MSc Forensic Psychology

Course summary

Study a British Psychology Society accredited course.
Work towards completing Stage One of the two-stage BPS chartership process.
Learn new research methods and conduct your own empirical project.
Gain consultancy skills, communicating with professional audiences.
Develop the knowledge, skills, values and academic approach to work in areas relating to forensic psychology.

On this course, you'll study both psychological theory and practice. You'll focus on investigative psychology, the role of psychology within criminal justice processes, and how offenders are assessed and treated. Upon graduation, you'll be prepared for a range of worthwhile career paths.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The course has a blended learning approach. You will attend for four 'block weeks' in October, November, February and March. The rest of your learning will be undertaken online, with screencasts, online activities and discussion threads. During block weeks, you will participate in workshop-based activities on topics in forensic psychology.

You learn through

• workshop-based activities on campus
• independent study
• online activities
• guest lecturers
• screencasts

Future careers

This course prepares you to go on to Stage 2 of the chartership process, or further postgraduate study such as a PhD.

The course also prepares you for a career as a

• crime analyst
• police officer
• researcher
• interventions facilitator
• assistant psychologist
• trainee probation officer
• appropriate adult
• youth justice worker

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

You should have successfully completed an undergraduate honours degree in psychology (2:1 or above). Undergraduate honours degrees in criminology or other relevant disciplines may also be considered. It would be helpful if your previous studies included research methods. If you have successfully completed an undergraduate honours degree in psychology (or other relevant discipline) with a 2:2, you may be considered if you can satisfy the course team that you have the ability to complete the course (e.g., through evidence significant work experience in criminal justice, or successful completion of other relevant postgraduate study). For example, your work experience could be in the voluntary sector in youth justice, support work, drug rehabilitation, or programme facilitation.