Psychology of Criminal Behaviour (CertHE)
Classes
Wednesday 14 January - Wednesday 25 March 2026, 6pm-9pm
10 sessions - Check class timetable
Overview
In this interdisciplinary short course we critically explore the relationship between psychology and criminology through a wide range of topics and real-world problems. We offer a theoretical overview of the field, in particular psychosocial explanations of why people commit crime. We take groups such as youth gangs, serial killers and the 'mentally unwell offender' to examine the psychosocial contexts of these phenomena and ask questions such as:
- Why do young people join gangs?
- Do structural inequalities enable serial killers?
- How are mental health problems criminalised through psychology?
We also study the three arms of the criminal justice system, exploring:
- whether there is such a thing as a 'police personality'
- issues with eyewitness testimonies and juries in the courtroom
- the psychological harms of prison, and alternatives from a psych-abolition perspective.
Assessment is via a 700-word annotated bibliography (30%) and 2000-word report (70%).
As a student on this course, you will study alongside Birkbeck students enrolled on one of our undergraduate or postgraduate courses, giving you the opportunity to network with a range of Birkbeck current students whilst you learn.
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Most of our short courses have no formal entry requirements and are open to all students.
This short course has no prerequisites.
As part of the enrolment process, you may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.
International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a Student visa to study a short course.
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How to apply
How to apply
You register directly onto the classes you would like to take. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis - so apply early. If you wish to take more than one short course, you can select each one separately and then register onto them together via our online application portal. There is usually no formal selection process, although some modules may have prerequisites and/or other requirements, which will be specified where relevant.