How do our thoughts and feelings dictate our actions? And is there such a thing as the criminal mind?

These are fascinating questions, and psychology and criminology are equally fascinating fields. You might be interested in both, and wondering which area to specialise in. If that’s the case, our British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited Psychology with Criminology degree is made for you.

We start by looking at the main principles of psychology and criminology. Then, in Years 2 and 3, our optional modules give you the freedom to explore your own interests in more depth.

By studying BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology at ARU, you’ll learn from expert tutors who are actively engaged in research work. And you can take advantage of our specialist science facilities too, including laboratories for analysing hair and saliva samples, and measuring electrical activity in the brain.

You’ll learn about criminal profiling and how it offers insights into youth offending, gendered violence, genocide, rape, abuse and other types of crime. You’ll look at media representations of crime, and explore social and developmental psychology.

But we don’t just learn in the classroom. There are field trips to places such as the Old Bailey and Auschwitz. You’ll sit in on live trials in Cambridge Crown Court too, and observe the dynamics of the court room.

In the final year of your course, there’s the chance to learn about offending and offender rehabilitation from trainee forensic psychologists. You’ll also complete a major project within psychology – and define your future career path.

Psychology degrees at ARU

This is just one of the undergraduate psychology degrees that we offer in Cambridge. You can also choose to study BSc (Hons) Psychology, or focus on the field of clinical psychology.

As a Psychology with Criminology graduate, a range of careers is open to you. With further study, you could specialise in disciplines such as forensic, occupational or educational psychology. Or as a criminologist you could work for the Probation Service, the police, the Prison Service, the Home Office or the Courts Service.

As a graduate chartered member of the British Psychological Society, you could undertake further training to become a counselling or clinical psychologist, or specialise in areas like health, educational or forensic psychology.

Whichever path interests you most, you can be sure that you’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities that industry needs. We work with employers, and they help us review what we teach and how we teach it – offering hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.

We have strong links with the local probation service and the police, so you’ll have the opportunity to gain work experience while you’re studying.