Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This joint honours degree blends the academic foundations required for legal knowledge with modules from psychology to give a rounded understanding of both disciplines. In the law component you will typically cover the core subjects required for a qualifying law degree, studied across the programme: contract law, criminal law, tort, public law (constitutional and administrative law), property law, and the law of obligations. These are paired with vocationally focused modules such as evidence, legal skills and legal research, and professional ethics.

The psychology component introduces you to key areas such as developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology and individual differences, together with research methods and statistics. Modules commonly emphasise forensic and applied topics that link to legal settings, for example forensic psychology, eyewitness testimony, offender behaviour, and the psychology of decision-making.

Programme structure generally progresses from introductory core modules in year one to more specialised and optional modules in later years. You can expect:

• Year 1: foundational law modules that introduce legal reasoning and institutions, plus introductory psychology, research methods and statistics.
• Year 2: intermediate legal subjects (such as criminal evidence and tort in greater depth) and psychology modules that focus on cognition, social behaviour and applied methods. Opportunities for skills development in advocacy, negotiation and interviewing are typically available.
• Final year: advanced options in both disciplines, such as forensic psychology, advanced evidence and expert testimony, alternative dispute resolution, and a substantial research project or dissertation drawing on psychological methods or legal analysis.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, small-group workshops and practical sessions. Assessment methods include essays, problem-based case studies, examinations, group work, presentations and a research dissertation. Practical experience is encouraged through pro bono clinics, mooting competitions, mock trials and research placements where available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary school qualifications such as A-levels, BTECs, the International Baccalaureate or recognised international equivalents. Typical applicants will have a combination of humanities, social science or science subjects; there is no single preferred subject, but strong written and analytical skills are important.

GCSEs or equivalent in English and mathematics are usually expected. Mature applicants and those with relevant work or voluntary experience in legal, social care or criminal justice settings are welcomed and assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English through a recognised test unless exempt. Selection may also consider personal statements, references and any relevant experience.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme have a range of career pathways because they combine legal knowledge with psychological insight. Common destinations include:

• Further legal training leading to practice as a solicitor or barrister (subject to completion of requisite vocational training and professional qualifications).
• Roles in criminal justice and forensic settings, such as probation services, offender rehabilitation organisations, witness support and victim advocacy.
• Careers in public policy, government agencies, regulatory bodies and NGOs where understanding human behaviour enhances policy design and implementation.
• Applied psychology-related roles, research assistant posts or continued postgraduate study in forensic or clinical psychology (additional postgraduate training/registration required for chartered psychologist status).
• Careers in mediation, dispute resolution, compliance, human resources, or research and consultancy where combined legal and psychological skills are valued.

The course also builds transferable skills—communication, critical analysis, research methods, interview and negotiation skills—that are sought across the public, private and third sectors. Nottingham Trent University maintains career support, employability workshops and links with local legal and criminal justice organisations to help students transition into work or further study.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University offers this interdisciplinary programme within a well-established law school and a psychology provision that emphasises applied research and employability. Students benefit from experiential learning opportunities such as pro bono legal clinics, mooting and mock trial competitions, and access to psychology labs and research supervision.

The university’s location provides strong connections with local courts, law firms, probation services and voluntary organisations, creating opportunities for placements, volunteering and collaborative projects. Small-group teaching and skills workshops are integrated into the course to develop practical competencies alongside theoretical study.

Overall, the programme is designed for students who want rigorous legal training enriched by an understanding of psychological theory and methods, preparing graduates for careers where both disciplines intersect.