BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology
01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2027
| Course Leader | Laura Drummond |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Harriet Cassley, Dan Bowers, Alexis Jones |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Full Time, Part Time, Full Time Sandwich |
Document Version
| Version | 1 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2023 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2027 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
To produce a scientific understanding of the mind, brain, behaviour, and experience and of the complex interactions between these
To present multiple perspectives in both Psychology and Criminology in a way that fosters critical analysis and reflection
To provide students with the ability to integrate and apply multiple approaches to the explanation of criminal justice and criminal behaviour
Develop a critical understanding of the role of empirical evidence in the creation and constraint of theory and also in how theory guides the collection and interpretation of empirical data
Initiate the acquisition and mastery of a range of research skills and methods, both quantitative and qualitative, for investigating experience and behaviour, culminating in an ability to conduct research independently
Develop a critical understanding how psychological and criminological approaches, methods and techniques can be applied to a wide range of real-world problems and questions
To provide students with the knowledge, intellectual and transferable skills required for courses accredited by the British Psychological Society as having the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
Enable the acquisition of transferable work-related skills to enhance employability and further professional development.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | Demonstrate sophisticated conceptual knowledge of core areas of Psychology, including Biological, Cognitive, Developmental and Social Psychology and Individual Differences and the inter-relationship between them and core areas within criminology and criminal justice, which include crime, criminal justice, policing, penology and criminal investigations. |
| A2 | Evidence a deep critical appreciation of the scientific underpinnings of Psychology and Criminology as disciplines |
| A3 | Show an in-depth understanding of the ways that perspectives from Psychology and Criminology can be applied to the solution of real-world problems and questions; including those related to forensic settings. |
| A4 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how to obtain and analyse evidence through extensive and progressive empirical work in laboratory and naturalistic settings including a critical understanding of the role of experimental design, the choice of research methods employed, and the analytic approach taken, for testing psychological theories |
| A5 | Critically assess policies and practice in the areas of crime and criminal justice |
| A6 | Appraise historical, conceptual, cultural and ethical issues in both Psychology and Criminology; including the application of ethical and professional practice frameworks. |
| B1 | Apply multiple perspectives to psychological issues, recognising that Psychology involves a range of research methods, theories, evidence and applications |
| B2 | Integrate ideas and findings across the multiple perspectives in Psychology and recognise distinctive psychological approaches to relevant issues |
| B3 | Identify and evaluate patterns in behaviour, psychological functioning and experience |
| B4 | Generate and explore hypotheses and research questions in both Psychology and Criminology drawing on relevant theory and research |
| B5 | Carry out empirical studies involving a variety of methods of data collection, including experiments, observation, questionnaires, interviews and focus groups |
| B6 | Analyse, present and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data and evaluate research findings |
| B7 | Employ evidence-based reasoning in Psychology and Criminology and examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues associated with the range of methodologies. |
| B8 | Use a variety of psychological tools, including specialist software, laboratory equipment and psychometric instruments |
| B9 | Apply knowledge of both Psychology and Criminology ethically and safely to real world problems; including those facing police, courts, prisons and secure mental health providers. |
| B10 | Critically evaluate theory and research in both Psychology and Criminology |
| B11 | Carry out an extensive piece of empirical research that requires individual demonstration of a range of research skills including planning, considering and resolving ethical issues, analysis and dissemination of findings |
| C1 | Communicate effectively; specifically by developing a cogent argument supported by relevant evidence and being sensitive to the needs and expectations of an audience. |
| C2 | Demonstrate numerical reasoning skills and computer literacy; displaying at the very least skill in the use of word processing, data bases and analytic software packages. |
| C3 | Recognise what is required for effective teamwork, articulate their own strengths and weaknesses in this regard and demonstrate awareness of the complexity of factors that shape behaviour. |
| C4 | Apply codes of ethics and conduct published by relevant professional bodies such as the British Psychological Society and the British Society of Criminology |
Course Structure
Level 4 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CM1S020 | MOD013541 | Exploring Crime and Deviance | Running | 20 | specified |
| CM1S017 | MOD013020 | Inside the criminal justice system | Running | 20 | specified |
| PL1D001 | MOD012191 | Critical Perspectives in Psychology | Running | 40 | specified |
| PL1D120 | MOD010480 | Investigating Methods and Evidence in Psychology | Running | 40 | core |
| PL1D120W | MOD013405C | Dulliau Ymchwilio a Thystiolaeth mewn Seicoleg | Running | 40 | optional |
Level 5 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PL2S126 | MOD010472 | Professional Practice and Employability | Running | 20 | specified |
| PL2S128 | MOD010485 | Advanced Methods and Evidence in Psychology | Running | 20 | specified |
| PL2S131 | MOD010498 | From Cells to Consciousness | Running | 20 | specified |
| PL2S132 | MOD010499 | Lifespan Development in the Social Context | Running | 20 | specified |
| PLPU001 | MOD013128 | Supervised Work Experience (Psychology) | Running | 120 | core |
| CM2S057 | MOD013572 | Unmasking Violent Crime | Running | 20 | specified |
| CM2S061 | MOD013606 | From Crime Scene to Court: Investigating Crime | Running | 20 | specified |
Level 6 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PL3D102 | MOD010488 | Psychology Dissertation | Running | 40 | core |
| PL3S151 | MOD010477 | Health Psychology across the Lifespan | Running | 20 | optional |
| PL3S152 | MOD010478 | The Psychology of Education and Work | Running | 20 | optional |
| PL3S155 | MOD010490 | Psychological Disorders and Therapeutic Interventions | Running | 20 | optional |
| PL3S156 | MOD010491 | Applications of Social Psychology | Running | 20 | optional |
| PL3S157 | MOD010492 | Cognitive Neuropsychology and Neuroscience | Running | 20 | optional |
| PL3S158 | MOD010493 | Forensic Psychology | Running | 20 | specified |
| CM3S057 | MOD013576 | Behind Bars and Beyond: Exploring Prisons, Probation, and Resettlement | Running | 20 | optional |
| CM3S058 | MOD013577 | Exploring Homicide: From Corporate Homicide to Serial Killers | Running | 20 | optional |
| CM3S059 | MOD013578 | Breaking the Silence: Examining Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence | Running | 20 | optional |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
The range of learning and teaching strategies. The precise number of hours will vary depending on the optional modules chosen at Level 6. Thus ranges of hours are provided where this applies.Active/simulation based - In course specific workshops role play scenarios will be used to help embody the skills and knowledge from lectures. These are particularly prominent in modules such as Critical Issues in Criminal Investigations where crime scene simulations are used assessments and in Forensic Psychology where role play is utilised to develop insights into offender behaviour and cognitions. Integrated into practical classes and workshopsLectures - Lectures will be utilised to deliver key underpinning knowledge in relation to contemporary developments in the field. However, it is recognised that combined with tutor directed learning, students will be encouraged to discuss ideas throughout the programme with the opportunity to develop a forward thinking approach to learning. Students will be afforded the chance to question, explain and explore topics amongst their peer group to further their learning experience. As such, tutor led learning will introduce and develop key module content. Module assignments are designed to facilitate student directed learning through the application of knowledge and understanding. 262 hours (7.28%) Years 1,2,3Seminars - Guided by the tutor, students will discuss relevant topics in detail. This will include in-depth discussions of key articles and debates. Students will take an active part in all sessions. 256-280 hours (7.11-7.78%) Years 1,2,3Tutorials - Tutorials will be used in three ways; first PAC tutorials will be utilised, however these will sit outside of the module delivery and are designed to support students’ academic and professional progress. Second, tutorials will be attached to certain modules to support students learning. Finally, statistics “clinic” tutorials will support students with specific issues/questions about statistics and research methods. Largely integrated into practical classes and workshops but 2 hours in year 2 are designated for Policing as tutorials (0.06%)Group work - Group work will take place in a range of ways throughout the course and has not been separated out as it is holistically integrated into all activities including lectures and seminars. Integrated into practical classes and workshopsProject Supervision - Students will receive direct supervision of their dissertation project through the level 6 Advanced Research Methods (Dissertation) module. This supervision will incorporate one to one support in addition to small group support around methodological and analytical frameworks. 6 hours (0.17%) Year 3Demonstration - Throughout the programme students will have the opportunity to develop new skills through observation of laboratory sessions for example the use of EEG, VICON or eye tracking equipment used for data gathering and analysis as well as clinical observational opportunities using live demonstrations or video recordings. Integrated into practical classes and workshopsPractical Classes and Workshops - Course specific practical workshops will be aligned to each of the general Psychology and research methods based modules to enable appropriate subject contextualisation of key topics and activities. In addition, practical skills based workshops will be aligned to the topics covered in Criminology and Forensic Psychology modules to ensure students are able to see and experience the direct contextualisation of theory into practice. 216 hours (6.00%) Years 1,2,3Directed Study (including Online Learning) - The nature of directed study will vary from module to module. Normally learning resources will be provided on Blackboard to support students’ work on lectures, seminars and workshops. These resources will contain key questions to answer, tasks to complete and/or papers to review to support the enhancement of knowledge and understanding in key areas. For research methods, key lecture content will be delivered in the form of online materials recorded through Panopto. This will allow students the opportunity to learn key concepts prior to workshops and to revisit them in the light of workshop learning and practical activity. Finally online materials through Panopto are provided in some Level 6 modules. 968-1016 hours (26.89-28.22%) Years 1,2,3Independent Study - The nature of independent study will vary from module to module. In general however, this will include academic reading and research in the context of assessment preparation and wider reading to enhance subject knowledge and depth of understanding. 1625-1689 hours (45.14-46.92%) Years 1,2,3Placement - Students are encouraged to engage in voluntary placement activity from Year 1 onwards. Students who wish to pursue Masters training in Forensic Psychology are required to have accumulated relevant experience prior to application and the use of Psychology Plus volunteering or placements with Victim Support or PACT will build this experience. In addition there is further focussed and directed work/voluntary placement learning in the level 5 Professional Practice and Employability module. This comprises 70 hours of placement activity and associated reflective assessments. 70 hours (1.94%) Year 2Study Abroad - Individuals may make arrangements for overseas study via the Erasmus programme if suitable opportunities present themselves. Other overseas volunteering opportunities will be advertised to students where appropriate for example, with Leaves of Hope.Formative assessment-scheduled - Formative assessments will be scheduled in some modules to provide explicit practice opportunities for e.g. oral presentations or case studies. Opportunities to review/discuss assignments as part of classes will also be provided in some modules as formative assessment. 15-35 hours (0.42-0.97%) Years 1,2,3Formative assessment-independent - Formative assessments will also be included as part of portfolio activities and these will directly support students’ completion of summative assessments (e.g. a summary of learning from a workshop on critical reviewing could be used to support a summative critical review assessment). 79-91 hours (2.19-2.53%) Years 1,2,3
Employer Engagement
Visiting Speakers
Students will be given opportunities to listen to visiting speakers. This will facilitate their understanding of the workplace as well as focussing on particular pertinent issues pertaining to forensic Psychology and other related fields.
Volunteering
Students will be encouraged to volunteer to support a range of activities in different settings that will enhance their skill set. These might include, but not be limited to, volunteering with local prisons and youth offending teams, Victim Support, PACT, SOVA and Circles of Accountability and Support. The Psychology Plus scheme provides opportunities for volunteering in psychological settings, and students will also be directed to the Careers service that provides further general volunteering opportunities. Of particular relevance to this group would be the React placement provided as part of Psychology Plus.
Work Placements
As part of the level 5 Professional Practice and Employability module, students will be required to complete 70 hours of work placement activities that will directly aligned to a key theme within the course. The latter will be written up as a research report and presented to course tutors and colleagues within the setting.
Means of Assessment
Portfolio
Bibliography
Project
Essay
Exam
Set Exercise Time Constrained
Presentation
Research Plan/Proposal
Written assessment
Practical assessment
Report
Case Study
Practical coursework
Critical review
Reflective Portfolio
Online Exam
Document Analysis
Learning Support
Induction
A week long induction period will be held for new students that will include sign-posting to all aspects of student and learning support services. Colleagues from these areas are invited to introduce themselves to students during this week to enable them to put a face to a name in advance of more formal introductory sessions being timetabled into the cohort group tutorial (PAC) sessions. All students are assigned their PAC tutor during this week and students retain their PAC tutor in years 1 & 2. In year 3, PAC responsibilities devolve to the student’s dissertation supervisor. In addition to year 1 induction, students will receive a returning students’ induction in years 2 & 3 and this will cover expectations of Level 5&6 study, reminders of support available to students and discussions of timetables, modules and degree classifications.
Personal Tutorials
The subject area embeds PAC into a weekly cohort group system. Cohort groups are specific to courses and focus on helping learners succeed, and on providing advice and support for success. Students meet weekly with their PAC group and have individual PAC meetings with their tutor each term to discuss progression issues and set goals for the next period.
As the aim of PAC groups is to enhance students’ academic progress, attendance is monitored at group sessions and individual meetings and non-attendees are followed up to ensure continued engagement with the course; this may include issues of attendance, library and VLE use, success on assessments and, critically, an oversight of feedback across the course of study. Tutorials on study skills, employability and volunteering and academic progress/grade reviews are incorporated within these sessions. PAC groups operate in Years 1 & 2 with individual PAC tutorials being linked to dissertation supervision in Year 3.
Office hours
All academic staff connected with the course will make students aware of their weekly availability on their module planners and assessment briefs. These documents will be available on module UniLearn sites from the beginning of the academic year.
Tutorials
Some modules on the course have small group or individual tutorials to support students; however the majority of the tutorials are associated with Personal Academic Coaching and statistics or academic skills “clinics”.
Seminars
Seminars and workshops will be integrated into the teaching programme for each module.
Formative Assessment
Formative assessments will be integrated into the teaching programme for each module.
Progress meetings
See personal tutor and tutorial sections above.
Research Supervision
Students undertaking their dissertation module will receive academic support from a project supervisor who meets with the student on a regular basis to ensure the projects are progressing satisfactorily. Each supervisor is allocated 6 hours of direct contact time per student they are supervising, for this activity. As part of the dissertation module assessment strategy, students will be required to keep formal reflection logs of their supervision meetings that are signed by both student and supervisor; this is to ensure proactive engagement with the support opportunities that are made available. As students are required to complete an ethics assessment as part of the immersive learning for this module, supervisors will support students towards the identification of ethical issues and how these will be addressed. They also act as the first reviewer of a students’ ethics approval before this is submitted for independent review/verification.
A member of academic staff will also be appointed to manage the allocation and overall running of projects within the module and will produce a module handbook to aid the students in the delivery of the project.
Online Resources
Students will have access to all learning materials for their modules via their module UniLearn sites. The UniLearn course organisation site will also include the induction programme, assessment schedules, the Course Handbook and all key course communications e.g. notes from SSCLG meetings. Online lectures recorded via Panopto will also be used for research methods modules and to support some optional modules (e.g. Forensic Psychology)
Advice Zone
The student services team will be available throughout the year to offer students general advice and guidance related to study within the Faculty. The Advice Zone on Treforest campus currently offer confidential and impartial guidance and advice, and are also able to assist students in identifying more specific sources of help and information should they need it. The centre works with other faculty academic and administrative staff to support students and improve the student experience. The Advice Zone is currently open Monday to Friday between 9.00am to 4.30pm and has an appointment system for students outside those hours to accommodate part-time students. The Advice Zone works closely with the Student Administration Office to provide a seamless service to students, parents, prospective students and other stakeholders.
The Advice Zone can also help students identify more specific sources of help and information should it be needed and as such the centre staff liaises closely with other support services throughout the University, the main ones listed below;
A study ‘Drop-in’ centre - provides academic support in curricula areas such as maths and English;
Student counselling – confidential counselling and self-help publications;
International student support office – advice on a variety of issues impacting on international students such as visas, working and studying, money issues and meeting other students;
Medical centre – on site provision with resident nurse and visiting GP;
Disability Service – advice and support for students with disabilities;
Student Money Service – advice on all aspects of finance;
Childcare – well-equipped and professionally run nursery situated on campus.
DDS Service
The Disability & Dyslexia Service (DDS) at the University of South Wales provides a confidential and professional service where disabled students can discuss their individual requirements and coordinate their support needs. The Disability & Dyslexia Service works in partnership with academic staff to embrace the potential of achieving an inclusive environment and thus reduce the barriers experienced by disabled students.
There are many types of support available and include:
Advice and support in one-to-one, confidential meetings on a range of subjects;
Information on Disabled Students Allowances and how to apply for this funding;
Support in the process of completing Financial Contingency Funding applications to cover the cost of a diagnostic assessment and other support;
Information on the one-to-one study skills tutorials available;
Liaison with support departments, faculties and other services on behalf of students;
Liaison with faculties over exam, in-class assessment and/or other support;
Provision of Individual Support Plans (ISP) – identifying the support required and how it can be accessed.
IT/Library
The Library is part of Student Services which encompasses Careers and Employability Services and Student Development & Study Skills. Learning Services provide a wide range of facilities for students including the campus Learning Resource Centres. They offer a wide range of information resources in print and online, as well as access to photocopying and IT facilities. There has been a significant investment of a £6 million remodelling and refurbishment project for the Treforest Library which was completed in February 2014. Online resources are available through the Library website http://studentlibrary.southwales.ac.uk/.
The Librarian for the subject area continues to have responsibility for liaising with academic staff to ensure that the Library supports the teaching, learning and research for the subject area.
The Library provides:
Opening hours adjusted in response to student feedback:” early bird” 8am opening and 24-hour access in designated areas
Self-service has been introduced in response to student feedback
Number of loans increased to 15 items in response to student feedback
Virtual chat “Ask a Librarian” service
Online journals: access to over 32,000
Online databases: access to over 250
E-books: purchased in addition to hard copies whenever available
New Library Catalogue, including book images, QR codes and Google books preview
Revamped and simplified Library web pages via Library Channel
New FINDit portal, including managed links to full text journals and personalisation
Online reading lists: now available for most modules
A Library Induction is offered to all students at the beginning of their course
1:1 Information Literacy consultations undertaken by request (automated online booking)
Study Skills support and workshop programme maintained, including referencing support
Book stock continues to be regularly updated
Subscriptions continue to be reviewed annually
Guide to e-Books
IT Services
At the University, ICT facilities are provided in a number of locations across the five campuses with onsite support staff, to support students’ needs better. There are currently over 3,000 PCs and Macs available in purpose-built computer laboratories (‘labs’) or via loan services.
The University provides campus-wide internet and wireless network services free to students offering a flexible way to access online resources across the University campuses.
Across the University, we are working towards achieving a Cashless Campus, so that you can pay for selected services online or in advance. To access the online payment area, go to the Self-service Account Administration (SSAA) website.
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (with Honours) | 360 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 6 or above, 120 at Level 5 or above, 120 at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 | Final |
| Certificate of Higher Education | 120 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 | Intermediate |
| Diploma of Higher Education | 240 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 5 or above, 120 credits at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 credits at Level 3. | Intermediate |
| Bachelor of Science (Unclassified) | 300 credits of which at least 40 must be at Level 6 or above, 120 at Level 5 or above, 120 at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 | Intermediate |
Progression Route
Students who successfully complete the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology and Criminal Justice, will be eligible to apply for a variety of careers including those in police, probation, court, prison and mental health settings. Students can also attain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society, subject to attaining an overall minimum 2:2 degree classification. This means that students are eligible to apply for postgraduate training in any of the British Psychological Society approved areas; including Forensic, Clinical, and Counselling Psychology. This course is not a specific progression route for other courses, however students would be eligible to apply for a number of courses within USW such as: MSc Crime and Justice - USW Treforest Campus MSc Working with Young and Adult Offenders - USW Treforest Campus MSc Clinical Psychology - USW Treforest Campus
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
Standard entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) are: BCC grades at A Level (excluding General Studies) however offers are made to those with a full range of academic qualifications. These include BTEC Extended Diplomas(normally Distinction, Merit, Merit), Welsh Baccalaureate (Grade C in Skills Challenge Certificate plus A Levels), International Baccalaureate (normally 665 points) and Access to Higher Education courses (normally pass with 60 credits overall). Additionally the University’s standard requirements for GCSE (or equivalent) grades will apply to this course. The course is also open to mature students without traditional entry requirements and such applications are considered on an individual basis.
Will students be required to undergo a DBS check? Not at point of entry. A DBS check may be required at a later point in the course dependent on work placement and dissertation topic choices. Any specific requirements for DBS (e.g. child/adult) will also be dependent on these choices.
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
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Methods Of Quality Standards
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Quality Of Standards Indicators
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