King's College London

FAQs

What is the difference between the IoPPN/Dickson Poon School of Law and King's?

King’s College London (KCL) is the University, and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) and Dickson Poon School of Law (DPSoL) are two of the nine faculties that make up King’s College London. This programme is managed and delivered by the IoPPN, but engages with DPSoL at various stages.

Ranked 2nd in the world for Psychology & Psychiatry*, the IoPPN delivers courses and carries out research within the fields of psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience. It has existed, in different formats, for over a century and was born out of the famous Maudsley Hospital, one of the first hospitals to recognise and work in the field of mental health. For much of its history it was known as the Institute of Psychiatry, and it became part of King’s College London in 1997.

*(US News Best Global Universities 2025)

Is the course accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)?

This programme was accredited by the British Psychological Society in June 2024 for all students from September 2025 onwards.

We automatically enrol BSc Psychology & Criminology students as student members of the BPS. The BPS website describes the benefits of the BPS Student membership and of taking a BPS accredited course in psychology as an undergraduate.

Does the course include any placements or the option to study abroad?

Students can choose either the Study Abroad year or the Professional Placement Year option when applying. Alternatively, students may choose a three-year pathway when applying and, in their second year choose to transfer onto a four-year pathway.

If you opt for a placement year, you will be able to apply for a range of placements that will be advertised to students across different contexts, including clinical, public sector and voluntary organisations. You can also seek out your own placement independently as well.

King’s College London offers a Study Abroad scheme (not part of the programme) and has links with a variety of universities.

What are the different pathways and UCAS codes?

There are particular codes indicating that you would like to join the 4-year degree programme (with a placement year or studying for a year abroad as detailed above). However, if you are a UK student it does not matter which pathway you apply to at this stage. You will be able to join either 4-year pathway or indeed leave them in your second year of study (dependent on averaging a 2:1). There are no caps on numbers for any of the pathways. There are also no different entry criteria for the different pathways.

If you are applying from overseas and will require a visa it is worth applying for either of the 4-year pathways as this means you are given a visa for that entire period. You would be able to join the 3-year path in year 2 if you wished.

Important note for all – please do not apply to more than one of the pathways available! As mentioned above, there are no different caps for each route and the entry criteria are identical.

What are the arrangements for required vs optional modules on the BSc Psychology and Criminology degree?

In the first and second year there are no optional modules. We concentrate here on the study of the core Psychology modules (which cover the material needed for accreditation by the British Psychological Society) as well as key issues within criminology and the criminal justice system both in the UK and elsewhere.

In your final year you complete a required dissertation/project and also choose from a wide range of other modules across psychology and criminology, as well as some other options from different faculties.

What can we expect in terms of timetabled hours in class/lectures?

In the first two years, around 14-16 contact hours per week. In the third year, timetabled hours will vary depending on module choice. However, it is likely that timetabled hours will be slightly lower in Year 3, as there is greater emphasis on independent work or study.

Your timetabled hours are spread across the days of the week (Monday-Friday). In a typical term, you should expect to have 4 or 5 days per week that have timetabled sessions.

We also make use of online material that you work through in your own time, sometimes in preparation for classes, and sometimes to supplement what you have covered within them. This can include watching recorded material as well as reading or undertaking other activities. In the third year, timetabled hours will vary depending on module choice. However, it is likely that timetabled hours will be slightly lower in Year 3, as there is greater emphasis on independent work or study.

What is the balance of exams vs coursework?

We use a range of different assessment formats, balancing coursework throughout the year with exams which take place in January and then around May each year. Our coursework also varies – it can be writing a more ‘traditional’ academic essay, or it might be writing something for a different kind of audience, like a blog or a government briefing report. We also use poster presentations and other oral presentations, often in groups, and sometimes in recorded formats.

We believe that having a range of assessments, including authentic assessments that mirror the activities of professional practitioners, helps you to develop skills you will need later in your career, and we will support you with learning how to approach these assessments and give you formative feedback as well.

Do first year marks count in the overall result?

First year marks do not count towards your overall degree mark at King’s. You need to pass your first year in order to progress into second year, but only your second and third year marks count towards your final degree award (and this is weighted towards your third year marks). You will have assessments in all your modules.

How many staff are there on the programme?

We have a dedicated Programme Lead for this programme, as well as other staff who specialise in psychology and criminology. We also make use of other expert staff in both the IoPPN and the DPSoL. We adhere to the BPS staff:student ratio, which means that we always have 1 member of staff for every 20 students.

Which campus will I be based at?

Teaching will primarily take place at our Waterloo Campus, but with some nearby at our Guy’s campus. You will spend the majority of the first two years here. In your third year you may spend time at the Denmark Hill, Guy’s or Strand campus as well, depending on the specialist modules that you choose, and in order for you to carry out your final year projects.

What can I expect to do after I graduate?

With critical thinking, analytical and communications skills, graduates will be attractive to employers both inside and outside of the criminal justice and healthcare sector.

As a BPS accredited programme, you would be eligible to pursue further study to qualify in one of the psychological professions such as clinical psychology or educational psychology – although do note that substantial amounts of clinical or other relevant experience are necessary before you can apply for those courses.

The course provides the ideal foundation for a wide range of careers and/or further study options including:

Graduate Diploma in Law (to pursue further study and then careers as a solicitor or barrister)
Roles in the criminal justice sector and wider civil service
National intelligence and security agencies (e.g. roles related to psychology; intelligence; policy advising on crime/crime reduction; investigation; legal services)
Policing, crime prevention, and offender management and rehabilitation
Community justice
The Third Sector, think tanks, and research organisations working on crime and criminal justice
Social policy and research

Who can I speak to if I have more questions about the course?

If you have an admissions related question, please email: prospective@kcl.ac.uk

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