Two individuals in a counseling or consultation setting, with one person seated on a couch clasping their hands and the other holding a clipboard, taking notes.

BSc (Hons) Criminal Psychology

Explore the psychological aspects of criminal behaviour and justice systems with critical insights into offender profiling, criminal law, and forensic psychology.

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Time investment: 4 years

Location: Online

Cost: £20,987

Language: English

About this degree

Explore the psychological of crime and contribute to the criminal justice system

Step into the mind of a criminal and explore the psychological factors shaping criminal actions. This online degree from the University of Essex equips you with the tools to analyse crime from psychological and sociological perspectives, preparing you for a career in the criminal justice system or related fields.

By diving into areas like forensic psychology, offender profiling, and the social dynamics of crime, you’ll build a versatile skill set applicable to law enforcement, business, research, and beyond.

Understand the psychology behind criminal behaviour

From early studies of offender profiling to exploring cognitive and emotional development, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how psychological factors influence criminal actions.

This knowledge will help you interpret criminal behaviour, setting the foundation for your work in criminal psychology or related fields.

Apply psychological theories to real-world criminal justice scenarios

You’ll explore the ways psychological theories inform criminal investigations, risk assessments, and justice system practices.

By examining everything from criminology to forensic psychology, you’ll develop the practical skills needed to make a tangible impact on criminal justice processes and policies.

Study the social and biological influences on criminality

Understanding the social environment and biological factors at play in criminal behaviour is essential for addressing crime effectively.

You’ll examine how individual differences and societal factors shape criminal actions, helping you recognise patterns, predict behaviours, and offer practical solutions in your future career.

Develop essential research and analytical skills

As you progress through the degree, you’ll build valuable skills in research methods, data analysis, and critical thinking.

These abilities will allow you to assess complex crime-related data, create evidence-based strategies, and contribute meaningful insights to the criminal justice system or any related field of your choice.

Where you’ll be studying

Studying at the University of Essex Online

The University of Essex Online offers over 80 industry-led undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, computing, criminology, education, health, law and psychology.
Teaching is delivered 100% online and students benefit from a flexible approach to learning that allows them to fit study around their other commitments. Degrees are awarded by the University of Essex – ranked 12th in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

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Learning outcomes

Explore the social influences that shape individual lives and behaviours.

Understand crime through psychological and sociological lenses and its impact on society.

Dive into the role of forensic psychology within the criminal justice system.

Learn the key concepts and definitions that drive criminality and criminal behaviour.

Examine theoretical approaches to victimology and the dynamics of victimisation.

Additional information

This course is tailored for individuals with non-traditional backgrounds, offering two different entry routes:

Academic route: three A-levels or equivalent
Work experience route: GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, or equivalent of at least three years’ experience

If English isn’t your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0.

This degree is flexible, offering both full-time and part-time study options and allowing learners to balance their education with work or personal commitments.

Assessment methods include written assignments, discussions, and practical exercises, enabling learners to demonstrate their understanding and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

The skills gained from studying criminal psychology are highly transferable, opening career opportunities in the criminal justice system, law enforcement, and security. You can even apply the psychological insights gained on this programme to help develop sectors like marketing, research, and business.