4-Term Pathway - International Foundation Year in Social Sciences and Humanities - Continue to Bachelor of Arts - Criminology and Psychology

This program will prepare students for entry to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree in a wide range of subjects, including many based at the £10m LICA building. Popular subjects include law, film studies, sociology, linguistics and politics.

Lancaster has outstanding league table rankings for Criminology and Psychology, and a great track record for graduate prospects. These are just two reasons to take a Criminology and Psychology degree at Lancaster University.

This innovative degree explores the relationship between crime and the human mind. Informed by the latest research and combining theory and practice, the degree offers students the opportunity to study both Criminology and Psychology in equal measure. Due to the flexible structure, students can continue on the joint major pathway or switch to a Psychology major (which includes British Psychological Society accreditation) at the end of the first year.

The degree is led and taught by the world-leading, research-active academics based in the prestigious Law School and Psychology Department. They will introduce students to key themes and topics in Criminology and Psychology, as well as helping them to engage with recent and influential research. The degree draws on the Departments’ expertise in forensic psychology, youth justice, decision-making, policing, prisons and punishment, sex work, hate crime, drugs and substance abuse, gender-based violence, climate change, welfare and media.

The first year will introduce students to core criminological and psychological concepts and perspectives, including explanations for crime and offending behaviour and social psychology. During the second year students will explore a broad range of criminological theories and perspectives, consider how to ‘do’ criminological and psychological research and be able to choose a range of optional modules which explore various criminological and psychological controversies and issues. By year three, students will have the choice to study specialist subjects in depth from a range of optional modules. Students will also be required to research a topic of their choice for a crime-based dissertation.

Masterclasses, expert seminars, volunteering and work placement opportunities will also enhance students knowledge, experience and practical skills. Assessment is varied, including coursework, presentations, exams, reflective accounts and dissertation.