Open University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Criminology and psychology help make sense of crime, criminalisation, criminals and victims. This qualification will provide you with a critical understanding of these subjects. As your understanding develops, you'll question to your own beliefs about crime and harm. You'll look beyond criminal acts and human motivations to examine the social conditions in which crime occurs, the exercise of power in response to crimes, the nature of conflicts when people interact (individually, in groups or as nations) and how and why societies determine what they will and won’t tolerate. Key features of the course
- Helps you understand how criminology makes sense of crime, harm, social conflict, victimisation and criminal justice
- Develops your understanding of how psychology helps explain human interaction, conflict, criminalisation and victimisation
- Builds critical, analytical and communication skills through an original approach to teaching criminology and psychology
- Enhances your employability in vocational areas, such as the criminal justice system and various social services.
Modules
This qualification has two stages. Stage 1 comprises two introductory modules – one with a focus on the social sciences and one on psychology. You’ll study how criminologists think about and explain crime, deviancy, harm and victimisation, and how psychologists investigate thinking and behaviour, why people harm others, and how ‘false’ memories occur. At Stage 2 you’ll take a more focused look at criminology and psychology. You'll explore ways in which criminology seeks to explain problems of crime, and understands the role of criminal justice and experiences of victimisation. You will also learn how psychologists have studied both practical and theoretical issues, such as nationalism or sexuality, with a particular emphasis on understanding and solving problems that directly affect people’s lives.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
There are no qualification requirements for this course.
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
| England | £14544 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £13968 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £4752 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £4636 | Whole course |
| Wales | £5248 | Whole course |
| EU | £14944 | Whole course |
| International | £14944 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £14944 | Whole 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
Fee information is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ