Criminology with Forensic Psychology BSc
3-4 years
Start date:
Course information
Typical offer BBB
UK fee £9,535
UCAS code CF84
International fee £19,700
Institute code L34
Taught by School of Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy
6th in the UK for Criminology (The Guardian University Guide 2025)
11th in the UK for student experience in Criminology (The Times Good University Guide 2025)
Course description
Course description
Our Criminology with Forensic Psychology BSc offers an exciting opportunity to study fundamental criminological theory and concepts, and allows you to gain a detailed understanding of the role of forensic psychology in both research and practice.
You will study Introduction to Forensic Psychology in the first year, alongside three other core modules, which focus on theories of crime, criminal justice, and victims of crime. The first year of the degree gives you the foundational knowledge and academic skills that you need to progress into the second and final years.
In the second year, you will explore the use of forensic psychology in investigative and legal criminal justice settings, alongside modules in Punishment and Rehabilitation and research methods. In the third year, you will take Using Psychology in Secure Settings and Criminal Justice and Mental Disorder, alongside modules that prepare you for the completion of your Student Research Project. In your final year, you will also have the opportunity to tailor your degree with a range of option modules..
Leicester ranks 6th in the UK for teaching Criminology (The Guardian University Guide 2025). We are home to some of the UK’s leading criminologists and as such, you will benefit from a focused and definitive education in the study of crime. Our strong performance in the National Student Survey since it began in 2005 reflects the popularity of the course among our students, as well as the dedication of the academic staff.
Our research expertise feeds directly into our teaching, providing innovative and exciting content, as well as keeping you abreast of current debates on crime and criminal justice. Our award-winning research has real impact in wider society, and it influences policy and practice within the UK and beyond. Our research strengths include:
- Desistance and rehabilitation
- Domestic violence
- Forensic science
- Hate crime
- Investigative psychology
- Policing
- Prisons
- Sex work
It is important to note that this course is not accredited by the British Psychological Society. You can find out more about accredited courses from the British Psychological Society website.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- A/AS-levels: BBB. All subjects accepted. Two AS-levels may be considered in place of one A-level.
- EPQ with A-levels: BBC + EPQ at grade B.
- GCSE: English at grade 4/C.
- Access to HE Diploma: Pass Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 credits at Distinction.
- International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 28 points overall. Must include grade 4 in English A or 5 in English B if minimum of grade 4/C not held in English Language at GCSE.
- BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma at DDM.
- T Levels: Merit or above. Humanities subjects preferred.
Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world. You can review some of the qualifications we accept on our countries page and English Language equivalencies.
If your qualification or country is not listed, please contact us for more information, including the name and result of the qualification you have studied.
Second Year Entry may be possible with suitable qualifications.
The University of Leicester is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all applicants from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to support students who may be impacted by the area they live in, their personal circumstances or who have completed one of our progression programmes. These offers are usually one or two grades lower than the standard entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must apply for an eligible course and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
Selection Process
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.
Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the School.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries ListFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in 2025
The tuition fees that will be payable by you to the University for the 2025/26 academic year will be £9,535
- £9,535 in your first year. Tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation, subject to government regulations. The inflation rate used will be the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage payments (RPIX)
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
International Students
Starting in 2025
- £19,700 per year
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
We aim to provide you with a range of transferable skills that will give you a head-start in today’s competitive job market. Your capacity for imaginative, rigorous and critical thinking will be developed throughout the degree. Subject specific skills, such as knowledge of the social processes of crime and the criminal justice system, will be complemented by the type of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers in the graduate job market, including:
- Data analysis
- Information management
- Leadership
- Project management
- Effective communication
The Careers Development Service and Criminology work together to ensure you improve your employability, as well as recognising the skills you have acquired throughout your degree. All students have the opportunity to participate in the Criminal Justice Insights, which will enable you to gain volunteering experience, enhance your CV and develop transferable skills. There is an optional placement module in the third year which gives you a further range of transferable skills and practical experiences.
Our graduates go on to work in a variety of job roles, including:
- Detective Constable
- Director of Research and Innovation
- Investigator
- Police Officer
- Probation Service Officer
- Security
- Senior Psychologist
- Social Researcher
- Teaching Assistant
The experience Nikola gained has encouraged her to delve into a career as a senior policy officer.
Careers and Employability Service
Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Careers and Employability Service. We're here to give you a lifetime offer of support, even after graduation. Our team of specialist careers advisers and mentors will help you every step of the way. From supporting you with CVs and interviews, to volunteering opportunities and placements, we're here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Related courses
Criminology
BSc, 3 years
Law with Criminology
LLB, 3 years
Psychology
BSc, 3-4 years
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Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
We are committed to providing skills and knowledge to help prepare you tackle global challenges. We have mapped our undergraduate degrees for learning which aligns to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This degree includes learning which relates to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Goal 5: Gender equality
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong institutions
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
Course structure
Year 1
Year 1
Modules
- Theories of Crime and Criminality (double module)
- Criminal Justice in Action (double module)
- Victims of Crime (double module)
- Introduction to Forensic Psychology (double module)
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 2
Year 2
Modules
- Punishment and Rehabilitation (double module)
- Criminological Research Methods 1 (double module)
- Investigative Psychology (single module)
- Criminological Research Methods 2 (double module)
- Forensic Psychology in the Courtroom (single module)
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year Abroad (optional)
Year Abroad (optional)
We’ll make sure you have everything you need for your future career: not just by awarding you a high quality degree, but also by helping you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to make your mark in the world as a Citizen of Change. One way you can do this is by opting to take a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3 of your degree.
Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to a career in the private, public or third sector - or plough your own furrow as an entrepreneur – you will find the experience invaluable.
For more information, including a list of destinations, please visit our Study Abroad website.
Please note
- A year spent abroad still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.
- You may be eligible for a travel grant from Student Finance England.
- Places are offered on a competitive basis, and eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2.
- Language courses, at beginners or advanced level, are available through our Languages at Leicester scheme.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 3
Year 3
Core modules
- Preparing for your Research Project (double module)
- Using Psychology in Secure Settings
- Student Research Project (double module)
- Criminal Justice and Mental Disorder
Option modules
Choose one option module from:
Then choose one option module from:
- Drugs and Crime
- Forensic Science
- Queer Criminology
- Understanding Extremism: Causes, Actions and Solutions
- Crime, Boarders and Migration
- Green Criminology
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
The annual Scarman Series of criminology lectures is a chance to hear from major names in law, policing and politics. Previous speakers have included Keir Starmer, Shami Chakrabarti and David Lammy.
We were ranked 6th in the UK for Criminology (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
You won't just be sitting in lecture theatres and seminar rooms. Our Crime Scene Room brings a practical aspect to the course.
Teaching and learning
The modules you take are taught using a combination of lectures and workshops, as well as more contemporary virtual learning environments. Lectures provide you with the foundational knowledge needed to study the subject area, while the workshops give you the opportunity to discuss key ideas with your peers and your workshop leader. The virtual learning environment, which include podcasts, webinars, online discussion forums and audio/visual learning aids, gives you the opportunity to explore the subject area at your own pace and offer an alternative approach to learning and teaching.
In addition to this you will be given a personal tutor who can provide one-to-one support on a range of academic and personal issues, a weekly ‘drop-in’ help-desk to ask any questions supported by teaching staff, and all the teaching staff in the School have regular office hours where you are able to discuss any problems you may have.
Our assessment strategy allows you to develop a range of academic and transferable skills throughout your degree. You will be assessed through exams, essays, reports and presentations. You will also have the opportunity to produce factsheets, blogs, posters and a range of other creative forms of assessment. In your third year you will also produce a dissertation focusing on an area of criminology that particularly interests you. The dissertation is the culmination of your academic studies and it allows you to demonstrate all of the skills and knowledge you have acquired throughout your studies. It is also a fantastic opportunity to study a particular topic area in depth and to conduct your own research. You will also receive dedicated one-to-one dissertation supervision from one of the academics in the School.
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can use our student study spaces in the school, access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.
Academic support
Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:
- study and exam skills
- academic writing
- presentations
- dissertations
- numerical data skills
- referencing sources
Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an award-winning teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of workshops under the supervision of the module leader. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | UCAS Code | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Criminology with Forensic Psychology | Qualification BSc | Duration 3 years, full-time | UCAS Code CF84 | Availability How to apply |
| Course Criminology with Forensic Psychology with Year Abroad | Qualification BSc | Duration 4 years, full-time | UCAS Code CF84 | Availability How to apply |
