Criminology and Criminal Justice with Psychology - Foundation Degree
Combine a career in criminology and criminal justice with psychology
This Foundation Degree combines criminology, criminal justice and psychology to help you understand why crime happens, how the justice system responds, and how psychological factors influence behaviour.
You’ll explore criminal behaviour alongside the structures, policies and practices that shape the criminal justice system—developing a strong foundation for careers across justice, social care, mental health and related sectors.
Learn from experts with real‑world experience
You’ll be taught by experienced lecturers and industry practitioners who bring theory to life through real‑world insight. The course is designed to be challenging, engaging and relevant to today’s criminal justice landscape.
Learning goes beyond the classroom and may include:
- Work placements to build practical experience
- Field trips to criminal justice and psychological services
- Guest input from professionals working across multidisciplinary agencies
This hands‑on approach gives you first‑hand exposure to the realities of the justice and penal system and the psychological services that support it.
Prepare for your next step
The Criminology and Criminal Justice (Psychology) Foundation Degree is designed to support a range of future pathways. Depending on your career goals, it can help prepare you for:
- Practice‑based roles within criminal justice or related services
- Further study and postgraduate progression
- Careers in policy, research or education
You’ll graduate with a strong academic grounding, practical insight and transferable skills valued across the criminal justice and social care sectors.
Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 80 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in an appropriate discipline:
- CCD from A Levels including criminology, sociology, psychology, law, forensic psychology or public services
- MMP from Extended Diploma or DM from Diploma in appropriate discipline
- Mathematic and English Language GCSE at grade C/4 or above
- Pass Access to HE Diploma in related discipline
Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
Graduates of Criminology and Criminal Justice with Psychology can progress into a wide range of roles across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Common career routes include work within:
- Police, probation, prison and court services
- Intelligence and investigative roles, including agencies such as the National Crime Agency
- Victim support services, youth justice and community safety teams
These roles focus on protecting communities, supporting rehabilitation and responding to crime at both local and national levels.
Psychology‑focused pathways
With the addition of psychology, graduates may also be interested in roles that apply psychological insight to criminal justice contexts, including:
- Research and policy development
- Mental health and support services
- Offender rehabilitation and crime prevention programmes
This pathway is particularly suited to those interested in understanding criminal behaviour and contributing to evidence‑based practice.
Further study and professional development
While the Foundation Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with Psychology does not currently offer British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation, it can be used as a first step towards becoming a psychologist.
Graduates may progress to a one‑year BPS‑accredited MSc Psychology conversion course, which can open up routes into specialised areas such as:
- Forensic psychology
- Psychology‑related roles within law, research or professional practice
Next steps at B&FC
Criminology and Criminal Justice - BA Hons Degree (Top Up)
Employment Opportunities
Potential career roles include:
Police Officer | Criminal Psychologist | Forensic Psychologist | Probation Officer | Crime Scene Investigator | Social Worker | Youth Worker | Legal Analyst | Lawyer | Civil Service Administrator
Key information
Qualification obtained
FdSc Criminology and Criminal Justice (Psychology)Fees and funding
Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding, including additional financial support for those on low incomes, with dependent children or adults or with disabilities.
Extra costs and equipment
Most study resources are provided by the College.
You may need to cover small additional costs, such as:
- Printing and posters
- Optional photocopying (a photocopying allowance is provided)
You’re encouraged to bring a laptop, but college computers are available.
Conferences and external events
You’re encouraged to attend external events and conferences to support your learning and professional development.
- A one‑day regional conference typically costs around £60
- Includes transport and conference fees
- Partially funded by the College and often discounted
- Local travel is covered by the College
- Some events may involve additional costs (e.g. food or accommodation)
Study materials
- Most materials are available online
- You’re encouraged to buy an introductory criminology textbook to support your studies.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institution: N/A
Awarding Body: Lancaster University
Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)
Terms and conditions
Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.
What will I learn?
The programme:
- will support you to engage with theoretical principles and critically evaluate both your own and others research, whilst also gaining strong practical skills to enable you to seek employment in the criminal justice field.
- is enriched by work experience, and preparatory practical experiences to fully equip you for industry or for further study and research.
- will prepare you for a range of employment opportunities in the criminal justice field, such as the police, probation, prison service, social work, teaching, youth justice, and the Crown Prosecution Service.
- will also be supported and enriched throughout by a range of activities and events designed to give you valuable insight into how criminal justice agencies work and the roles and responsibilities of those working in the criminal justice system.
- will introduce you to visiting guest speakers from relevant industries, and trips to criminology and criminal justice conferences.
- will develop your employability skills and attributes by requiring you to complete a work placement in a professional setting.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
Most study resources are provided by the College.
You may need to cover small additional costs, such as:
- Printing and posters
- Optional photocopying (a photocopying allowance is provided)
You’re encouraged to bring a laptop, but college computers are available.
Conferences and external events
You’re encouraged to attend external events and conferences to support your learning and professional development.
- A one‑day regional conference typically costs around £60
- Includes transport and conference fees
- Partially funded by the College and often discounted
- Local travel is covered by the College
- Some events may involve additional costs (e.g. food or accommodation)
Study materials
- Most materials are available online
- You’re encouraged to buy an introductory criminology textbook to support your studies.
How will I learn?
Scheduled Learning
Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.
Independent Study
Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.
Placement
Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 306 | 286 | 0 |
| Independent | 894 | 884 | 0 |
| Placement | 0 | 30 | 0 |
| Total | 1200 | 1200 | 0 |
How will I be assessed?
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 95% | 71% | 0% |
| Exam | 0% | 8% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |