combined degrees

[Alixw]

I'm thinking of applying to go to university to study psychology. I'm not to sure which to go for though. I am interested in criminology also, and am able to do a combined honours degree of psychology and criminology. I'm not too sure how this works though. Does it mean I do double the work, as if i am doing 2 degrees? Or do i do half the work for each subject? If that's the case, does my degree not mean as much, as i havent studied each subject fully? Help!!!

[AliFlump]

Im pretty sure there is a combined course thats called Criminal Psychology or something. My friend went to Liverpool Uni and studied a combined course of Sociology and Criminology so im sure you'l be able to do that. Have you been on the UCAS website? that might help

[Hermia]

At university you have to choose a certain number of modules each year. So, you could do a Criminal Psychology degree or maybe enrol at a university that does a Psychology degree with loads of modules on criminal psychology. The university I went to was very flexible and the title of your degree would depend on what modules you took. For instance, my friend started a Sociology degree, but then got interested in psychology and ended up taking half her modules in the psychology department. Lots of people do combined degrees now.

[GemR22]

I did forensic science, but my boyf did combined criminology and sociology. Basically how it worked for us is that there are sever "core" modules each semester that all students students take. Then the "one subject" students get to choose, or are sometimes told, what additional ones to do. The combined people have the core modules from subject 2 instead. Then in my boyf's second year he got to chose if he wanted to "major" (choose more modules) in 1 subject or keep it joint. Both of our degrees are worth the same and he found that doing a bit of sociology helped with some of the criminology modules, as would psychology. The only downside is that you may get more work on one subject than the other, meaning you're working harded than your "easier" subject colleagues. Also, some joint people on my course felt they did a lot of the theory and not much of the "fun stuff" - practical work and unusual topics. Hope that helps.

[*Princess*]

I think if you are sure you definately want to do a criminology related job then by all means apply for a combined degree.  However, as you state you are only 'interested' it might be worth while applying for a straight psychology degree, then choosing a crime related option.  That way if you change your mind you have other option open to you.  Also if you wish to study Criminal Psychology sometimes its best to have a Psycholgy BSc then a Criminal/Forencis Psychology MSc.  I do a Psychology BSc and have just finished the 2nd year which had an option in crime.  I found it really interesting :)  Also it might be an idea to check with the Uni's before you apply to see if they have option available in crime. 

For a combined degree, in most cases you do half the Psych modules and the other half in your other subject.  At my Uni we have straight Psych student and Psych & Sports students.  The Psych & Sports students, do 3/4 Psychology modules and don't do the Biological. Sensation and Perception or the options we had either which were Crime, Evolutionary, Happiness, Consumer or others such as students into schools or a possible language. 

I don't know if thats any help, I hope so but maybe I've just rambled!