MSc Forensic Psychology

Course overview

Are you planning to pursue a career as a forensic psychologist? Would you like to learn from expert psychologists with specialist skills and experience working in prisons, including with young offenders and vulnerable prisoners?

Examine the role of psychologists in legal settings and develop your understanding of crime, criminal behaviour and the assessment and rehabilitation of offenders.

Our MSc Forensic Psychology course is specifically designed to meet the criteria of the British Psychological Society (BPS) as the first stage of becoming a forensic psychologist.

This specialist programme is aimed at students who hold a BPS-accredited Psychology degree or professionals working within the Criminal Justice arena looking to secure a forensic psychologist trainee position.

This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.

About this course

On this course, you’ll develop a robust understanding of the psychology research on which forensic psychology practice is based.

The course is delivered by psychologists with experience across a broad range of forensic and forensic mental health settings and by specialist forensic or forensic mental health researchers. They will use this experience to enhance your learning through numerous practice-based clinical examples and research-led teaching.

Following a critical and theoretical introduction to forensic psychology and the development and context of research in forensic psychology and its application, you’ll explore the practice of forensic psychology including the role of the forensic psychologist.

We’ll help you develop your understanding of approaches and techniques used when working with forensic populations as well as research methods needed for psychological enquiry and how to apply these to research projects in forensic settings.

You’ll also complete a thesis in an area relevant to Forensic Psychology.

Due to its strong applied forensic focus, this postgraduate degree offers excellent preparation for psychology work in prisons and other related settings.

You’ll benefit from our established links across the industry, including prisons throughout the UK, and from opportunities to volunteer in a relevant professional environment, so you’ll graduate equipped with the knowledge, practical skills and experience needed to be a forensic psychology trainee.

If you already work in the field, the course will allow you to develop both your theoretical and practical understanding to become a qualified forensic psychologist and the confidence to take the next step in your career.

Why study with us?

Delivered through blended learning, so you can study alongside your current employment.
Learn from academics with forensic research and practice experience and benefit from their contacts within the Criminal Justice sector.
Develop your skills and network with others in the field of forensic psychology through our conference award scheme which offers the opportunity to receive funding to showcase your research at a national conference.

Applicants should hold an Honours degree (minimum 2:1) in Psychology (or equivalent, e.g. MSc Psychology (Conversion)) which confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) status with the British Psychological Society (BPS). To check whether your degree gives you eligibility for the GBC, visit the BPS website. Ideally, you should have some relevant voluntary or paid experience involving forensic settings or forensic clients, e.g. working with offenders, people at risk of offending or victims or observation of criminal courtroom proceedings. This course is not available to students on a Student Route Visa.