Criminology, Psychology & Sociology

An insight into some of the major issues surrounding crime, deviance, victims, social control and order. How do we identify and explain crime? Why do we imprison offenders? What is the role of the police? What is the impact of crime, deviance and harm on communities and individuals? What role do victims play in the criminal justice process? Students learn about criminological issues and discuss the impact of crime and deviance on society.

Discuss how different conceptions of culture and identity in society leads to debate on sociological issues including gender, ethnicity, sexuality, class, religion, consumerism and globalisation. To what extent is identity socially constructed? How does culture influence our sense of self? This session encourages students to think critically about everyday issues.

What is the best way to research active criminals? Is it ethical to conduct covert observation? Can more than one method be used? The practical issues faced by researchers are worth considering. Using real case studies, students explore different research methods and the ethical considerations and potential problems of each.

Counselling psychology applies psychological theory and research to therapeutic practice. Counselling psychology is particularly useful in helping combat depression, anxiety, phobias and relationship difficulties. In this session we discuss some of the principles of the counselling process and consider how they apply to groups and individuals in a range of settings.

Psychology studies human thoughts, feelings, motivations and behaviour using scientific methods. In this session we look at how psychology can be applied to a range of settings, to help people cope with mental health conditions, apprehend offenders, improve workplace satisfaction and enhance educational environments for example.

This session will introduce students to theories of personality by giving groups of them profiles and biographies of celebrities asking them to use skills of qualitative data analysis to provide personality profile of each celebrity. This then supports the discussion of using evidence from secondary qualitative sources. In addition to this, students will learn about the five factor model of personality and quantitative measures of this to contrast the different approaches to personality.

The session introduces students to the biological basis of stress and we consider different coping strategies. We also review the ways we can measure the level of stress a person is experiencing and students have the opportunity to try out some physiological recording equipment used to measure indicators of stress.

The graduate marketplace is diverse, as is a degree in psychology. This session considers the varied career options and pathways available to psychology graduates. Since not all psychology graduates go onto a career in psychology we explore psychology and non-psychology roles.

Learn how to search for books and skilfully explore the library shelves.

Ignite your critical thinking skills with the superpower of questioning.

Navigate the choppy waters of referencing and set a course for academic success.

Conquer presentation anxiety – discover practical tips to deliver confident, engaging presentations.

Reflection has an important role to play in future learning and self-development.

Learn to master time to achieve success both in your studies and life.