Criminology with Psychology

Criminology is the systematic study of crime and its control. Criminologists ask what causes crime and how we might best respond to it, and why certain behaviours are criminalised while others are not. This degree brings together expertise in the Sutherland School of Law and the School of Psychology to offer an inspiring interdisciplinary learning experience.

Students will develop versatile analytical skills and the ability to compare and contrast different perspectives as they consider crime, punishment, law, psychology and social policy in new and exciting contexts. The course equips graduates with the tools to be active citizens, professional problem solvers and seekers of social justice.

First & Second Year

In first year, you will study the following core modules:

Introduction to Criminology • Crime and Society • Academic and Professional Skills for Criminology • Brain and Behaviour • Introduction to Social Psychology • Introduction to Psychology • Law and Courts • Introduction to Criminal Justice • Criminal Behaviour • Introduction to Penology • Introduction to Applied Psychology • Psychology of Perception • An additional elective/optional module.

In second year, students undertake the following core modules: Experiencing Punishment • Crime, Media, and Culture • Foundations of Psychology • Child & Adolescent Development • Criminal Law • Research Methods in Criminology

Additionally, there will be the opportunity to select from optional modules such as: Race & Racism • Gender Power & Politics • Human Rights & Social Justice

There will also be the opportunity to take more elective modules drawn from disciplines across the university.

Third & Fourth Year

In third and fourth year, you will tailor your degree to choose optional modules in Criminology, Law, and Psychology, as well as Sociology & Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Justice

In fourth year, you will have to undertake a two-trimester core capstone research dissertation. With this, you will combine the methods and substantive training across criminology and psychology to produce a dissertation, under the supervision of academic faculty.

In third year, students will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad in a wide range of partner universities in Europe and around the world.

As a graduate of the BSc in Criminology with Psychology, you will be well positioned to pursue a variety of careers. The degree will open up the potential of pursuing a career in: An Garda Siochána • Prison Services • Probation services • Non-governmental organisations • Research • Academia

For students interested in further deepening their knowledge of the subject, the School of Law offers a one-year MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route
• University Access

The UCD Sutherland School of Law is a connected community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all. We work together in a culture of collaboration to support each other to thrive and achieve our full potential, in service of broader societal goals. Through our undergraduate and graduate education, research and external engagement, we aim to ensure that our students, faculty and staff thrive and contribute to sustainable well-being on our campus, in Ireland and across the wider world. Our faculty are globally recognized experts in the fields of Law and Criminology, advancing knowledge through research, engaging with government, business and civil society to enhance our world, and using their knowledge to design and offer cutting edge education within their disciplines of Law and Criminology .   

Criminology is the systematic study of crime and its control. Criminologists ask what causes crime and how we might best respond to it, and why certain behaviours are criminalised while others are not. This degree brings together the interdisciplinary learning experience of studying criminology (as a major) alongside psychology (minor). Both of these disciplines address many of the challenges associated with progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as they relate to improving the human condition. 

Students develop the skills to equip them to affect more equitable outcomes across health, wellbeing, education, and peace, justice and building stronger institutions. Envisioning how to improve the lives of everyone everywhere requires an understanding of how human behaviour, policy and environmental factors contribute to progress.

Students will develop the critical thinking and analytical skills to affect change across a broad range of the Global Goals including but not limited to those below. By learning about how policy makers respond to societal challenges, students are equipped to make a difference to the world, affect cultural change, contribute to public service or corporate responsibility to advance the sustainable development goals. 

The curriculum for this degree aligns with many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in meaningful and impactful ways. The following are the primary areas where there is closest alignment:

• Good health and wellbeing (SDG 3) 
• Quality Education (SDG 4)
• Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8)
• Peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16)

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.