Program Overview

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Psychology and Law BA/BSc (Hons)

Course Description

This course combines two subjects, Psychology and Law, to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and the legal system. The course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in both fields.

Study Options

• Full-time: 3 years
• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 128 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: MC18
• Start date: September
• Location: Kedleston Road and One Friar Gate Square, Derby Campus

Why Study Psychology and Law at Derby?

• Combining two subjects boosts employability and gives students the opportunity to develop knowledge and expertise in two subject areas.
• The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society if students major in Psychology.
• Specialist facilities include an observation suite, eye-tracker equipment, Babylab, Crown Court, Custody Suite, and Student Legal Advice Centre.
• Students learn from lecturers at the forefront of psychological research.
• Opportunities to contribute to research projects and conduct own research.
• Exploration of various areas of the legal sector and pathways available after graduation.

Accredited Course

• British Psychological Society accreditation means the course delivers a high standard of psychology education.
• Accreditation shows the course meets BPS standards for course content and design, and student development.
• Students can apply for BPS student membership, which provides access to networking opportunities, online community, discounts on books, events, and e-learning, academic journals, and the chance to transfer to graduate membership free of charge after completing the degree.

Choose Your Pathway

• Studying a Psychology and Law Joint Honours degree allows students to choose whether to major in one subject or study them both equally.
• Students begin by studying both subjects equally in the first year and then decide whether to major or minor in a chosen subject or continue to study them both equally.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology and Law

• Students study Psychology and Law equally.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology with Law

• Psychology is the major subject and includes all prescribed credit-bearing modules.
• Law is the minor subject.
• Students receive BPS accreditation with this pathway.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Law with Psychology

• Law is the major subject and Psychology is the minor subject.

Student Stories

• Elodie Lee's story: How she became a whole new version of herself.
• Nicola Lambert's story: Law student wins a chance to prove her advocacy skills.
• Romaana Kapadi's story: Passion leads to a rare research feat.

What is a Joint Honours Degree?

• A Joint Honours degree offers students the opportunity to study two subjects.
• A Joint Honours degree is a great option if students want to study two subjects they're passionate about, have a specific career in mind, or want to study a new subject alongside one they're already familiar with.

What You Will Study

• The modules below indicate the range of modules students may study as part of this combination, however, prescribed and optional modules will vary depending on whether students choose to study both subjects equally or choose to major or minor in a subject.

Year 1

• Introduction to Social and Cognitive Psychology
• Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
• Introduction to Biological and Developmental Psychology
• Constitutional Law and Civil Liberties
• Legal Skills and Practice
• Administrative Law and Human Rights

Year 2

• Modules depend on module availability per year and chosen pathway (Joint, Major, Minor).

Year 3

• Modules depend on module availability per year and chosen pathway (Joint, Major, Minor).

How You Will Learn

• For Psychology modules, students will learn from lecturers and tutors who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and are carrying out research designed to offer fresh perspectives on issues that are significant at every stage of life.
• For Law modules, students will engage in real or simulated legal practice and build a range of key skills required to succeed in the legal sector.

How You Are Assessed

• For Psychology modules, students will be assessed mainly through assignments, via essays, posters, presentations, and reports.
• For Law modules, assessments may include group work, oral presentations, written coursework, and examinations.

Who Will Teach You

• Dr. Ruth Sims, Programme Leader

Helping You Reach Your Full Potential

• The Personal Academic Tutoring programme supports students' academic journey, helping them achieve their goals and unlock their potential.

Careers

• Studying psychology opens doors to many different sectors and professions - anywhere an understanding of people is valued.
• Graduates have gone on to successful roles in sectors such as psychological research, scientific or clinical research, charity leadership, mental health support and management, health services and therapeutic care, probation service and police, human resources, health psychology, educational psychology, occupational psychology, forensic psychology, clinical psychology, and teaching.

Entry Requirements

• 2025 entry: UCAS points, A Level, T Level, BTEC, GCSE, Access to HE, and English language requirements.

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26: UK and International fees, additional costs, and optional extras.

How to Apply

• UK students: Apply through UCAS or directly to the University.
• International students: Apply through the online application portal or through a trusted local representative.

Additional Information

• Teaching hours: Extended teaching hours, with contact time with lecturers and tutors anytime between 9am and 9pm.
• Course updates: The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication, but course content, costs, and other individual course details do change from time to time.
• Minimum numbers: The course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.