Highlands College

FdSc Psychology with Criminology

95% of our students agree that their course has given them opportunities to apply what they have learnt through extensive work placements and contact with local employers (National Student Survey 2017). We are the higher education college of the States of Jersey; all of our foundation and honours degrees are developed with industry professionals from a range of sectors. Take advantage of our work-based learning philosophy and get a head start in your career.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    • The Research Process in The Social Sciences (HIGH1047)

      In this module students will examine the key stages in the process of conducting research, including information management and retrieval skills, ICT skills, methodological, technical, political and ethical issues facing researchers. Students will be introduced to the key techniques of descriptive statistics.

    • Criminology and the Problem of Crime (HIGH1066)

      This module introduces students to the subject of criminology. It emphasises criminology's multidisciplinarity and the different perspectives, methods and sources of information that it draws upon in developing theories about the different causes and problematisations of crime and deviance.

    • Social Psychology: Theory and Practice (HIGH1067)

      This module discusses social psychology as the scientific study of human behaviour, the way behaviour is influenced by others and the social or work context it takes place in. It will provide an introduction to the schools of thought and the central concepts of social psychology including; sense of self, attitudes, social compliance, conformity, obedience to authority, group performance and conflict, interpersonal attraction pro and antisocial behaviour. Additionally, research theories supporting social psychology will be discussed.

    • Applied Criminology 1: An Introduction to Criminal Justice and Community Safety (HIGH1070)

      The roles and practices of criminal justice institutions in England, Wales and Jersey, are described and students are introduced to sentencing in different jurisdictions, including sentencing objectives, options and patterns. The module also introduces the concept of the honorary system of informal justice that forms the cornerstone of Jersey practice.

    • Developmental Psychology (HIGH1071)

      This module is concerned with psychological change over time. It looks at cognitive, moral and self-concept development as well as the characteristics and consequences of key life stages from adolescence to old age.

    • The Psychology of Individual Differences (HIGH1072)

      This module is concerned with the manner in which people differ on characteristics such as personality, intelligence, self-esteem and gender identity. The role of heredity and the environment as causal factors in shaping key facets of our individuality will be examined as will some methodological issues relating to the measurement of these life-long, personal attributes.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    • Research Methods in the Social Sciences (HIGH2037)

      This module extends and develops the key academic skills covered in the basic research methods elements from year one; it seeks to facilitate both applied research at the intermediate undergraduate level, and subsequently, the writing of a substantial honour project/dissertations.

    • Criminal Justice & Penology (HIGH2053)

    • Applied Criminology 2 - Youth Justice, Restorative Justice and Victims of Crime (HIGH2061)

    • Psychology of Abnormal Behaviour (HIGH2062)

    • Cognitive and Biological Psychology (HIGH2063)

    • Work Based Learning (HIGH2065)

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the changeable nature of the situation and any updates to government guidance, we may need to make further, last minute adjustments to how we deliver our teaching and learning on some or all of our programmes, at any time during the academic year. We want to reassure you that even if we do have to adjust the way in which we teach our programmes, we will be working to maintain the quality of the student learning experience and learning outcomes at all times.
Fees, costs and funding

The UK is no longer part of the European Union. EU applicants should refer to our Brexit information to understand the implications.

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 

UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 

To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with Highlands College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Plymouth students working on a group project