Criminology and Psychopathology – MSc

Why study this course?

On our Criminology and Psychopathology MSc course you will develop your understanding of a range of key psychological and criminological theories, practices and perspectives involved in crime and mental health.

More about this course

The aim of this course is to provide you with an up-to-date multidisciplinary scientific and academic knowledge of criminal behaviour within a mental health context, which is particularly useful if you wish to pursue a career in crime prevention and rehabilitation.

You will consider theoretical and practical issues relating to the main factors influencing crime from biological, social, cultural and psychological perspectives. The course aims to contribute to the training needs of all those that have a role to play in providing services within criminal justice and across the areas of health, social welfare, education and youth justice services. It also provides an opportunity for a career change.

You will explore a range of specialist topics such as:

• the sociological approach to crime, criminology and criminological theory
• the status of the victim throughout the criminal process
• the relationship between psychology and crime
• the impact of mental health issues within health and criminal justice systems

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:

Contemporary Issues in Criminology (core, 20 credits)

Psychology and Crime (core, 20 credits)

Psychopathology (core, 20 credits)

Research Design and Analysis for Psychology (core, 20 credits)

Research Project (core, 60 credits)

Crime, Risk and Early Intervention (option, 20 credits)

Law, Policy and Ethics (option, 20 credits)

Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (option, 20 credits)

Where this course can take you

Our Criminology and Psychopathology MSc will provide you with opportunities to enter and/or progress within a diverse range of occupations including but not restricted to:

• psychology (and related disciplines eg criminology, sociology)
• health practitioners (eg nurses, key workers or GPs)
• social workers
• probation, prison and police services

The course also provides additional benefits if you wish to pursue further study  in clinical psychology and/or forensic psychology.