BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology Bachelor's degree at the University of Surrey
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology at University of Surrey combines two disciplines to develop understanding of criminal behaviour and psychological principles.
About this course
Study crime and deviance and the scientific evidence of behaviour, mental health and neuropsychological functioning with our criminology and psychology degree. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Surrey. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Psychology (non-specific) graduates from this provider, 91% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 61% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (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.
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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 91% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 88% (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 7 modules
- MAKING SENSE OF CRIME AND DEVIANCECompulsory
Module details
This module will introduce students to the major theoretical perspectives that have been developed within criminology to conceptualise 'crime' and 'deviance', and to explain the different ways societies respond to crime. Module content will span the history of criminological thought, starting from Classical and Positive theories all the way to more critical approaches within the discipline. A common thread across the module will be how criminological theories can be situated and explained within
- BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1Core
Module details
This module introduces biological psychology and provides a foundation for understanding the biological mechanisms underlying psychological processes across the lifespan, as well as the biological basis of psychological and neurological disorders. The module examines the organisation and function of the human nervous system, from the cellular basis of brain function and neural communication to the systems underlying sensation and movement. Topics include the history and ethics of neuroscience, n
- DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1Core
Module details
This level 4 module is intended to cover some of the core BPS curriculum in developmental psychology and as such is a broad coverage module dealing with a range of topics in the sub-discipline, including cognitive, social, and emotional development across the lifespan. It introduces developmental psychology as an evidence-based science and provides knowledge that is foundational to the level 5 developmental Psychology module (PSY2015) students will take in the second year of their programme.
- INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMSCompulsory
Module details
The Criminal Justice System comprises those institutions and agencies that are collectively responsible for managing a state's response to crime and disorder. This module provides an introduction to the key agencies within the contemporary criminal justice system in England and Wales but parallels are also drawn to other jurisdictions (where appropriate). We will focus on the role and function of the police service, prosecutors, courts, prisons and the probation service.
- COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1Core
Module details
This module will provide an introduction to the major topics and issues within cognitive psychology. This will be done through a series of lectures and research based seminars, which will provide students with an opportunity to integrate their developing knowledge of cognitive psychology with practical skills relating to cognitive research methods. This knowledge and skills will provide a foundation for the Level 5 module Cognitive Psychology with Research Methods 2 (PSY2014).
- SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1Core
Module details
Social Psychology investigates how our cognitions (thought processes), affective states (feelings and emotions) and behaviours are related to the social world. This module introduces year 1 students to key concepts, methods, and findings on a range of topics in Social Psychology, which includes: social categorization, self-presentation, attitude and behaviour change, social influence, prejudice and discrimination of minority groups.
- RESEARCHING THE SOCIAL WORLDCompulsory
Module details
This module introduces students to qualitative and quantitative approaches to research design, methodology and data analysis, and considers how recent innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) influence how we conduct research. Part A focuses on qualitative field methods, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observation, and their place within the wider research process. Part B is designed to introduce students to the statistical techniques necessary for implementing a
Year 2 2 modules
- QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODSCompulsory
Module details
This module builds upon the research methods training which students received in their first year to provide students with a more robust understanding of some of the main quantitative analysis approaches in the social sciences. It also expands discussion of the use of AI methods for undertaking quantitative research. Students will learn about multivariate quantitative analyses with the help of R, a software environment for statistical computing and graphics.
- BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 2Core
Module details
Building on the learning in Biological Psychology with Research Methods 1, this module aims to advance students fundamental knowledge about biological psychology and the biological basis of fundamental aspects of the human brain and behaviour, such as sleep and dreaming, and brain development.
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 course integrates the study of crime and deviance with the scientific evidence of behaviour, mental health and neuropsychological functioning. You'll usually begin with foundational work in criminal law, covering offences, defences and principles of liability, alongside introductory psychology modules on cognition and behaviour. As you progress, a typical course like this normally moves from core studies in areas such as public law and criminal justice towards specialised options in criminology and psychology in later years. You'll typically study how law, psychology and neuroscience intersect in understanding crime, criminal responsibility and rehabilitation. The final stages usually allow you to pursue deeper interests through specialist options and independent research or project work.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in understanding the psychological and criminological dimensions of human behaviour and the justice system. You'll benefit from studying at an institution with strong teaching credentials. Most accepted students arrived with A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff band among entrants was 112–127 points.
Careers & job market
Across Law courses nationally, 85% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 55% were in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries (15 months post-graduation) typically ranged from £23,000 to £30,000, rising to £24,225–£34,200 after five years. These figures reflect broader outcomes across the sector rather than guarantees specific to this course. The combination of criminology and psychology equips you for roles in criminal justice, research, or related fields where understanding behaviour and the law intersect.
University & format
The University of Surrey is a public university founded in 1966, located in Surrey. This BSc (Hons) degree is studied full-time over 4 years and taught in English. The course is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, with degrees nationally recognised. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
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.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
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
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 94% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| an Access course | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
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.
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.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code LC68). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write 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.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results 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.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Surrey →For students who normally live in England
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.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
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.
Careers & earnings
What Law graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £27,000 | £24,000 – £30,000 | 40 |
| 3 years after | £26,500 | £21,000 – £31,500 | 90 |
| 5 years after | £31,500 | £25,000 – £37,500 | 100 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Paralegal / TraineeTraining contract or pupillage route · 0–2 yrs
- 2Solicitor / BarristerQualified practitioner · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior AssociateLeading matters and clients · 5–9 yrs
- 4Partner / In-house CounselPartnership or heading legal · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Law nationally
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.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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.
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.
- Therapy professionalsSOC 2020 222 · 24% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
- Protective service occupationsDiscover Uni category · 20% of published destinations
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 18% of published destinations
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: 100; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology worth it?
It depends. BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology adds about +£35,840 over the first ten years vs. going straight to a job, but on these earnings the payoff is slower than average.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 21.5. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
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 4 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.
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.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Law firms
- Barristers' chambers
- In-house legal teams
- Government Legal Service
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Law graduates.
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
91% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £27,000. 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 8.8 out of 10: NSS 86.4% · in work or study 91% · continued 88%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Surrey
Law across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Surrey
1,620 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
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 University of Surrey from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £22,900 / 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 University of Surrey’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 University of Surrey and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Surrey
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.

