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MSc Applied Criminology And Forensic Psychology

  • DeadlineStudy Details:

    MSc 1 year

Course Description

Develop a deep insight into crime and what causes criminal behaviour by studying this uniquely practical and applied course.

Sudying applied criminology and forensic psychology at postgraduate level will allow you to develop a range of enquiring, analytical and practical skills benefitting you as a practitioner or researcher.

You’ll have the opportunity of a work placement alongside specialised modules covering areas including the psychology of evidence, international criminology, assessment of offenders, responses to crime, and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods. These modules will give you a valuable set of skills for both employment and further research.

Your tutors are all experts in this field. We also invite external practitioners who bring their practical skills and experience to the course throughout the year.

Typical entry point to this course is in September. Please enquire for more information.

Due to the competitive nature of this programme, we advise you submit your application as early as possible.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 (or equivalent) in a related subject (e.g. social sciences, criminology, psychology, sociology, law, humanities, forensic nursing, policing). Where possible, you should also seek to gain some relevant experience before applying.

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient relevant work experience within the industry.

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

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Fees

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more

Programme Funding

Please see our website for funding opportunities

Student Destinations

By studying Applied Criminology & Forensic Psychology at Edinburgh Napier University, you will open the door to numerous and various career paths within the fields of criminal justice and psychology. This programme provides an advanced understanding of both criminal behaviour and psychological principles, equipping individuals with a diverse skill set for success.

If you are interested in crime-related research and policy, working within the criminal justice system to effect positive change, or working with justice-involved persons, this course may be right for you. You will develop a range of highly desirable transferable skills that are valuable not only to careers within justice but applicable more broadly across industries requiring critical thinking, research, problem solving and analytical abilities.

Our Alumni have  gone on to work with a range of organisations including Police Scotland, Scottish Prison Service, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies, third (voluntary) sector organisations such as Includem and Sacro, His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, and others have pursued careers in Academia. Below are just some of the roles you could go into with an MSc in Applied Criminology and Forensic Psychology.

What does a Case Officer do?

A Case Officer typically handles a variety of responsibilities related to the processing and management of legal cases within the court system. The specific duties may vary depending on the level of the court (e.g., Sheriff court, High court) and the nature of the cases being handled.

Alumni currently hold Case Officer positions within the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service where they play a vital role in ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the court system. Managing the administrative aspects of legal cases with their work contributes to the fair and timely resolution of legal matters, which in turn supports the wellbeing of those involved in court cases.

Daily tasks and responsibilities in this role may include: 

  • Supporting court proceedings
  • Documentation and system management
  • Case management
  • Conflict resolution

What does a Policy Officer do?

Policy Officers play a crucial role in shaping the direction and operations of an organisation by ensuring that policies align with its mission, goals, and legal obligations. They often work closely with leadership, researchers, legal teams, and other relevant stakeholders to create policies that are well-informed, practical, and effective, protecting the public whilst ensuring the justice system is proportionate and fair and human rights upheld. Many alumni currently hold Policy Officer positions within local or national government or third-sector organisations.

Daily tasks and responsibilities in this role may include: 

  • Presenting ideas and gathering feedback
  • Problem-solving
  • Policy research, development, and analysis
  • Stakeholder engagement and relationship development

What does a Researcher do?

Researchers or Research Officers are valuable to a wide range of agencies/organisations, designing and conducting research which underpins services and interventions as well as informing policy. For example, you might work in the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration, Violence Reduction Unit, or third sector organisations.

Daily tasks and responsibilities in this role may include: 

  • Designing and conducting research, including analysis
  • Consultation and engagement with stakeholders
  • Policy Analysis
  • Report writing

Module Details

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

  • Advanced Forensic Psychology ( PSY11103 )
  • Advanced Research Skills ( PSY11102 )
  • Criminal Justice in Practice ( SSC11110 )
  • Current Topics in Crime ( SSC11111 )
  • Dissertation [40 Credits - 3 Trimesters] ( SSC11125 )
  • Evidence and Investigation ( PSY11104 )
  • International and Comparative Criminology ( SSC11113 )
  • Practical Forensic Psychology ( PSY11100 )
  • Understanding and Responding to Crime ( SSC11124 )

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

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