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HE Criminology and Psychology student at University Centre Bishop Burton

Criminology and Psychology Degree Courses

Interested in working in the police, prison or probation services, or for support networks for ex-offenders?

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Interested in crime, psychology and the criminal justice system?

Studying Criminology at Bishop Burton College in East Yorkshire gives you a strong understanding of crime, its causes and its impact on society, alongside real-world insight into the criminal justice sector.

Our courses combine theory with practical application, helping you develop the knowledge and skills needed for careers in policing, probation, prisons and related fields.

Criminology Degrees at Bishop Burton – Quick Overview

  • Location: East Yorkshire
  • Study level: Foundation Degree and Honours Degree
  • Focus: Criminology with psychology and criminal justice
  • Learning style: Practical, career-focused with real-world insight
  • Career paths: Police, prison service, probation, security, support services
  • Progression: Employment in criminal justice or postgraduate study
HE Criminology and Psychology student at University Centre Bishop Burton
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Why Study Criminology at Bishop Burton?

  • Learn from industry-experienced tutors
    Including lecturers with real backgrounds in policing and criminal justice.
  • Explore real-world crime and justice issues
    Study both traditional and contemporary perspectives on crime and its impact on society.
  • Strong industry links
    Engage with guest speakers from the police, prison and probation services, and organisations supporting crime reduction.
  • Opportunities for real experience
    Take part in work placements or even volunteer as a Special Constable alongside your studies.
  • Supportive learning environment
    Benefit from smaller class sizes and personalised support throughout your degree.

Criminology Degree Courses Available

At University Centre Bishop Burton, students can progress into specialist criminology degrees such as:

  • FdA Criminology
    A practical foundation degree designed to introduce students to crime, criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system. The course develops knowledge in criminology theory, psychology, policing and rehabilitation.
  • BA (Hons) Criminology
    This degree explores the causes of crime and how society responds, focusing on areas such as criminal justice, policing, prisons and social impact. You’ll develop analytical, research and investigative skills relevant to a wide range of careers.
  • Higher Education Certificate:
    A one-year practical degree course running parallel to the FdA programme, designed to introduce students to criminology, psychology, and the criminal justice system. This course has a reduced UCAS entry tariff and seeks to prepare students to progress onto the FdA programme. 

What You Will Study

Criminology degrees explore the causes of crime, how society responds and how the criminal justice system operates. Depending on your chosen pathway, you might study

  • You may study topics such as:
  • Causes of crime and criminal behaviour
  • Psychology and criminology theory
  • The criminal justice system
  • Policing, prisons and probation
  • Crime prevention and rehabilitation
  • Social impact of crime

These courses develop both analytical thinking and real-world understanding, preparing you for a range of careers.

 

Facilities and Industry Experience

Studying criminology at Bishop Burton means learning through real-world insight into the criminal justice system.

You will have access to:

  • Guest speakers from police, prison and probation services
  • Real-world case studies and current crime issues
  • Opportunities for volunteering or relevant industry experience
  • Industry-informed teaching from experienced professionals
  • Links with organisations involved in crime prevention and rehabilitation
  • Practical learning that reflects real criminal justice scenarios

These experiences allow you to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations within the criminal justice sector.

Careers in Criminology

A Criminology degree can lead to careers such as:

  • Police Officer
  • Prison Officer
  • Probation Officer
  • Youth Justice Worker
  • Community Support Worker
  • Security and intelligence roles

Graduates may also progress into further study or specialist training within the sector

Entry Requirements and Progression

Criminology degrees are typically open to students progressing from:

  • Level 3 Criminology or Social Science courses
  • T Levels in relevant subjects
  • A Levels in subjects such as Psychology, Sociology or Law
  • Other related diplomas or qualifications

Many students progress from further education courses directly into university-level criminology study at Bishop Burton.

Industry Links and Guest Speakers

At Bishop Burton, you’ll learn from experienced lecturers and connect with professionals across the criminal justice sector.

You will benefit from:

  • Guest speakers from Humberside Police and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS)
  • Insights from organisations working in crime prevention and rehabilitation
  • Tutors with real industry experience and strong professional connections
  • Real-world case studies and current criminal justice issues
  • Opportunities to build industry knowledge and career awareness

These industry links provide real insight into the criminal justice system and help prepare you for careers in policing, probation, prisons and beyond.

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FAQs

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Student Profiles

Ben Watherington

Ben Watherington

Ben studied with us at college level, before progressing onto our Criminology degree course. He now works in the healthcare sector, and hopes to explore a career within health, but in the prison service.

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Meet your tutors

Criminology Degree Courses Nick Drewery

Nick Drewery

Programme Leader

Nick is the driving force within the Criminology team. A former Police Officer, he has experience within Child Protection, working with vulnerable witnesses and as a Disclosure Officer with the Major Incident Team. Currently Nick is working on a PhD in Visual Criminology, undertaking a range of fascinating research tasks. 

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