Course summary

Alongside general psychology modules, you’ll specialise in understanding the psychological factors behind why people may commit criminal or deviant behaviour. You’ll use critical skills and evidence, based on research, to explore how forensic psychologists may contribute to debates on policing, crime, the criminal justice system and rehabilitation. As well as understanding some of the reasons why people may commit offending behaviours, you will also explore the ways in which forensic psychologists can work to treat and rehabilitate offenders. On this course, as well as gaining a thorough understanding of the broad range of topics relevant to modern day psychology, you’ll learn in depth about why people engage in behaviour that is harmful to others and what makes a psychopath. In addition, you’ll explore what happens to victims of crime or deviant behaviour and how we, as psychologists, can support them. You’ll also gain a real understanding of offenders and learn about developing interventions for people convicted of crime and how these people might be rehabilitated and supported. You’ll be introduced to how forensic psychologists use evidence from research to inform policies on crime, policing, criminal justice and rehabilitation. Some examples of the factors influencing criminal behaviour that you may explore include; substance abuse issues and mental health disorders, as well as exploring the incidence of offending behaviours in different populations, e.g. children and youth. As well as being taught by staff from psychology you’ll also be taught by staff from areas such as social sciences and education with expertise in the criminal justice system, policing and serial killers alongside students on courses such as Criminology and Criminal Justice and Childhood and Youth Studies. Psychology at Bangor University was founded in 1963 and is one of the UK's oldest and largest psychology departments. We regularly rank among the top 10 in the National Student Survey for overall student satisfaction and with over 1,000 students we're also one of the largest departments in the UK. Not only are we highly ranked for our teaching but we also have a global reputation for the quality of our research. In the most recent Research Exercise Framework, we ranked in the top 20 in the UK with 89% of our research considered either 'Internationally Excellent' or 'World leading'. This research feeds directly into our teaching ensuring a fresh, vibrant learning experience and a large and varied range of modules studied with academics who have an international reputation in their specialist area. We have a cosmopolitan feel and a global outlook that attracts staff and students from all over the world to work and study with us. A key aspect of our success is our focus on both the academic and pastoral sides of the student experience and this effort is led by academics in the teaching team who provide high levels of support to our students. All of this combines to provide you with what we believe is a uniquely supportive, exciting and rewarding environment in which to study Psychology with Forensic Psychology. ‘Placement Year’ and 'International Experience Year’ options are available for this course. You will have the opportunity to fully consider these options when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto such a pathway at the appropriate time. You can find more information about these options on our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch. If you don’t have the required qualifications for this degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you. Please see Psychology (with Foundation Year) C80F.