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Undergraduate

BA/BSc (Honours) Criminology and Psychological Studies

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Degree

Level
Undergraduate
Made up of
360 credits

Description

This degree explores a range of fascinating issues to do with crime, criminal justice and psychology. Why people do harm to others, antisocial behaviour, surveillance, security, social justice, social welfare and environmental degradation are just some of the subjects that you will delve into. You will also gain a good understanding of a range of broader psychological and criminological theories and topics, such as how the mind works; the role of evolution and social relations in human behaviour; and relationships between the worlds of social welfare and crime control. As well as enabling you to understand the issues behind so many headlines that are routinely part of TV programmes and political debates, you will learn how to construct and analyse arguments; think critically about published work across a range of issues; understand and analyse statistical information; write reports and apply concepts and ideas to the real world.

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How to register

Registration is not yet open for this qualification. For an autumn 2012 start, registration opens on 27 March 2012. If you would like to register your interest, you can order our free guide to studying in 2012.

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Career relevance and employability

You will develop skills relevant to a very broad range of careers and employers. These include the agencies of the criminal justice system, such as the police, prison and probation services, and organisations concerned with:

  • the care and resettlement of offenders
  • civil liberties
  • human rights
  • social justice
  • victim support
  • crime prevention
  • community safety
  • conflict resolution.

In addition, the psychological skills you will develop are relevant to a broad range of careers, including:

  • education
  • the health professions
  • human resources
  • management
  • social services
  • advertising
  • career counselling.

Please note however that completion of this degree will not make you eligible for recognition for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) by the British Psychological Society.

Employers value social science and psychology graduates very highly, particularly because of the diversity of skills developed. By combining psychology and criminology together, this degree will provide you with a particularly strong set of relevant skills. These include the ability to:

  • identify, gather, analyse and assess evidence
  • present reasoned and coherent arguments
  • write clearly in a range of styles such as essays, reports and policy reviews
  • understand and analyse statistical information
  • apply learning to real world problems and situations
  • conduct independent work and research
  • plan and reflect on your own work and learning.

There is more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.

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Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills

Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.

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Credit for previous study elsewhere

If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit that you can count towards this Open University qualification. Further details will be available when registration opens for this qualification.

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Classification of your degree

On successful completion of the required number and type of modules you will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Bachelor of Science (Honours) Criminology and Psychological Studies degree. 

Your honours degree will be classified either as first-class honours, upper second-class honours, lower second-class honours or third-class honours. The class of degree is determined by the best grades you achieve in 240 credits from those modules above Level 1 listed above. At least 120 of those credits must come from modules at Level 3. 

You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

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Are you already an OU student ? Go to StudentHome for your personal prospectus information.

Fees 2012

See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.

About this page

An undergraduate qualification in Psychology and Social Sciences.

Study explained

Costs
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Financial support
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Study explained
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Your questions

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