Criminal Psychology: A Degree with Many Pathways

We asked Natalie Saunders, Programme lead for Criminal Psychology and Lecturer in Criminology to share insight into the diverse career pathways within the field.

When people hear the term criminal psychology, they often picture a specific career path -usually as a forensic psychologist or profiling offenders. While those roles do exist, the reality is that studying criminal psychology opens the door to a broader range of psychological careers. 

One of the key strengths of the Criminal Psychology degree at Wrexham University is its breadth as the programme introduces a wide range of psychological perspectives that help explain behaviour across social and criminal justice settings. 

Students explore topics including forensic psychology, clinical and health psychology, social development, and cognitive and behavioural neuroscience. This broad foundation helps them develop a well‑rounded understanding of human behaviour and the many factors that can influence it. 

The degree is ideal for students who have a strong interest in crime, criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system, but who also want to keep their career options open within the subject area of psychology. Many are drawn to questions such as why people commit crime, how environments influence behaviour, and how individuals can be supported to change. Studying criminal psychology allows students to explore these interests while gaining a wider understanding of human behaviour. 

Criminal psychology sits at the intersection of understanding people and understanding society. By examining why individuals behave the way they do, and how social environments influence behaviour, students gain insights that are valuable across many professional fields. Whether graduates go on to work in criminal justice, support vulnerable communities, or continue their studies to become professional psychologists, the degree provides a strong and flexible foundation. 

For those curious about crime, behaviour and the justice system, criminal psychology offers more than a degree - it offers the chance to turn curiosity into expertise and passion into a meaningful career. 

Want to discover even more about Criminal Psychology at Wrexham University? Why not come to our next Open Day? 

Written by Natalie Saunders, Programme lead for Criminal Psychology and Lecturer in Criminology