Skip navigation
Criminology and Psychological Studies with Foundation Year at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Birkbeck, University of London

Degree level: Undergraduate
Awarded by: University of London

Criminology and Psychological Studies with Foundation Year

Course options

2026 - 2027
Apply

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Birkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

1Nov
Birkbeck, University of London - Undergraduate Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Our BA Criminology and Psychological Studies gives you the opportunity to think critically about questions such as: What is crime? Who commits crime and why? What are the impacts of crime on victims, and of engagement with the criminal justice system on both victims and offenders? Why choose this course?

  • This course is ideal if you are interested in the complex causes of crime and of harmful behaviours.
  • You will study with leading experts in criminology and psychology on issues of policing, prisons and courts, gendered and sexual violence, and offending, to understand the psychological and social causes and effects of crime and the criminal justice system.
  • You will be introduced to key criminology and psychology debates and thinkers, as well as exploring the connections and tensions between the two disciplines.
What you will learn You will explore the relationship between individuals, society and the criminal justice system, and consider:
  • why people commit violent and harmful acts
  • how our current criminal justice institutions and practices often produce psychological harm
  • how these institutions and practices might be improved.
You will develop a critical understanding of the effects of victimisation and how we improve prospects of healing and rehabilitation for victims and offenders. You will also analyse real-world events by focusing on criminological and psychological theories. You will learn about social justice and social change by understanding government and policy, and advocacy and activism. How you will learn This course is available to study full- or part-time with classes taking place in the evening. These consist of lectures, seminars and on-campus and online activities. You will be able to tailor this course to your interests with options tackling topics such as explanations for violent behaviour, the functioning of police and prisons, the prevention of gender-based violence and changing individual behaviour. Foundation Year If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. Highlights
  • You will have access to specialised research events such as the Criminology Seminar Series. Led by criminology academics, events showcase contemporary issues in criminology and criminal justice and feature experts with national and international criminology profiles.
  • There are opportunities to be taught by active researchers at the Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research.
  • Birkbeck is also strongly oriented towards research in psychological sciences, and we are home to the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, the Birkbeck-UCL Centre for Neuroimaging and the Centre for Cognition, Computation and Modelling.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this course you will have gained transferable skills in:
  • organising, planning and working to deadlines
  • working as part of a team
  • research
  • clear and logical thinking and problem solving
  • gathering, interpreting and evaluating information
  • presenting yourself and an argument.
Graduates find work in policy development, research, public relations, marketing, fundraising and journalism. Within the criminal justice system and public service they may pursue roles such as:
  • probation officer
  • police officer
  • criminal case review manager
  • solicitor
  • civilian investigator
  • victim support officer
  • counsellor
  • welfare advice officer
  • social worker.
In the charity or voluntary sector, graduates can pursue roles such as:
  • youth or community worker
  • public or local government administration officer
  • charity fundraiser
  • community campaigner or advocate
  • community educator.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Assessment is dependent on each individual module, but includes written exercises, essays which will develop in length and expected complexity as you progress through your studies, seen and unseen exams, group work, oral presentations, reflective journals, case studies, and creative and critical-thinking exercises.

How to apply

14Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

To be confirmed
Criminology and Psychological Studies with Foundation Year at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS