BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology Bachelor's degree at London Metropolitan University

Introduction to university life and developing the literacies, discourses and competences needed to become a successful criminologist, while introducing students to the idea of conducting academic criminological research. Helps develop academic skills such as speed reading, note taking, referencing, paraphrasing and searching for sources.

Builds on knowledge of the criminal justice framework to develop detailed knowledge of the criminal justice system of England and Wales, criminal justice policy, legislation and social justice outcomes. Explores contemporary issues including bias in the CJS, surveillance, private sector providers, treatment of victims, media representations, crime prevention, crime trends, and international systems.

Develops understanding of cognitive and neuroscientific approaches to understanding thinking, reasoning, problem solving, and decision making. Engages with classic and contemporary literature investigating human ability to understand and interact with the physical and social world, recognise and overcome biases, and use cognitive understanding to strive for social justice.

Develops understanding of how psychology as a discipline has developed across time and cultures, key studies that shaped contemporary psychology, past and current controversies, and the historical and cultural specificity of psychological knowledge.

Develops understanding of varied psychopathologies (anxiety, depression, eating and sleep disorders) and their aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Covers the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), criticisms of diagnostic systems, and widely used treatments including pharmacotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Introduces the framework and functions of the Criminal Justice System of England and Wales. Provides foundation of aims and roles of CJS agencies, theoretical models of criminal justice, historical development and structures of key agencies, policy and legislative changes, and future career opportunities in the criminal justice sector.

Building on ideas covered in traditional theories and concepts, examines how the discipline of criminology developed. Explores how criminologists have critiqued and applied traditional theories in explanations of crime, modern debates about understanding crime and addressing it, and perspectives that have critiqued the subject of criminology.

Introduction to origins of criminological thinking through exploration of key thinkers who shaped the discipline and created theories to explain and understand crime. Develops understanding of social context in which theories emerged, their limitations and biases, policy implications, and enduring influence on policy and criminological research.

Encourages professional development through small group workshops focusing on development and strengthening of professional profile in preparation for future job applications. Develops knowledge and understanding of potential roles within the criminal justice sector and how to match skills and qualifications required by employers.

Explores cognitive and biological bases of behaviour. Covers neuroanatomy and neuron communication, biological bases of behaviour and cognitive functions (perception, attention, learning and memory, language processing, thinking and reasoning), how brain development, drugs, disease and brain damage impact behaviour and cognitive functioning, and links to mental disorders.