BA/BSc (Hons) Criminology with Psychology · NorthamptonBachelor's degree · 3 years
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The University of Northampton · Undergraduate

BA/BSc (Hons) Criminology with Psychology Bachelor's degree at Northampton

BA/BSc (Hons) Criminology with Psychology at Northampton combines criminology with psychological perspectives, allowing you to explore how criminal behaviour is understood and addressed.

BA
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
82%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

Explore human behaviours and consider what drives people to commit crimes on our Criminology with Psychology BA degree. Apply now to boost your career... From the provider’s course page.

BA/BSc (Hons) Criminology with Psychology is a Bachelor's degree (BA) at Northampton, based in Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.

For Psychology graduates from this provider, 82% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 35% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Law, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

7.9
/ 10
Strong
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Strong71

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent82

Limited evidence Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 82% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent84

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 84% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 6 modules
  • Crime and SocietyCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to explore a range of theories relating to crime and criminality and to locate these within the broader contexts of social divisions and structural inequalities.

  • The Science of Crime and CriminalsCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to explore the scientific evidence used in relation to questions of crime. A combination of perspectives from positivist, biological, anthropological all the way to forensics will be explored in order to understand of the roots and motivation of criminal behaviour.

  • Becoming a CriminologistCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module includes a range of activities designed to facilitate academic development and learning throughout the programme. This module allows students to enhance their existing skills, building confidence towards 'becoming a criminologist'.

  • Research Methods for CriminologistsCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the diverse range of research methods applicable to the study of criminology. The module combines practice and theory to allow students to appreciate the variety of ways the study of crime and deviance has been developed through time.

  • Introduction to PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to provide students with a broad understanding of psychology by introducing four core areas (social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology). Students will develop critical thinking and evaluative skills of psychological material by focusing on theory, empirical research and real-life examples.

  • Psychology for LifeCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to be personally relevant to students' psychological studies and enable them to start to build psychological literacy – using psychological skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems and interact ethically and responsibly with others.

Year 2 6 modules
  • Crime and JusticeCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module is designed to develop an understanding of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. Perceived breaches of criminal law evoke responses from multiple agencies which in turn dispute the notion of 'justice'. The emergent gaps between the principles and practices of criminal justice will be explored in-depth.

  • Advanced Criminological TheoryCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to build upon theoretical explanations on crime and further develop understanding in contemporary criminological discourses.

  • Criminology, Ethics and Professional PracticeCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    To provide students with knowledge regarding different theoretical perspectives of ethics relating to professional practice. Students will gain the ability to position themselves in relation to social and professional contexts and to rationalise decision making from ethical standpoints whilst also understanding the consequences of theirs and others' actions.

  • Advanced Criminological MethodologiesCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to enable understanding of the theoretical and practical underpinnings relating to research and its application to practice. Students will consider various philosophical and methodological approaches underpinning criminological research as well as key features of planning, organising and a beginning research project.

  • Development and SocietyCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to build on the Social and Developmental Psychology material introduced in the Level 4 module Introduction to Psychology. This module covers contemporary and critical perspectives related to development across the lifespan within complex social worlds and will be of interest to students wishing to deepen their knowledge of theories, research and methods in Social and Developmental Psychology.

  • Personality & the Fundamentals of PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to build upon material presented at Level 4 by tracing the historical development of Psychology as an academic discipline and exploring key theories and research in personality and individual differences. Special consideration will be given to conceptual issues that continue to generate debate.

Year 3 7 modules
  • Crime and PunishmentCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    Paradigms of punishment have evolved in the context of broader strategies of 'care' and 'control'. These contribute to and occur within the broader study of criminal justice and social regulation. The module is concerned to examine and evaluate the fundamental features of the system of penalties that operates in Britain.

  • Criminology with Psychology DissertationCompulsory40 credits
    Module details

    This module requires the demonstration of advanced personal study on a negotiated topic. The topic is selected and approved in consultation with staff. The module gives students the opportunity to negotiate an in-depth enquiry into a topic, theme or issue of particular relevance to his/her subject studies. Approval of the project proposal and supervisory arrangements is a pre condition of registration for the module.

  • Psychology of Mental HealthCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module aims to explore contemporary understandings of mental health and experience of individuals with mental health disorders. The module explores social, ethical, and scientific issues around the field of mental health and offers an environment for students to engage in critical analysis and debate.

  • Forensic PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to expand knowledge and understanding on the perspective of forensic psychology drawing upon theoretical and practical understandings.

  • Critiquing CriminalisticsOptional20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to provide students with an overview of criminalistics, the theoretical critiques, the practical issues encountered and the various public and private agencies involved. The module also offers a critical examination of criminalistic approaches and examines the aetiology of miscarriages of justice against a backdrop of organisational and political motivations.

  • Global Perspectives of CrimeOptional20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to engage students in the critical analysis of local, national, and international issues in criminology. Spanning multiple international jurisdictions and cases from across the world, this module will adopt a comparative approach in scrutinising contemporary debates of crime, harm, security and human rights.

  • Social InjusticesOptional20 credits
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to engage in debates about critical social issues such as human rights and social harm. The module will draw from theoretical debates in the areas of border criminologies and social harm, considering the roles of social institutions and states in both perpetrating and protecting from harm.

Foundation Year 3 modules
  • Professional and Academic Skills for University StudyCompulsory40 credits
  • Applied Learning ProjectCompulsory40 credits
  • Foundations in Law, Criminology and Criminal JusticeCompulsory40 credits

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

This degree explores human behaviour and what drives people to commit crimes, combining criminology with psychology. A course like this normally moves from foundations in criminal law, public law and the criminal justice system in Year 1, before progressing to specialist study in areas such as criminal psychology, victimology and crime prevention in Year 2. By Year 3, you'll typically choose from more focused options, such as commercial law, human rights, criminal justice, family law or employment law, and may undertake independent research or practical work in a law clinic.

Who it's for

This course suits students interested in understanding crime, criminal justice systems, and the psychological dimensions of criminal behaviour. It's designed for those considering careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, social services, or further study in law or psychology. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with typical entrants achieving 80–95 UCAS tariff points. The course is taught in English at Waterside Campus.

University & format

The BA/BSc (Hons) is studied full-time over 3 years at the University of Northampton's Waterside Campus. Teaching is in English. The University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and the course holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
76%
Learning opportunities
79%
Assessment and feedback
60%
Academic Support
72%
Organisation and management
57%
Learning resources
86%
Student voice
68%

Share of students responding positively.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Published entryBCC at A Level; DMM at BTEC typical offer

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

Open daysOpen Days

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of BCC. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent92% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 80 - 95 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Northampton's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

UCAS tariff of entrants

Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent92%
Other4%
another higher-education qualification2%
an Access course2%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.

Will you get in? Plot your grades

Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.

Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesCCDA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Northampton whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Home£9,790 / yr
International£17,000 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at Northampton →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, published course home fee
illustrative borrowing over 3 years

2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.

Starting on or after 1 January 2027?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.

Paying for it

  • Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
  • Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
  • Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All Northampton funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

StudyKit · free

Still deciding what to study?

StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Law graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£25,000£23,500 – £29,00025
3 years after£22,000£18,000 – £26,000155
5 years after£27,000£21,500 – £32,000165

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

82%
in work or further study 15 months on
35%
in highly skilled work or study
84%
continue past their first year
90%
find their work meaningful
65%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Paralegal / TraineeTraining contract or pupillage route · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Solicitor / BarristerQualified practitioner · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior AssociateLeading matters and clients · 5–9 yrs
  4. 4Partner / In-house CounselPartnership or heading legal · 9+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Law nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£25,000
£23,000 – £30,000
After 3 years LEO
£22,000
£19,550 – £27,600
After 5 years LEO
£27,000
£24,225 – £34,200
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £18,500 – £35,500

National figures for Law graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

82 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

55% working5% working and studying15% in further study35% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Law courses at the same study level.

This course £27,000Peer median £28,000Middle 50% £25,500–£31,500
43rd percentile

Compared with 1,352 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
  • Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 15% of published destinations
  • Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
  • Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006

Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 75; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Is BA/BSc (Hons) Criminology with Psychology worth it?

Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BA/BSc (Hons) Criminology with Psychology earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.

Slower payoff: a long break-even relative to what this course adds
break evenyr 0yr 5yr 10yr 15yr 20yr 25yr 30yr 35yr 40graduateWorth it ≈ year 39.1

Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 39.1. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.

+£630
10-year payoff
extra earnings over the first decade, after the fees you pay
1.0×
Return on investment
extra earnings over 10 yrs per £1 of fees
£29,370
Tuition over the course
£9,790/yr × 3 yrs (published course home fee)
£27,000
Grad earnings, 5 yrs on
£3,000 above a non-graduate (£24,000)

Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.

Job market & outlook

How Law graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Law courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
55%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • First-pass document review
  • Standard contract drafting
  • Legal research summaries
  • Routine due diligence

More human than ever

  • Advocacy and negotiation
  • Judgement on ambiguous facts
  • Client trust and ethics
  • Strategy in disputes and deals

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Law graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Law firms
  • Barristers' chambers
  • In-house legal teams
  • Government Legal Service

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

📈

Where graduates go

82% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

🎯

Your entry chances

Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.9 out of 10: NSS 71.1% · in work or study 82% · continued 84%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

The University of Northampton

All students13,505
International16.4%
Aged 25+34.8%

Law across the UK

Students144,525
Aged 25+24.3%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around Waterside Campus, University of Northampton

2,220 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 679Anti Social Behaviour 509Shoplifting 183Public Order 163Other Theft 143

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is Law right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to Northampton from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £17,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Northampton’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Northampton and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 80 - 95 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by Northampton. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Psychology graduates from this provider, 82% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 35% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
The published home tuition is £9,790 per year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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