BSc in Criminal Psychology

Explore the fast-moving field of criminal psychology with this internationally focused BSc (Hons) Criminal Psychology. This evolving discipline focuses on the crossover between psychology and criminology, allowing you to apply methods, theories and research to understand some of the critical issues facing the modern criminal justice system. Created by subject specialists, this 100% online degree gives you the chance to study alongside classmates and fellow professionals to take part in thought-provoking modules covering topics such as risk management, offender profiling and offender rehabilitation. The BSc (Hons) Criminal Psychology is made up of the following modules and upon completion, is equivalent to a total of 360 credits. CertHE is available for this course, equal to a total of 120 credits.

• Fundamentals of Effective Learning in Psychology
• Introduction to Social Psychology
• Crime & Society
• Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
• Introduction to Offender Profiling
• Introduction to Research Methods
• Dealing with Offending Behaviour
• Personality and Intelligence
• Biological Psychology
• Advanced Cognitive Psychology

A shorter 16-month CertHE is also available for this course, equal to a total of 120 credits.

University of Essex Online offer 100% online and part-time degree courses to both UK and international students. They’re one of the top 30 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025). All University of Essex Online degrees are awarded and validated by the University of Essex. This means you’ll get to benefit from world-class research, ground-breaking teaching, and become part of a truly global community.   We're proud to be rated Gold in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Rankings 2024. Our achievement, which is based on four pillars - resources, engagement, outcomes and environment - recognises our commitment to excellent online education. Our students benefit from a flexible approach to learning while receiving the same dedicated support. Whether you're a professional looking to enhance your career or a school leaver who wants to boost their CV, online study is a cost-effective, convenient and flexible way to get ahead.

At University of Essex Online, we believe everyone should be able to access education. That’s why we take both academic and work-based experience into account when deciding if a student is eligible for a course.  All our potential students are assessed individually by a dedicated Admissions team who’ll determine whether they’re right for either our academic, open or work experience entry route onto our courses. Academic entry route

• three A-levels or equivalent

Work experience entry route

• GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, or equivalent
• three years’ relevant work experience

English language requirements As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency. You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of the countries listed on our website.

• Designated for postgraduate student loans in England.
• Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies.
• Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront.
• Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries.
• Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.
• 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us.

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships.

Upon completion of this course, like many of our criminology graduates you may wish to enter a senior role within the criminal justice system. Alternatively, you could go on to become a police officer; work in offender support, probation, prison and victim services, or security; or even work in the National Crime Agency. Gaining an undergraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2024 Career and Employability Survey showed:

• 7 in 10 undergraduate students would recommend us to a friend
• 4 in 5 undergraduates said their studies helped career progression
• 2 in 5 students feel ready to make a career change
• 90% of students felt better prepared for their career after studying with us