FdSc Psychology and Criminology

We consider a variety of qualifications and relevant experience, and each application is assessed on its own merit.

Applicants will usually be required to have a minimum of 48 UCAS points, from at least one of the following: A Levels, BTEC Nationals, Access to Higher Education Diploma, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualifications. A variety of other qualifications and relevant experience will also be considered, and each application is assessed on its own merit.

Applicants must have Level 2 English (GCSE Grade 5 or C, Adult Literacy).

Candidates with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on the basis of relevant work experience and attainment of skills, which demonstrate an ability to study at this level. Students with non-standard qualifications may be asked to complete a written piece of work on a relevant subject and/or a learning needs assessment.

A DBS check will be required for many of the placement opportunities available to students and for many future employment opportunities related to this programme. DBS is not a mandatory requirement for entry to the course, but applicants must acknowledge that their opportunities may be limited if they refuse to complete a DBS application or if they have a criminal record.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading , Writing, Listening and Speaking or an equivalent English Language qualification).

Each module is worth a specified number of credits: you take a combination of compulsory (and if available optional modules) enabling you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interests. For full time students a total of 120 credits will be studied in each academic year. In the majority of cases this will consist of 6 modules. For part time students it will depend on the intensity of your studies.

Year 1 Modules

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychology of Aggression
• Individual Differences & Quantitative Research Method
• Foundations of Criminology
• An Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Forensic Psychology: Offender Profiling & Detection

Year 2 Modules

• Forensic Psychology: Offending Behaviour & Rehabilitation
• Applied Psychology: Theories of Gender & Memory
• Positive Psychology & Qualitative Research
• Policing & Multi-Agency Crime
• Professional Practice
• Youth and Deviant Identities

Timetables are normally available one month before the commencement of your studies. As a guide, last year the first year of this programme was timetabled on: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Part time study on FdSc Criminology and Psychology means studying four modules per year for three years, instead of the full time option of studying six modules per year for two years. This gives students more time to learn the content and to complete the assessments, but it does not necessarily change the amount of days students are required to attend. We endeavour to timetable part time students for 1.5 days per week, but this is dependent on room and staff availability. There is a chance that part time students will sometimes be required to join the full time students for three days per week in some semesters and only one day per week in other semesters.

The Criminology and Psychology team engage with local employers and volunteering agencies to help our students identify and organise valuable work experience opportunities. You are supported, but not required, to undertake a work placement in order to identify potential career opportunities. You are also offered the chance to enrol on additional short courses that can enhance your employability. In 2017-18 some of our students completed courses in Counselling, Forest School and Safeguarding. Associated costs relating to your placement are your responsibility and can be supported by your first year bursary.

There are two formal or summative assessed pieces of work for each module. Assessment methods can include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. In addition to formal assessments throughout modules of study there will be developmental (formative) assessments to support you with developing greater understanding of your progress.

The balance of assessment by examination/test, coursework and practical depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:

Year 1: 87% coursework, 13% practical
Year 2: 100% coursework

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

Our dedicated teaching team will support with your application of theoretical and practical knowledge and will be invaluable to your future progression. Their passion and enthusiasm is exceptional, with dedicated support and tutorial time available so that you can make the most of your studies. This support has been crucial to the success of many past students who may not come from a traditional education pathway.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the UCSD Research Centre, and our course specific environments.

Your overall workload at Level 4 consists of class contact hours, of approximately 15 hours’ per week, plus independent learning, and assessment activity. Together, this equates to approximately 36 hours per week. While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Level 4: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.
Level 5: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.

A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision. We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.

Upon completion of this foundation degree you may progress to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies, BSc (Hons) Criminology with Psychology or BSc (Hons) Criminology and Policing Studies degrees at the University of Plymouth.

Please note that there is a deadline for progression applications and places may be subject to availability.

Alternatively, you would be suitable to enter employment in a wide range of roles and professions within the sector or in the wider community.

The course will prepare you for professional practice in a number of fields, offering you a diverse array of employment opportunities upon completion. You will need to undertake postgraduate study or further training to work as a professional in one of the following fields: Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Counselling, Lecturing, Teaching, Social Work, Criminal Intelligence Analyst, MI5 Intelligence Officer, Forensic Accountant.

Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.

Equipment to support practical sessions related to your programme of learning
Compulsory visits related to your programme of learning
Annual £10 printing allowance
Access to e-books and e-journals relating to your programme of study

Additional printing over the initial allowance
Personal protective equipment related to practical modules
Optional overseas and UK based field trips
The cost of books you may wish to purchase
An annual parking fee or bus pass for travel to UCSD