MSc Forensic Psychology

You should hold the equivalent of a minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree in Psychology. Consideration will be given to applicants who hold the equivalent of a minimum of 2:2 undergraduate degrees in Science or Social Sciences, where a minimum of 50% of undergraduate study is in Psychology with evidence of studying curriculum including research methods.

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5. Pre-sessional English is available if required.

Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit in the coming years, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance amongst other things. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force from time to time.

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

Funding opportunities including scholarships available

According to the British Psychological Society, the largest single employer of forensic psychologists in the UK is the HM Prison Service. Psychologists can also be employed in rehabilitation units, secure hospitals, Social Services, conducting research in university departments and working in private consultancy.

There are two stages to becoming a practising Forensic Psychologist and Chartered Member of the BPS, requiring a combination of professional education and practice. In the first instance, you need the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), followed by an accredited master’s in Forensic Psychology, such as this course.

The second stage requires a minimum of two years of supervised practice and successful completion of Stage 2 of the BPS Qualification in Forensic Psychology before you are eligible to register with the HCPC and use the title of ‘Forensic Psychologist’.

By studying Forensic Psychology, you should be able to develop knowledge and skills that are relevant across the criminal justice system in a variety of roles, including crime scene analyst; trainee forensic psychologist; trainee clinical psychologist; behavioural investigative advisor; lecturer in forensic psychology; Home Office, local government or police researcher; police officer; youth offending team worker; or probation officer.

Pathway mandatory modules

These modules are specialised and studied solely by students enrolled on the Forensic Psychology MSc courses only.

• Offending Behaviour and the Criminal Justice System – 20 credits
• Intervention Across Different Client Groups – 20 credits
• Professional Practice in Forensic Psychology – 20 credits

Core mandatory modules

These modules are mandatory for the Forensic Psychology MSc and Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc courses.

• Ethical Research and Methods in Forensic Psychology – 40 credits
• The Legal Process – 10 credits
• Risk Assessment and Management in Forensic Settings – 20 credits
• Dissertation in Forensic Psychology – 40 credits
• Global Professional Development – Leading and Creating Organisational Health and Wellbeing (CMI module) – 10 credits.