Bangor University

Criminology and Psychology

Bangor UniversityBangor, United Kingdom

Course overview

Highlights

Study a combined Criminology and Psychology and explore topics such as crime, punishment, human behaviour and social psychology. Benefit from our strong partnerships with criminal justice agencies at local, national, and international levels, giving you real-world insight and valuable connections. Study the social, legal and political factors influencing crime, punishment and victimisation, and learn how agencies like the police, courts, prisons and probation manage offenders and prevent crime.

Taught by internationally respected researchers with expertise in representations of crime in media, victimisation, emotion, social behaviour, the effects of crime on society, perception and policy development in response.

Course overview

Are you curious about why people behave the way they do? Want to understand what drives criminal behaviour and how society responds to it? This dynamic degree brings together the study of Criminology and Psychology, giving you the opportunity to study human behaviour and the systems designed to manage crime and justice.

You’ll examine how the body and the brain work together, how experiences shape our behaviour and how we interpret and make sense of the world around us. At the same time, you’ll be gaining practical knowledge and understanding of how the criminal justice system works. From the police and the prison system to rehabilitation and victim support you’ll gain an appreciation of the challenges associated with the management and treatment of offenders.

Throughout your studies, you’ll learn from experts whose research is shaping real-world policy and practice. You’ll explore strategies for supporting victims, managing offenders, and protecting vulnerable groups, developing a skillset that’s highly valued across sectors. Your skillset will be of use to any organisation where understanding people matters.

Opening a wide range of careers in the police, prison, probation, security or youth offending services, child protection, local or national government, NGOs, charities and more. Read more Course options

Placement year

What is the Placement Year? This exciting opportunity allows you to spend a year working with a self-sourced, professional organisation relevant to your studies. You'll typically start between June and September of your second year and finish by the following June or September.

Placements can be UK-based or even overseas. Why choose a Placement Year? Gain practical experience that complements your academic learning Make valuable industry contacts that could open doors for future careers Strengthen your employability by gaining real-world experience.

How does the Placement Year work? With dedicated support from your Academic School and our Careers and Employability Services, you will be fully equipped to find the perfect placement to complement your degree. We will guide you through the process of securing and finalising your placement arrangements.

Is the Placement Year for you? There is no need to decide now. You will have the chance to explore the Placement Year option after starting your course at Bangor University.

We'll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. Ready to find out more? Discover the exciting work experience opportunities available by visiting the Work Experience During Your Degree section on our website.

International Experience Year What is the International Experience Year? Take your studies to the next level and graduate with ‘International Experience' in your degree title. This degree offers an optional additional International Experience Year, giving you the chance to spend a year abroad.

Why choose an International Experience Year? Expand your horizons and gain a fresh perspective by living and learning in a different country Boost your career prospects by graduating with international experience and intercultural skills Choose your adventure from a range of exciting destinations and partner…

Key highlights

  • Strong partnerships with local, national and international criminal justice agencies
  • Learn how police, courts, prisons and probation manage offenders
  • Taught by internationally respected researchers shaping real-world policy
  • Explore how brain, body and experience shape human behaviour
  • Optional self-sourced placement year in the UK or overseas
  • Develop strategies for supporting victims and protecting vulnerable groups

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points: 104-128 — Offers are tariff based, 104 - 128 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.: A Levels: General Studies and Key Skills not normally accepted.
  • BTEC: DMM-DDM — BTEC National Extended Diploma
  • Welsh Baccalaureate — We will accept this qualification in conjunction with othe

Scholarships

  • Alumni Scholarship

    £1,000 in addition to any other international scholarship awarded by Bangor University, UK (excluding the Vice-Chancellor scholarship), awarded for each year of study.

    Up to £1,000
  • Deans Scholarship

    Undergraduate: £6,000 (per year of study); Postgraduate: £6,000.

    Up to £6,000
  • International Scholarships

    Undergraduate: £4,000 minimum (per year of study); Postgraduate: £6,000.

  • Start-Up Bursaries

    Start Up Bursaries of £1,000 are available to those students (aged under 25) entering the University from care.

    Up to £1,000
  • Vice-Chancellor Scholarship

    Undergraduate & Postgraduate Taught - £10,000

    Up to £10,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Police officer
  • Prison officer
  • Probation officer
  • Youth offending officer
  • Child protection officer
  • Victim support worker

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 | International: £18,000

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Bangor University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.

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