forensic psychology vs psycholgy with criminology

Hi guys. Idk if this thread has been done before but oh well. I am interested in becoming a psychologist and have been looking at courses on UCAS. I just want to know what is forensic psychology and psychology with criminology? Also if there is a difference between them?
Thanks guys
:smile:

Reply 1

yaymeg

I think (but am not sure) criminology is a kind of combination between psychology and sociology in relation to crime.... ie. looking at the patterns of crime as well as the psychology of it... AS WELL as studying pure psych..... whereas a forensic psych degree would have the core components of any psych degree, but more modules that focus on criminal psychology than would be offered than if you were to do a degree just psychology....

Reply 2

Fuzzpig

Criminology is a branch of Sociology, though you will look slightly into psychological ideas. Criminology is not about pure psychology. =/

Forensic Psychology uses the psychological ideas, whilst it does indeed look at sociological constructs, but to a much lesser extent.

I would suggest taking a BSc Psychology degree, and opting for a criminology module and a forensic psychology module in your 1st year as many unis offer, such as Kent. Studying Psychology as a full degree rather than Forensic Psychology allows you to see the other areas of psychology and apply them to your optional Forensic modules, yet gives you a broader understanding of psychological ideas on which to draw from as a Psychologist.

If Criminology is more to your style, change over to that. If Forensic Psychology is better for you, continue with the BSc Psychology degree, and opt for Forensic Psychology modules wherever you can. Then follow this with a Forensic Psychology Masters.

I did just that (applying for the masters this year) because I was in your position. For the record, I hated Criminology.

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 3

Moment 4 Life

Original post by yaymeg

Thanks. that helps.

Reply 4

Moment 4 Life

Original post by aliluvschoc

Thank you for that. Maybe a pure psychology degree is the best route. What uni did u go to and how is psychology as a degree? Is it hard? Is it quite different from a level?

Reply 5

Fuzzpig

Original post by 4 Moment Life

Thank you for that. Maybe a pure psychology degree is the best route. What uni did u go to and how is psychology as a degree? Is it hard? Is it quite different from a level?

I'm at Kent, it's very different from A level, a million times better. Yes it is a difficult subject in terms of learning different constructs and theories, ways of writing and analysis and so on, but then again it's a degree! Most if not all of us have found it really interesting and certainly manageable. I'm the school rep so I have a pretty good idea how most students in the school feel about the course. A lot of people hate the stats side of things, but then Psychology graduates are known to be some of the best statisticians.

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 6

Moment 4 Life

Original post by aliluvschoc

Thanks. I just looked at the Kent website, and it looks good but i'm not sure i'll get the grades yet but we'll see.

Reply 7

lola_11

Is anyone applying for forensic psychology if so what are you reasons?

Reply 8

Moment 4 Life

Original post by lola_11

Is anyone applying for forensic psychology if so what are you reasons?

I was considering it and the only reason that I can think of is because I wanted to become a forensci psychologist. Also, I like science and find forensics interesting. I might do psychology with criminology now or just a pure psychology degree, i'm undecided atm. Are you applying for forensic psychology?

Reply 9

Atrixa

I'm studying Applied Psychology with a forensic psychology module within it, but a friend of mine is doing Psychology with Criminology at Teeside, and he was disappointed to realise that it was just modules from each course, without it being intergrated at all. I'd recommend the pure psych route to be honest.

Reply 10

SpicyStrawberry

From reading an employability guide tailored to Psychology students (I can't remember what it was called I'm afraid) one of the worst mistakes an undergraduate can do is specialise too early, i.e. pick a degree that focuses on a limited area of Psychology e.g. Forensic because you could change your mind and decide you want to go for a completely different career.

A pure Psychology BSc or a combined honours course might be better if it allows you do do a major/minor route because it allows you to do the core topics and select ones you're particularly interested in.

I'm doing a combined Psychology and Criminology degree at the moment but because I'm taking the named route in third year I will come out with a general Psychology BSc. Having said that, as long as you get the BPS accreditation you can apply for a variety of postgraduate opportunities to qualify as a psychologist, but specialising in Forensic Psychology *might* be a bit off-putting for tutors viewing your application to a Health Psychology MSc course for example.