Criminology and Criminal Psychology

Why study Criminology & Criminal Psychology at Aberystwyth University?

• The degree provides a balanced coverage of theory, policy and practice issues in criminology and criminal justice studies;
• The current teaching team comprises staff with expertise in the main disciplines that inform criminological study, such as psychology, sociology and law;
• A number of key modules are dedicated to illustrating how psychological theory, methods and techniques can be used to understand criminal behaviour;
• Our modules are continually revised and updated to reflect recent changes in patterns of criminal behaviour and crime policy responses;
• You will be taught by criminologists who are actively engaged in research;
• There are opportunities to undertake a criminal justice placement;
• Students can undertake supervised independent criminological research;
• We have an excellent working relationship with local criminal justice agencies.

Our Staff

Department of Law and Criminology lecturers are mostly either qualified to PHD level or have professional experience and qualifications as practicing lawyers. Many staff also have a PGCE (Higher Education).

On completion of your degree you will be in a strong position as potential candidate for:

• Police and Prison Services;
• National Probation Services;
• UK Border Agency;
• Intelligence Analyst for the Security.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely written and oral form;
• Effective problem solving and creative thinking skills;
• Ability to work independently and as a team;
• Time management and organisation skills;
• Self-motivation and self-reliance;
• Research skills.

What opportunities are there as a student at the Department of Law & Criminology?

• Find out about the opportunities our Careers Service offer;
• Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and a Year in Employment Scheme managed by our Careers Service.

The teaching programme is designed to provide you with a detailed insight into the nature and causes of crime and help you develop a critical understanding of the role of psychology in the study of crime and the treatment of offenders.

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three year degree scheme.

In your first year you will be introduced to:

• sociological and psychological approaches to the study of criminal behaviour;
• criminal law and the workings of the criminal justice system;
• basic research skills in criminology.

In your second and third years you will have the opportunity to:

• develop your understanding of the relationship between theory, research and criminal justice practice;
• enhance your criminology research skills;
• further your understanding of the role of psychology in explaining criminal behaviour;
• conduct independent research on a topic of your own choosing;
• undertake  a voluntary work placement in a criminal justice setting;
• choose from a long list of elective modules including, Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour; Psychopathology; Psychology and Crime; and Treatment and Rehabilitation of Offenders.

How will I be taught?

A wide variety of teaching methods are used. You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and practical classes. High quality teaching and supervision will enable you to realise your full potential. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning and work on projects both individually and in groups.

A number of different types of assessment are used throughout the undergraduate programme. In addition to essays and written exams, you will undertake practical exercises (e.g. conducting a qualitative interview) and give individual and group presentations. You will receive constructive feedback on all coursework assignments.

You will be assigned a personal tutor, who will be the key contact when you have issues or queries.

I love how Criminology makes you question everything around you. It opens your mind to new ideas, concepts and theories which challenge the very foundations of previously held beliefs. It also ignites a passion for obtaining justice and bettering our current criminal justice system. The relevance of the subject within the rhetoric of the political climate highlights the role of criminologists and the reality of the impact that these individuals can make to society.

Jenaya Smith

What do I love about Criminology? Well, I really do love it! It is amazing! The modules we are studying are great. Everything we study is so intriguing. At times it makes me puzzled because there are so many things and I just keep questioning what the correct ones are. However – and this is the biggest thrill about the course – it makes me keep reading and thinking, just to find the correct ones for myself. Moreover, there are the lecturers who are just so enthusiastic about what they are doing and I believe they succeed in passing this enthusiasm to us.

Violeta Kunovska