Hello again!!

What made me go for this course was my love for Sociology and Psychology A-Level combined with my interest in criminal behaviour. I have always wanted to analyse the development and influence of personality disorders on later adult behavior factoring in individual differences, societal structure, criminological explanations and neurological studies in assessing why people develop in differing ways. I feel the course encompasses all that I wish to study. The notion of becoming a Forensic Psychologist or researcher was of keen interest. That's why, in summary, I picked the course!
There are people out there who will try and say a joint psychology degree is less valued. Let me dispel those myths. It firstly depends on which area of psychology you wish to pursue and the subject combination. Criminology and Psychology are actually very complimentary. The course at the University of Southampton is accredited by the British Psychological Society. We study all core and compulsory modules necessary to gain equal recognition. In my case, I am acutely interested in forensic, sociological as well as psychological underpinnings to human comportment so the course is more than ideal!
With straight Psychology you get to pick extra modules that are outside your field of study such as modules in Biology, Languages, History etc... you get the gist. With the joint degree option, unfortunately in first year you do not get to pick any subjects outside of your curriculum which would be made up of Psychology, Criminology and Sociology. Yes your weekly timetable will have Sociology, Psychology and Criminology lectures. That is probably the only con I can think of for my particular course. This only applies to first year however.
In my opinion I believe joint degrees to be slightly more challenging in regards to work load, deadlines, assignment and exam load. Time management is essential! I imagine them to be equally respected and have never heard of any employer looking down on joint honor students who study complimentary subjects within the joint framework that gives them a sound and reasoned understanding of their main subject (Psychology) in further depth by analyzing alternative perspectives. If you enjoy humanities as well as psychological reasoning then the course is perfect for you!
I know the entry requirements are lower than straight Psychology so some people would be inclined to "think" it is a lesser respected option, however let me explain why it has a lower entry requirement. The BSc Criminology and Psychology degree falls under the "Social Sciences" department as the main department shared with the Psychology department meaning the subject Criminology informs the main entry standard. Hence why the BSc Criminology and Psychology course has the same entry requirement of AAB or ABB as the straight BSc Criminology degree. If you look at the other joint Psychology degrees offered at the University of Southampton such as Education and Psychology or Psychology with Law they have the same entry requirements as straight Psychology which is of AAA or AAB. Thats because they fall under the "Psychology" department. Thats not to say Criminology is more dominant than Psychology. Within the joint degree you will be studying both subjects at a ratio of 50:50. It just happens that the course BSc Criminology and Psychology falls under the Social Sciences and Policy department. I hope that makes sense.... So no, they are both respected.
What matters the most is gaining relevant experience through volunteering, getting a 2:1 or first class honours degree as opposed to worrying about straight Psychology vs Joint Psychology.
I would be inclined to say that in regards to career options studying Criminology and Psychology broadens your options a tad bit more than straight Psychology, but that is not to say that straight Psychology is inferior. Again, they are equal in measure.
In relation to grades, for BSc Criminology and Psychology standard entry requirements are as listed below:
1) No specific subjects are required (Although would personally recommend a mix between Science and Humanities. For example; I initially did Psychology, Sociology, Government & Politics and French (AS). Yes Psychology is listed as a scientific subject!!)
2) GCSE Maths and English at minimum grade C or 4
3) AAB across 3 A Levels in any subject
4) Alternative offer of ABB with an A in the Extended Project Qualification
5) Contextual offer is ABB from three A levels or an equivalent standard in other qualifications (Approved by University)
I hope all of this information has helped. In summary, now you understand why the entry requirements are different for straight vs joint Psychology!
Best of luck to you btw!!!!! What are you studying currently?