Criminology and Psychology BA (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate

Female sat on a bunk bed inside a cell with the door slightly open

Explore criminological issues, forensic psychology, and the psychology of crime and mental health to help build an impactful career in preventative education and rehabilitation in the criminal justice system and beyond.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

C2DF

Start date

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Your UCAS Guide

Course overview

This interdisciplinary course offers a chance to explore crime and criminal justice through critical perspectives and psychological insights. By applying theory to real-world settings, you should gain the skills needed to address key societal issues and prepare for an impactful, rewarding career in this field.

Contemporary curriculum: gain expert insights into crime prevention, rehabilitation, witness and victim trauma, and the inner workings of the justice system.
Interdisciplinary Knowledge: this course offers a nuanced perspective on crime and justice by merging criminological theories with psychological principles, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Industry-focused learning: our approach combines innovative teaching methods and immersive simulations in our mock prison cells and moot room to prepare you for the complexities of crime and justice, ensuring your learning is directly aligned with current challenges in the criminal justice system.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Specialised topics: specialise in an exciting range of topics and themes within the programme. These include the psychology of criminal behaviour, rehabilitation and criminal justice, psychology in forensic contexts and punishment and control.
Project-based learning: actively engage in real-world, meaningful projects and work on complex problems. Create tangible solutions and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Assessments are designed to reflect the type of work and tasks carried out by those working in criminology and psychology. They may include the production of opinion pieces, reports and research papers, posters and infographics, as well as problem-solving scenarios such as assessment centre exercises. These are designed to showcase your expertise and real-world readiness.
Impactful work: graduates can expect to make a real difference by working on crime prevention, rehabilitation and justice reform, helping to create safer, more equitable communities.
Applied learning: the course provides a deep understanding of the psychological factors influencing criminal actions and societal responses, helping to prepare you to work within systems that deal with offenders, victims and law enforcement.
Academic community: learning experiences are designed to be built around collaboration and research, taught by a team of accessible criminologists and psychologists.

What you'll study

Your first year is shared with students from closely related courses. This approach allows you to learn alongside other disciplines, broaden your perspective and develop strong collaboration skills from the very start.

The common first year also offers flexibility. If you discover a stronger interest in another subject area, you may have the opportunity to transfer to a related course at the end of the year, subject to meeting progression requirements.

Common first year courses:

Criminology BA (Hons)
Criminology and Forensic Investigations BA (Hons)
Criminology and Law BA (Hons)
Criminology and Psychology BA (Hons)
Criminology and Youth Justice BA (Hons)

Modules

The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour – 30 credits

This module examines criminal behaviour through criminological and psychological theories, exploring decision-making, rationalisation and criminogenic risk factors. Key concepts include social identity, cognitive development and self-regulation. You will critically assess various perspectives, evaluating their strengths and limitations in explaining offending and societal responses to crime.

Compulsory

The Criminal Justice System – 30 credits

This module introduces the English legal system, focusing on sources of law, criminal justice institutions and legal personnel. You will critically explore the wider contextual landscape of the law, examining key issues like truth, justice and the rule of law. This module also introduces key legal research skills, particularly the retrieval and use of appropriate primary and secondary legal sources.

Compulsory

Crime Patterns and Analysis – 30 credits

This module introduces you to different types of criminal activity, with a focus on the relationships between types of crimes, offenders and representations in the media. You will examine patterns and trends relating to violence, acquisitive crimes, public order offences and organised crime, and consider how globalisation and technological development may impact these forms of criminal activities.

Compulsory

Principles of Investigation: Theory and Practice – 30 credits

This module is designed to introduce you to investigative concepts, issues and approaches. You will learn about the nature of formal investigations, the focus of investigations, investigative mindset, methods, processes, management and accountability that govern investigations. This module aims to help you get a theoretical and practical understanding of the development of investigative practices and how investigations are administered.

Compulsory

Modules

Crime, Nature and Resistance – 30 credits

This module explores the complex connections between crime, the environment and activism, from eco-crimes and corporate harm to radical resistance movements such as Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil. This module uncovers how notions of law, power and justice shape our planet. You will engage in debate and discover how resistance challenges environmental harm.

Compulsory

Psychology in Forensic Contexts - 30 credits

Discover how psychology has shaped effective models, frameworks and practical strategies in the forensic field that enhance the ability to understand, support and engage with individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. From policing to court systems and prisons, this module looks at how psychology plays a vital role in navigating and improving these complex environments through solution-focused learning.

Compulsory

Policing – 30 credits

This module introduces you to key issues relating to policing democratic societies, including a critical evaluation of the relationships among the police, the state and the citizen. It aims to assess the independence of the police and their interdependence within the wider criminal justice system. This module will also explore concepts such as consensus, legitimacy and accountability in relation to policing practice. Topics to be debated range from policing protest and disorder to the role of the media in representing the police.

Compulsory

Punishment and Control – 30 credits

This module explores the history and current issues of criminal sanctions, examining theories of punishment and risk management. It critically assesses the effectiveness of custodial and community sentences, addressing topics like prison diversity, privatisation and reintegration. Apply your understanding through group exercises in an assessment centre setting, developing insights into punishment and control practices.

Compulsory

A placement year² provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real-world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

Modules

Rehabilitation and Criminal Justice – 30 credits

This module examines rehabilitation in the criminal justice system and responses to the criminogenic factors impacting offenders from diverse backgrounds. It will critically explore, applying crime desistance research, the role of preventive rehabilitation with people at risk of becoming offenders and factors that reduce criminal behaviour. The module further examines legislation such as the Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014, courts and rehabilitation activity and treatment requirements in sentencing, and the role of multi-agency professionals in probation, prisons and allied services..

Compulsory

Forensic Mental Health – 30 credits

This module offers a critical and theoretical exploration of the intersection between mental health, crime and justice. The module draws on theory from across disciplinary boundaries including criminology, psychology and forensic psychiatry to analyse the relationship between serious mental illness, violence, victimisation and (in)justice.

Compulsory

Victimology – 30 credits

This module focuses on political, social, cultural and popular constructions of victims of crime and wider social harms. It places critical focus on the victimisation experiences of marginalised social groups, demonstrating that certain individuals and groups are more readily ascribed victim status than others. You will consider how technology and global insecurity affect the way people experience being victims of crimes today on an international scale.

Compulsory

Optional modules, choose one from the following two modules:

Aggression, Violence and Serious Offending – 30 credits
This module critically examines key theories behind aggression, violence and serious offending. Learn to understand why someone might commit a serious offence or engage in aggressive and violent behaviours from multiple psychological approaches. Applying your knowledge to authentic case studies and scenarios, you will consider how to support service users and professionals to overcome challenging behaviours.
Violence and Exploitation – 30 credits
This module explores violence and exploitation in childhood and adulthood worldwide. Investigate incidence, prevalence, reporting and theoretical frameworks. Develop an understanding of concepts, current debates and theoretical approaches to violence and exploitation. Discussions cover research ranging from individual crimes to global organised crime, examining impacts on victims/survivors, national and international justice systems, support services and prevention strategies.

Availability of optional modules may vary depending on student demand.

Optional

This year introduces you to your chosen subject while building essential skills.

Explore everything from the English legal system and contract law to criminal practice and legal professional skills, giving you a solid understanding of the subject before you progress.
Perfect the research and writing styles you’ll need to ace your degree-level assignments.
Learn core principles so you feel completely prepared when you start Year 1 of your degree.

On successful completion of this foundation year, you will be able to progress to year 1 of the degree.

Modules

Introduction to the English Legal System - 30 credits

Gain a basic understanding of legal theories and the key underpinning concepts, terms and processes in the Law of England and Wales. Get insights into legal professional practice, law in the workplace and the nature, purpose and various sources of law. Develop an understanding of the institutional legal system and its operation while exploring its strengths and shortcomings. Throughout this module, you should be able to gain an appreciation of the current issues confronting the legal system and the study of law in general.

Compulsory

Contract Law - 30 credits

Gain an understanding of the key underpinning concepts, terms and processes in Contract Law, including the nature of contractual obligations under common law as affected by statute. Explore the operation of contract law in practice, the factors influencing its development, and those that may affect its future. The module examines what constitutes a valid enforceable contract, helping you understand resulting obligations, the rights of third parties and contractual terms. Explore vitiating factors, the discharge of contractual obligations, and the remedies available at both common law and in equity. Examine the role of tortious liability to recognise the importance of the law of restitution.

Compulsory

Criminal Law and Practice - 30 credits

This module covers both criminal theory and criminal litigation processes. Examine the general principles of criminal law, including how liability is incurred through acts, omissions, and intention. Study offences involving dishonesty, non-fatal offences against the person, murder, manslaughter and criminal damage alongside relevant defences. Analyse key doctrines and rules through the lens of statute and case law. Examine how criminal cases proceed through the court system of England and Wales so you can gain the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for effective practice in criminal law.

Compulsory

Academic and Professional Skills for Lawyers - 30 credits

This module provides a clear understanding of the requirements for legal study, teaching you how to create, draft and use various client care documents.

It begins by considering your own learning style, offering an opportunity for personal evaluation to identify individual strengths and weaknesses. You will conduct this self-evaluation to recognise progress and identify further areas for development. Following this, you will work independently to improve your academic skill set based on your findings. A clear focus on application, practices and feedback from peers and tutors will be maintained throughout the term.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Learn through hands-on activities and real-world examples, using the same approaches professionals use in the field. It’s all about helping you build the skills you need to feel confident and prepared for your future career.

Forget stressful end-of-year exams. We focus on applied learning using a mix of lectures, tutorials and online study to get you ready for the real world. Instead of one big test, we assess your progress through coursework and phase tests. This better reflects the way you’ll likely work in your future career.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 10 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

The foundation year will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module and may include:

practical class and project performance
written practical reports
project thesis
oral presentations
tutorial tasks

Assessments take place at the end of each six-week block.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as provide an overall percentage grade.

Teaching methods may include:

interactive lectures that may be delivered online or face-to-face
seminars involving smaller groups working on problems or holding discussions and debates about issues arising in the lectures
workshops involving a combination of content delivery and group work
working together on projects to help develop critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and creative thinking
simulations, enabling you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 12 and 15 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course incorporates new and innovative assessment methods aligned with current industry standards, providing you with practical, real-world skills designed to advance your professional readiness and career prospects.

Assessment methods may include:

writing exercises such as essays, reports, policy reviews and briefings
live simulations and reflective journals about them
group and individual presentations
posters and infographics
problem-solving scenarios such as assessment centre exercises
podcasts, academic posters and vlogs.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Emphasising inter-cultural awareness in all our students, the course content situates issues in a global context. It offers opportunity for international experience through collaborative international online learning projects where students work on a task jointly with students from an institution abroad. Study abroad forms part of the optional sandwich year which students normally take after successful completion of their second year.²

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed.²

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

64 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. For T levels: overall grade of Pass (D or E on the Core) in the T level qualification in any subject.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £5,760	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the table above for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above RPI.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Applies to degree only

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

Foundation year funding

To secure funding for a degree with a foundation year, you must complete the full four-year programme. If you do not finish the entire course, including the integrated foundation year, you may have to pay the foundation year fees yourself. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This degree with foundation year is not currently available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

You’ll spend your foundation year at our CU Coventry Mile Lane building, just a short walk from Coventry city centre. You can still make the most of all the facilities at the main Coventry University campus whenever you like.

Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you’ll move over to the Coventry University campus to study your degree.

Facilities are subject to availability⁴. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Teaching and learning take place in modern facilities⁴ on the main Coventry University campus near to the University Hub, Students Union, and library. Extensive use is made of seminar and workshop rooms for smaller groups to facilitate active group learning.

Take a virtual tour

Prison cells

Two prison cells, one single and one double, are in the Richard Crossman Building on main campus and used to give a sense of the real-life experiences of inmates, and for role play learning.

Library

Our dedicated subject librarian on main campus will provide guidance on searching and retrieving academic sources using the library systems and databases, as well as assistance and support with individual enquiries.

Centre for Academic Writing

The Centre for Academic Writing next to the Library will offer individual advice on developing writing skills or dealing with writing problems.

Careers and opportunities

Throughout the course, you should develop a broad range of highly valued skills to reflect the changing and dynamic needs of industry, including exceptional communication, project planning, critical thinking and analysis, problem-solving, and powerful presentation and listening skills.

On successful completion of the course, you should be a globally and interculturally aware graduate ready to make a dynamic difference in the world. You could find yourself working in the following roles:

Teacher (requires further study for PGCE)
Offender rehabilitation support worker
Consumer behaviour or market research analyst
Probation officer
Prison officer or other roles within prisons such as an activities coordinator
Support worker for addiction recovery · Compliance or risk analyst (in banking, finance, corporate sectors)
Support worker for a rehabilitation charity.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Where our graduates work

Recent graduates have gone on to pursue postgraduate qualifications and work for a range of organisations, including The National Crime Agency, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, HM Prison Service, Coventry Cyrenians, West Midlands Police and the Metropolitan Police.

Further study

Progression routes to courses for further study within Coventry University include:

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How to apply

BA (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

This course with foundation year is not available to international students.

UK students

UCAS applications will open for this course from May 2026. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Study location

The Foundation Year study route will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University.

If you choose to study at CU Coventry for your Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU Coventry, Mile Lane, Coventry. Subject to meeting progression requirements you will then transition to the relevant Coventry University subject building for your progression degree.

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

Some of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first academic year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year.

For UK (home) students, if the Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees annually but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the University. A copy of the current 2025/26 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the University will owe to you. You should read the applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.