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

Criminology has changed a lot over the past 200 years, and modern policing and justice systems must deal with ever-changing challenges and opportunities. The improvement of forensic psychology methods and appearance of new types of crime mean that a thorough understanding of criminological theory has never been more essential.

Throughout your course you will examine a range of perspectives on race, gender, sex and class in the criminal justice system, and explore offences such as violent crime, sexual crimes and firesetting. Topics you’ll study include:

  • the sociological approach to crime, criminology and criminological theory
  • the role of forensic psychology in manging mentally disordered offenders
  • the status of the victim throughout the criminal process
  • the historic relationship between psychology and policing, and what this means for modern policing
  • critical assessment of complex criminal investigations in accordance with national standards.

Throughout the course you will develop your skills in critical evaluation, decision-making and prioritisation. Towards the end of your studies you will have the opportunity to advance onto the Masters in criminology and criminal psychology.

Why we’re great

  • Course content is drawn from cutting edge research at the University of Essex’s leading Centre for Criminology.
  • Modules have been developed by a former Detective Chief Superintendent from the Homicide and Major Enquiries Team in one of the UK’s largest police forces.
  • Receive your degree from the University of Essex, a top 30 UK university (Complete University Guide 2025).

The PG Dip Criminology and 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 fascinating module has been specially designed by a consultant forensic psychologist with experience working with offenders suffering from mental disorders. On completion, you’ll have sharp knowledge of the ethical and practical issues of dealing with mentally ill offenders – as well as the approaches to treating and managing offenders in various settings, such as the community, hospitals or prison.  

Explore criminology from a sociological perspective, as this exciting module covers the history of crime and investigates various crime theories – including psychological positivism and control, crime policing and punishment, and labelling. This will give you a unique insight into sociological criminology, as well as how to explain and control criminal behaviour.

What problems can investigating crime pose and how do you apply your learning in real-life situations? Find out in this comprehensive module, which brings together academic research and professional practice. From homicides to riots, you’ll explore a variety of crimes and the way they’re specifically investigated – while also considering miscarriages of justice, pitfalls and the role of the coroner.

How does psychology affect police practice? Find out in this thought-provoking module. You’ll investigate the symbiotic relationship between the two, as well as ‘street psychology’, decision making and psychology in police interviews. Upon completion, you’ll be able to identify where psychological research has positively impacted on policing and where it can be improved.

Combining both theory and practice, this informative module gives you a solid understanding of the research approaches commonly adopted in criminology and criminal psychology. You’ll complete the module with a sound knowledge of research methodologies and how to construct a literature review – as well as essential skills in data handling within quantitative research.

From investigation to prosecution, the role of the victim in the criminal process is paramount. That’s why this engaging module is designed to help you develop a strong understanding of victimology, the theories of repeat victimisation strategies and victimisation from a ‘gendered’ perspective.

Explore the ways leadership, criminology and social science impact on policing, with this fascinating module. You’ll take a close look at the origins of British policing, as well as present and future challenges – allowing you to critically evaluate common challenges in police organisations and the relationship between policing and cross-sectoral partnerships.

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 PG Dip Criminology and 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 we’re 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. 

Like many of our criminology graduates, upon completion of this course you may wish to enter a senior role within the criminal justice system. Alternatively, you could go on to become a police officer; work in offender support, probation, prison and victim services, or security; or even work in the National Crime Agency.

Gaining a postgraduate 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 know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our PG Dip Criminology and Criminal Psychology, you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

  • an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification

 

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our PG Dip Criminology and Criminal Psychology, you must meet the following criteria:

  • at least three years’ relevant work experience

 

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 6.5. 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:

£8,314 UK / £8,700 International (2024-25) Δ

  • 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 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online. 
  • 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 PG Dip Criminology and Criminal Psychology are experts in the fields of criminology and psychology.

What our students say

testimonials

Adam Newman -LLB (Hons) Law with Business

It’s never too late to follow your passions.

I’m considered a mature student and the first thing I want to say is it’s never too late to follow your passions. I’ve always had a keen interest in law, mostly because when you think about it, there isn’t much in life that isn’t affected by law in one way or another.  As the owner of a company, I couldn’t afford to take time away to attend university. The University of Essex Online offered and delivered on flexible learning, the course structure is easy to follow and I can fit studying around work and family life. It’s a struggle at times, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy. <span...

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