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BSc (Hons)Criminal Investigation with Psychology

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Starting in2025
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UCAS code: CIN1
Institution code: S30
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study a criminal investigation with psychology degree at Solent University

Understanding the motives behind criminal behaviour is key in investigating crime to explain criminality and to deliver justice.

  • Top0%
    for satisfaction with assessment in psychology, out of 116 institutions (Guardian University Guide, 2025)
  • Top0%
    for teaching quality, out of 131 institutions (Times Good University Guide, 2025)
  • 0th
    UK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes 2022)
  • As well as key modules in understanding crime, you will gain transferable skills through modules in psychology applied to crime and social change.
  • The course is designed, taught and assessed in partnership with social work practitioners, service users and carers, ensuring you are up to date with the latest developments in the field.
  • You will learn from experts with extensive links with local and national employers, such as Hampshire Constabulary, the National Probation Service, Portsmouth Adult Social Care, a Portsmouth drug addiction charity, the National Crime Agency and various international organisations.
  • Guest speakers include professionals who work within public health, the police, the probation service, cybersecurity and the military.
  • You will use our portable crime scene and courtroom during the Investigating Crime Scenes and Forensic Evidence modules.
  • Benefit from a strong mentoring support network that has led directly to employment for students, and extended beyond employment, into pastoral and welfare care.
  • Our portfolio of social and policy research is rich and diverse, with some of the most pressing societal concerns at the forefront of exploration - you will learn from experts in their field.
  • You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.

Course overview

The skills developed are benchmarked against the requirements of investigations and psychology employment such as analytical thinking, crime scene investigations, presentation of evidential studies and critical thinking.

The course is regularly updated and informed by the latest theory and working practice, thanks to experienced lecturing staff working within criminal justice and criminology – ensuring your tuition is current, real-world relevant and tailored to the needs of the industry.

And we are proud to offer a wide range of expert guest speakers from the industry, enhancing your learning through practical understanding of sector challenges and considerations – and offering a network of employment opportunities. The course is also supported by optional site visits, both locally and internationally, giving you the chance to broaden your perspective of the criminal justice sector.

As well as developing your personal skills, you will build a range of highly transferable communication, teamwork and group interaction skills to enhance your employability.

And the learning experience at Solent is a key feature of the course, providing opportunities for personal and group reflection alongside highly stimulating tuition. Many of the staff are current industry experts and published academics in relevant fields, with an open-door policy and a wealth of experience to share.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

Contact international admissions

Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066

Course features

  • Foundation year available

    If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years

  • Further studies

    After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent

  • Placement year

    If you apply for this course with a placement year, you have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry between your second and third years

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

  • Top-up option

    If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year

  • Study abroad

    You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course

Who is this course for?

This course is suited to students who wish to follow a career path in criminal investigation with psychology or similar professional/voluntary capacity.

You will build analytical and research skills that can be transferred to a broad range of careers, along with valuable industry connections through site visits, guest speakers and lecturers’ own networks within the industry.

What does this course lead to?

If you’re looking for a career path in criminal investigation or psychology, this is the course for you.

You will be well placed for roles within the criminal justice sector and related fields, while your analytical and research-focused skills, along with a range of transferrable skills will aid employability in a broad range of careers, such as in the business and voluntary sectors.

Graduate stories

Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.

Meet the team

The course is delivered by an experienced team with backgrounds in psychological practice, academic research and criminal justice. The course team encourage students to pursue valuable work experience throughout their studies. Solent’s established connections with psychological organisations and local and national criminal justice agencies have helped provide past students with relevant opportunities.

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.

Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.

    International opportunities

    Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.

    Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.

    For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.

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