Forensic Psychology MSc

Overview

Want to study a forensic psychology Master’s in Birmingham? This MSc Forensic Psychology course offers you the chance to learn about some of the most dangerous offenders in society and, their victims.

It will explore, approaches to assisting police with their enquires (investigative psychology), the criminal justice system from a psychological perspective and how to enhance your skills in communication, group work, professionalism and application of IT.

We also aim to improve your research skills and knowledge, through teaching you how to design high-level research projects, conduct statistical analysis, and to evaluate and scientifically report research findings.

The core aim of the course is to prepare students to work with clients and professionals in a range of forensic and forensic-related settings. Equipped with a sound knowledge of key theoretical and applied issues in forensic psychology, you will gain not only a critical appreciation of theoretical and factual concepts, but an awareness of the strengths and limitations of research evidence. The course integrates psychological theory with the development of practical skills and an understanding of professional practice.

What's covered in the course?

The aims of the course are to:

Equip you with a detailed critical understanding of the key theoretical and applied issues in forensic psychology, including investigative psychology procedures, the court system, the development of offending behaviour, the assessment and treatment of offenders, and the effects of offending on victims, and;
Provide an understanding of forensic psychology techniques and the roles of other criminal justice professionals in the detection, prosecution, assessment and treatment of offenders;
Enable you to acquire an advanced ability to design research, conduct statistical analysis, and evaluate and scientifically report research in forensic psychology;
Enhance your skills in communication, group work, professionalism and application of IT so that you can perform at a high level of competence in these areas;
Satisfy the academic requirements for Master’s-level knowledge as set out by the Division for Forensic Psychology of the British Psychological Society.

Enhancing your employability

You will have the opportunity to visit a local prison such as HMP Birmingham, attend court hearings and gain practical experience in one of the University’s mock courtrooms.

We will also assist in identifying work experience opportunities and the Centre for Academic Success offers 1:1 and small group private tutorials in English (including academic writing), study skills, maths, statistics, Word, Excel, programming, networking and project management.

Many graduates go on to gain employment within the health, charity and policing industries, such as working as a trainee forensic psychologist in a prison or mental health facility or as an assistant in one of these settings. You can also develop your academic career and choose to undertake further research within a higher education setting.

A minimum of an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Psychology or an MSc or Graduate Diploma in Psychology, with evidence of strong research methods skills. UK degrees must be accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), international degrees must meet similar standards particularly with regards to research methods and statistics. Experience of working with offenders and/or victims of crime in either a paid or voluntary capacity is desirable. Part-time students will normally be expected to be working in a forensic or forensic-related setting or have experience of this.