and research questions;
• C3 - Initiate, design and conduct complex empirical-based studies involving a variety of methods of data collection;
• C4 - Analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data;
• C5 - Effectively employ specialist computer packages (at Level 5 and 6) to analyse and use complex numerical, statistical and other data using quantitative methods;
• C6 - Effectively employ thorough advanced qualitative approaches and methods to analyse complex text, media and human experiences;
• C7 - Search specialist databases to be able to conduct and write literature reviews;
• C8 - Evaluate, present and communicate effectively complex findings by a variety of means, such as a research report
Teaching and Learning and Assessment
Practical skills are developed through a series of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical laboratory classes at levels 4 and 5 and further developed through a supervised independent research project at level 6. C7 is also acquired through essay writing at all levels, but developed to an advanced standard at level 6 in the systematic review module where C2-C8 are also developed in the module. At level 4, students engage in C5 using formula and calculations by hand before moving to specialist computer packages at Level 5 and 6. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to consolidate practical skills (C1 - C8) through practice with appropriate research methods and projects. Practical skills are assessed through practical and project reports (C1-C8), statistics tests and examinations (C4-C5), poster presentations (C1-C6; C8), portfolios (C1-C2; C8), and Wikis (C4, C8), group presentations (C2, C7, C8). At level 6 the Dissertation project may, depending on the topic, assess any or all of outcomes C1 to C8.
Information provided by Department of Law & Criminology:
10.2.1 Cognitive abilities and Intellectual skills
Students should be able to demonstrate a range of general cognitive abilities and intellectual skills together with abilities, skills and techniques which are subject specific.
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Successful students of Criminology will have developed competence in:
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Generating and evaluating both qualitative and quantitative evidence.
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Abstracting and simplifying a problem in order to identify its essence whilst still appreciating the complexity and diversity of the discipline as a whole.
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Assessing the merits of competing theories, policies and intellectual approaches
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Gathering, retrieving and synthesising data and information
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Making ethical judgements about published research and about his or her research activity
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Analysing and reasoning both deductivity and inductivity and constructing a coherent argument
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Reflecting critically and constructively on their own learning and placing it in both the global and social contexts
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Communicating results (orally and in writing) concisely and effectively to a diverse audience - lay, professional and academic
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Drawing policy inferences, recognising the constraints of policy implementation and evaluating the effectiveness of stated policy objective
10.2.2 Professional practical skills
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To identify problems and issues which arise in relation to crime and deviance
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To extract the essential aspects of theory, to achieve a realistic basis for evaluation of policies
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To analyse, evaluate, critique and assess criminological, legal materials whilst keeping in mind wider sociological and psychological, global and local issues
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To design ethical qualitative and quantitative research projects, to address questions relating to criminology
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To communicate complex social problems by way of academic papers, policy analysis, reaction papers, case studies, evaluative reports, and research analysis papers
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Understand the production of normative patterns of behaviour from legal and criminological perspectives so as to be able to use these to recognise how they are capable of producing positive results in both the workplace and wider society
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Be capable of analysis, synthesis, critical judgement and evaluation – to challenge accepted wisdom whilst still accepting proven facts and theories; assess the relative weight of competing arguments and information
Information provided by Department of Psychology:
On completion of the degree scheme, students should be able to demonstrate a high standard of work ethic to take with them into employability, while also demonstrating a number of general transferable skills acquired through studying at degree level, and include:
• D1- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• D2- Work effectively within a group;
• D3- Work and learn independently;
• D4- Manage time, resources, and work to deadlines efficiently;
• D5- Effectively use information and communication technology to produce and present ideas and documents;
• D6- Show respect for the views and ideas of others;
• D7- Identify career opportunities;
• D8-Decision making; Identify problems and provide solutions;
• D9- Recognise the need to continually update knowledge and skill.
Teaching and Learning and Assessment
The programme aims to promote, develop and nurture students’ awareness of and competence in these key transferable skills, many of which students will already possess to a greater or lesser degree of competence. All of these skills are integral to teaching and learning activities across the programme and are embedded in the degree scheme. Others (D7-D9) are developed through specific modules and learning activities, such as Level 5 work placement module and personal development plan (PDP). Group work (D2) through data collection, research findings, and project coordination is a strong feature of the course that compliments the independent skills developed in most modules, and is a particular feature at level 4 and 5. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to develop transferable skills by maintaining a record of evidence and completing a personal development plan (PDP) initiated in Level 4. Transferable skills are assessed through unseen examinations, in-class tests (D1, D3); laboratory reports, essays including placement essay, project report (D1, D3,D5,D8), poster presentations, mini- projects and laboratory group work (D1-D6,D8), portfolios (D6 and D7). In addition, a number of the above skills are explicitly assessed at various points during the programme through a range of methods, including the Dissertation project (D1, D3-D5, D8), oral presentations (D1-D2), group debates and discussions (D2,D6).
Information provided by Department of Law & Criminology:
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Time management and personal organisation self awareness and self confidence
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Interpersonal skills
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Team working
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Numerical skills
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IT skills - e.g. WWW legal databases, e-learning, email and word processing
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Effective communication
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Autonomy, self-reflection and self-criticism
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Effective research skills
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Adherence to ethical working practices
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Possessing the ability to apply knowledge: to solve hypothetical or real problem
BSC Psychology and Criminology (with integrated year in industry) [A1C6]
Academic Year: 2023/2024Joint Honours scheme - available from 2016/2017
Duration (studying Full-Time): 4 yearsSeiberdroseddu a Seiberddiogelwch
Lleoliad Gwaith Cyfiawnder Troseddol
Cybercrime and Cybersecurity
Critical Perspectives on Imprisonment
Criminal Justice Placement
Family and Child Law
Principles of Evidence
Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
Treatment and Rehabilitation of Offenders
Cyfraith Troseddol
Lleoliad Gwaith Cyfiawnder Troseddol
Trosedd a Chosb o Safbwynt Hanesyddol
Troseddau & Chyfiawnder Ieuenctid
Criminal Law
Wrongful convictions in criminological context
Criminal Justice Placement
Crime & Punishment in Historical Perspective
Psychology and Crime
Youth Crime and Justice
Medicine Ethics and the Law
Humanitarian Law
Sports Law and Society
Seiberdroseddu a Seiberddiogelwch
Sgiliau Cyflogadwyedd ar gyfer Gweithwyr Proffesiynol
Troseddeg Feirniadol a Radical
Cybercrime and Cybersecurity
Critical Perspectives on Imprisonment
Criminal Justice Placement
Principles of Evidence
Employability Skills for Professionals
Critical and Radical Criminology
Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
Treatment and Rehabilitation of Offenders
Cyfraith Troseddol
Trosedd a Chosb o Safbwynt Hanesyddol
Trosedd & Chyfiawnder Ieuenctid
Sgiliau Cyflogadwyedd ar gyfer Gweithwyr Proffesiynol
Criminal Law
Wrongful convictions in criminological context
Criminal Justice Placement
Crime & Punishment in Historical Perspective
Psychology and Crime
Youth Crime and Justice
Employability Skills for Professionals
Medicine Ethics and the Law
Humanitarian Law
Sports Law and Society