Criminology and Psychology

Are you interested in a career in criminology and psychology but need extra support before you start a full degree course? Our BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology with Foundation Year will equip you with the study skills you need to pursue your degree successfully, followed by the ins and outs of criminology and psychology across the UK and globally so that you gain universal skills for your future.

Taking a digital-first and practice-driven approach in line with the UK’s Ministry of Justice Digital Strategy (2025), the course will equip you with the modern tools needed to meet the current and future demands of the sector. You’ll gain real-world insight into criminal justice systems alongside the biological, social, and cognitive factors that influence behaviour at the individual and societal levels. You’ll also explore responses to crime, considering research and policy from various ideological perspectives such as social justice.

The course is led by academics and practitioners with strong industry links and first-hand experience in their respective fields. That means your learning will have a real-world basis that you can apply to a range of future career roles. You’ll also have the opportunity to get your work published and start building your professional profile.

Course details and modules

Arden’s foundation year modules have been designed to give you a tailored and fully supportive introduction to university study. This first year of study will prepare you for success in higher education by introducing you to the academic skills and subject-specific knowledge required to excel in your chosen degree subject.

Your course modules will begin by reviewing key preparatory academic study skills to ensure you’re ready to complete your full undergraduate degree. You’ll then cover the latest developments and best practices in criminology and psychology in the UK and internationally so that your degree is relevant across the globe.

Some modules will give you the chance to apply for the role of either: 1. Volunteer Lecturing Assistant, where you’ll provide support during lectures, or 2. Volunteer Research Assistant, where you’ll assist staff or partner organisations with ongoing research projects. This will allow you to put your learning into practice and gain real-life experience in the field.

Modules

Foundation year modules

Preparing for University Success
Exploring the Social World
Advancing your Academic Skills
Examining Social Justice
Planning for Your Future Success
Investigation & Innovation Project

Level 4

Becoming a Criminologist (20 credits)
Introduction to Studying Psychology (20 credits)
Social Psychology (20 credits)
Crime, Media, Culture (20 credits)
Working within the Criminal Justice System (20 credits)
Developmental Psychology (20 credits)

Level 5

The Prison (20 credits)
Personality and Intelligence (20 credits)
Youth Crime and Justice (20 credits)
Crimes of the Powerful (20 credits)
Researching the Field (20 credits)
Forensic Psychology (20 credits)

Level 6

Counselling Psychology, Mental Health and Illness (20 credits)
Victimology (20 credits)
Cyberpsychology (20 credits)
Professional Practice: A Case Study (20 credits)
Research Project (40 credits)

Authentic assessments. No exams.

No exams in sight! Our innovative assessments are based on the skills needed by employers in the real world and are therefore 100% focused on getting you ready for your career. Each assessment aims to provide you with transferable skills for your future and can include:

• • Assignments
  • Essays
  • Reports
  • Presentations
  • Case studies
  • Portfolios of work
  • Roleplay
  • Interactive decision-making
  • Research proposal

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – we are more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility

Standard entry requirements

To be eligible for our BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology with Foundation Year, you should normally have:
At least 3 x GCSEs or 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent. If your qualifications are older than 3 years, we will also ask to see a professional CV.

Non standard entry requirements

We’re also happy to consider an application from you if you can show us that you have relevant work experience that required critical thinking and analysis skills. We’ll ask you for a personal statement that demonstrates your motivation and ability to study this degree, along with references and evidence of your previous work experience.

English proficiency

IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent

Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English, can be accepted.

We also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.