Psychology or criminology: which should I study?
Psychology may suit you better if you want to study human behaviour, cognition, development, and mental health, while criminology may suit you better if you are more interested in crime, law, punishment, policing, and social responses to offending. Compare course modules, research methods, assessment, placement options, and the further qualifications linked to your goals.
Key points
- Psychology can include biological, cognitive, social, developmental, and clinical topics, depending on the programme.
- Criminology may draw on sociology, law, psychology, politics, and criminal justice policy.
- Check whether each course offers the subjects, practical experience, and research training relevant to your intended career.
- Neither degree alone guarantees a particular profession; regulated or specialist roles may require further study or training.
Things to check
- Course content, professional recognition, placements, and progression routes vary by university and country, so check official course and professional-body information.