The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: CertHE Indicative duration: 16 months
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Want to explore core psychological and criminological theories? Our CertHE Criminal Psychology is the perfect introduction to the fascinating and challenging worlds of criminology and psychology. 

Throughout the course, you’ll study the scientific and theoretical underpinnings of psychology, including its historical origins, progression and limitations. Delve into a variety of mental processes that take place in the brain and apply this knowledge to criminal psychology, specifically in relation to the techniques used in offender profiling and eyewitness testimony.  

You’ll also be able to recognise a range of influences on psychological functioning and how these are conceptualised across the two core discipline areas of social psychology and cognitive psychology. 

Explore specialist areas, including: 

  • criminal liability and the key definitions associated with criminality 
  • theories and methods in the field of social psychology 
  • understanding the options available, throughout the criminal justice system, for dealing with offenders 
  • methodologies and theoretical perspectives used in offender profiling 
  • the role of memory as the mediator of cognitive processes 

Upon completion of your CertHE Criminal Psychology, we offer the opportunity for you to progress on to our BSc (Hons) Criminal Psychology (360 credits). 

Why we’re great

  • Our courses involve a range of technical competencies which can be applied immediately to the real world, making you an asset to any team or employer.
  • Develop a wide range of transferable skills including critical thinking, research, self-motivation and communication.
  • 92% of students agreed their course developed the knowledge and skills they need for their future (NSS 2024).
  • Tailor your learning experience to personal interests, with optional modules.
  • Receive high quality Silver rated teaching (TEF 2023).

The CertHE Criminal Psychology is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 120 credits.

Optional modules: choose one.

This engaging module encourages you to develop the competencies required for higher online education learning, such as academic styles of writing. You’ll also critically reflect on your personal development while learning about key psychological areas including cognitive psychology’s theory of learning styles.  

This defining module provides you with the toolkit to analyse how we process, store and use information about ourselves and others. You’ll learn about the role of social psychologists and explore the ethical principles of research and conduct set by the British Psychological Society.  

In this fascinating module you’ll learn to identify the key issues associated with the social contexts of crime, and define the different types and categories. Through the lens of case studies, you’ll discover the influences of criminal behaviour, and the social and economic effects upon both communities and the state. 

Ready to discover more about brain behaviour, human memory and cognition? This exciting module will broaden your knowledge by introducing you to the history and science behind cognitive psychology. You’ll learn how to apply cognitive psychology to other disciplines and find out more about relevant research and theories within this fascinating field. 

Learn how to spot patterns of criminal behaviour in this stimulating module. You’ll explore the myths on offender profiling and learn about a range of methodologies and theoretical perspectives used in this method. Upon completion, you’ll have developed a range of useful skills – including the ability to describe the appropriateness of offender profiling. 

Gain hands-on and transferable research skills, and strengthen your knowledge of data collection and analysis. In this valuable module, you’ll develop a capacity to select appropriate analytical techniques and test hypotheses. You’ll also conduct a literary review to further deepen your understanding of relevant theory within social science research.  

Discover the key principles of prevention, intervention and rehabilitation of offenders within the criminal justice system. In this exciting module, you’ll learn to recognise the legalities of sentencing and how to identify methods of controlling offenders within the community. Upon completion, you’ll be able to explain the different approaches to dealing with offenders. 

By studying this thought-provoking module, you’ll understand why people are different from each other and explore the avenues to critically evaluate and measure these differences. You'll learn fundamentals of psychometrics and take the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and present a theory-based personality assessment.   

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students 
  • live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme 
  • you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform 
  • there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

  • directed learning (40%) this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
  • self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
  • assessment (30%) time spent preparing and completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment 

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

 

Study duration 

Our CertHE Criminal Psychology has an indicative study duration of 16 months, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards 

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and registered with the Office for Students (OfS) 

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

Our CertHE Criminal Psychology provides a strong platform for entering a career within criminal justice. Not only that, the skills and knowledge obtained from this course will be well suited for roles within security, marketing, research, academia and business.

Gaining an undergraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

We believe that education should be accessible for everyone. That’s why we offer an open entry route – meaning you don’t need any prior academic or work experience in order to start studying with us. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

You will need to pass your first assignment set within the first three weeks of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0.

Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Full tuition fee: 

£6,167 UK / £6,799 International (2024-25) Δ

  • Designated for undergraduate student loans in England. 
  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us.   

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our CertHE Criminal Psychology are experts in the fields of psychology and criminology.

What our students say

testimonials

Michelle Franklin -CertHE Psychology

Take a breath and go for it, don’t be disheartened or held back by age or self-doubt.

My husband and I started our own business 13 years ago and we now employ a team of 20 employees and deliver training to over 400 clients. I’m really proud of what we've achieved. Away from work, I love spending time with family and friends, go horse riding when I have the time and read a lot. If it’s not a murder mystery or thriller, then it’s a book on psychology.  I’ve always been fascinated by psychology and hopefully once I’ve completed my CertHE Psychology with the University of Essex Online, I’ll be accepted to study the BSc (Hons) Psychology. I needed an online course as...

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