Introduction
Criminology and psychology help make sense of crime, criminalisation, criminals and victims. Studying this qualification provides you with a critical understanding of both subjects. You'll be able to question and develop your own beliefs and understandings about crime and harm. You'll consider criminal acts and human motivations and then look beyond them to examine the social conditions in which crime occurs. You'll relate this to the exercise of power in response to crimes, the nature of conflicts when people interact (individually, in groups or as nations) and how and why societies determine what they will and won’t tolerate.
Key features of the course
- Helps you understand how criminology makes sense of crime, harm, conflict, victimisation, criminal justice and criminalisation.
- Shows how psychology explains human interaction and conflict and how this helps interpret crime, criminalisation and victimisation.
- Builds advanced critical, analytical and communication skills, and takes an original approach to teach criminology and psychology.
- Enhances your employability in vocational areas, such as the criminal justice system and various social services.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BA (Honours) Criminology and Psychology uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- online tutorials
- working in a group with other students
- finding external/third party material online.
Program Outcome
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
The level and depth of your learning gradually increase as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Curriculum
Course details
This degree has three stages, each comprising two 60-credit modules.
- At Stage 1 you’ll study two introductory modules – one with a focus on criminology and one on psychology.
- Next, at Stage 2, you’ll look at criminology and psychology in greater depth.
- Finally, at Stage 3, you’ll draw your studies together through an applied approach to counselling and forensic psychology and an investigation of crime, harm and the state.
Prepare for OU study with an Access module
We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module.