What should I take at univeristy

I’m torn between taking either psychology or criminology at university but I can’t decide!! What would be better in the long run career wise?

Reply 1

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Hi evaallwood,
It's great that you're thinking about what you want to do at university, and you're asking people for advice.
Here's just a few things to consider when making up your mind.

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Whichever course you decide to take, it is important that you choose the one you enjoy the most. You are going to be on this course for 3-4 years, writing long essays, presentations, exams, etc on this subject, so you need to make sure you're passionate about the subject you choose, otherwise it's going to be a very tough few years.

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Do some research, there might be some degree programmes out there that offer a dual-degree course of Psychology and Criminology together. I know here at LJMU we offer Forensic Psychology, which kind of merges some of the criminology modules and some of the psychology ones.

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If you are torn between the two subjects, you could do one as an undergraduate course and the other as a postgraduate course.

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I'd also suggest to attend as many open days and applicant days as you can and ask these questions there, because once you are in a university environment, experiencing taster sessions, it might make it easier for you to decide?

I hope all this helps.
From Josh (3rd year film studies student)
-Official LJMU Student Rep

Reply 2

Scotland Yard

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by evaallwood

I’m torn between taking either psychology or criminology at university but I can’t decide!! What would be better in the long run career wise?

This really depends on what career you wish to follow. If you want to be a forensic psychologist, then definitely psychology is the way to go. If you want to be involved in some capacity with law enforcement but are unsure, criminology might be better (and if you end up deciding to become a forensic psychologist, you can take a conversion course into psychology after your degree). There are also a few combined psychology and criminology degrees which might be worth a look at if you can't decide!