Psychology and Criminology (with integrated year in industry)

Why study Psychology and Criminology at Aberystwyth?

Student Satisfaction

At Aberystwyth, we work with you to help you become informed and curious thinkers. We use our teaching and research experience to inspire you and to give you the skills and confidence to do whatever you wish to do in the future. This is why, in 2019, 96% of our students are satisfied overall. (NSS 2019)

Equipping you for life

All our degree schemes are designed with employability in mind and are accredited by the British Psychological Society – perfect for graduate-level careers or access to postgraduate training. “96% of our graduates are in work or further study within 6 months of graduation, 4% more than Psychology graduates nationally” (HESA 2018)

Friendly and Inclusive

It is important for you to study in a supportive, student-focused environment. Our staff work hard to provide the guidance and encouragement you will need, which is why 99% of our students agree that staff are good at explaining things in the Department of Psychology. (NSS 2019) 

Exceptional Resources

The department’s modern research facilities and outstanding student learning spaces are in addition to excellent central university facilities. These resources allow us to provide you with an innovative approach to learning and teaching. This is why 99% of students agree they have been able to access course-specific resources when they needed to in the Department of Psychology” (NSS 2019) 

Welsh Language

Both departments offer a number of modules, seminars or tutorials taught entirely or partially through the medium of Welsh. Check out the module tab for further information.

This course is identical to its sister course (CM89), however you will have an additional year of funding to undertake your year in industry. If you are unable to obtain a work placement, you can simply transfer to our three year sister programme. Students who take part in the year in industry will pay a discounted tuition fee, of which the information can be found here.

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).

Department of Psychology’s teaching staff are all research active and all permanent staff are qualified to PhD level with most having either a PGCTHE or are fellows/senior fellow of the higher education academy. Over half of the staff also have the qualification CPsychol; an indicator of the BPS’ highest standard of psychological knowledge and expertise.

Your year in industry:

In the 2016 Highflyers report, 32% of graduate vacancies are taken by those who have previously worked for a company on a placement or/ a internship. Make no mistake, you will develop confidence and gaining experience in the industry will stimulate your enthusiasm for the subject.

Completing a year in industry will allow you to:

• Apply the learning from your course to the work environment;
• Make industry contacts;
• Develop practical skills related to your area of study;
• Apply your practical skills and technical knowledge after returning to study;
• Enhance your CV and better prepare yourself for a job after graduating.

Students on this scheme should note that the department institute does not have automatic placements for every applicant. You will be responsible for finding securing the work experience, however, you will have the assistance of our institute Work Experience Coordinator and our dedicated careers advisor (Anna McAdam, anm43@aber.ac.uk). If you fail to find work experience you will be able to convert your course to the three-year version of your subject.

What career options are available to me? 

A degree in Psychology from Aberystwyth University will prepare you for a range of careers, and access to wide range of further training opportunities, including:

• Clinical, Educational, Occupational, Sports and Exercise psychology
• Psychotherapy and Counselling
• Social Work
• Health Care
• Human Resources
• Careers Advisory Service
• Marketing, Publishing, Advertising

The skills you learn whilst studying here are highly sought after by employers and include:

• Research and Data analysis skills
• Effective problem-solving skills
• The ability to work independently and present material clearly and effectively 
• Time management and organisational skills
• The ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner
• Self-motivation and independence 
• Teamwork and project management skills
• Information technology skills

What opportunities are there as a student at Aberystwyth University? 

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

What will I learn?

The interdisciplinary nature of Psychology and Criminology work in partnership so that you gain the theoretical perspectives of crime with sociology and philosophy, whilst gaining necessary psychological principles. You will study why people commit crime and the social cultural repercussions of crime, with a close reference to the psychological mind, to gain and develop the crucial skills needed to enter this field of work. Your British Psychological Society accredited degree is built around essential core topics in psychology, which work alongside your specialised Criminology focused modules.

During your first year, you will:

• begin to transform yourself into a Psychologist, by developing core knowledge in areas such as social and individual behaviour, biological and cognitive perspectives on behaviour, as well as learn about historical and conceptual issues in each of these areas. You will also start to develop a wide range of subject-specific skills by using methods and techniques that will enable you to investigate psychological phenomena.
• start to develop a wide range of skills by using methods and techniques that will enable you to investigate psychological phenomena whilst exploring the key criminological theory which underpin many current penal policies.

During your second and fourth year:

• shape your degree by choosing from our distinctive range of criminology optional modules. These modules are designed to develop critical thinking skills, paying close attention to causes of deviant behaviour, treatment options, and social policy intended to reduce criminality. 
• apply skills learnt throughout your degree by constructing your own research dissertation, built around your personal ideas and interests within a psychological context.

How will I be taught?

Your academic and intellectual development are at the heart of the Aberystwyth Psychology experience. Our staff are committed to a student focused approach to teaching, making your learning needs a priority in both what we teach and how we teach you. When you join us, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will support you throughout your degree and is there to advise and guide you on a range of academic and personal matters.

From traditional lectures to small group work, we deliver inspirational teaching through a wide variety of different formats. You will also get to apply your knowledge in lab-based workshops and practicals, where you will be able to benefit from our wide range of specialists research equipment and facilities. Your development will be assessed in a broad variety of ways including; traditional exams, essays, wikis, blogs, observations and presentations.

At Aberystwyth you can be confident that you will receive the best learning experience at the very forefront of the discipline.