About the course

How does criminal behaviour develop? Are psychopaths born or made? Are eyewitnesses accurate? How should we rehabilitate offenders? These are just some of the challenging questions you will explore on our stimulating degree.

We are one of the few universities in the UK to offer an integrated degree dedicated to the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system. Forensic psychology is increasingly used to inform practice within the justice system and there is a growing demand for professionals who can draw on knowledge of the subject in a wide range of roles and contexts.

Our BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology programme enables you to apply psychological theories, methods and research to some of the critical challenges facing the criminal justice system today.

You will cover all the main areas of psychology and gain a thorough understanding of complex issues such as criminal behaviour and the personal consequences of crime. There is the chance to focus on specialist areas ranging from cybercrime to domestic abuse, hate crime to psychopathy, offenders with mental or intellectual disabilities to substance misuse. Among the latest additions to the portfolio are optional modules in subjects such as addictive behaviours and schizophrenia.

Throughout, we emphasise the importance of evidence-based practice so you will research real-life criminal justice problems and seek pragmatic solutions to address those problems.

Professional recognition

Our BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). As long as you achieve at least a second class honours qualification and obtain at least 40% in your Independent Study in Psychology - you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the society. This is the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist.

The next step you will need to complete is a Stage One accredited postgraduate qualification, which we offer in our MSc Forensic Psychology. Following this, you must complete Stage Two towards becoming a Forensic Psychologist, which is the independent training route. Trainees will complete eight pieces of work, taking a minimum of two years, in the following areas: conducting psychological applications and interventions, research, communicating psychological knowledge and advice to other professionals and training other professionals in psychological skills and knowledge. All of these activities are supervised by a registered Forensic Psychologist. Successful submission and HCPC registration leads to qualification as a Forensic Psychologist.

Hands-on learning

We have strong links with a wide range of criminal and community justice agencies including the police, probation services, prisons, youth justice, courts and victim support organisations. These enrich your learning and open the door for you to undertake independent research projects.

During your second year, as part of the Qualitative Methods module, you will complete a 30-hour volunteering placement. We also encourage you to take up additional volunteering opportunities throughout the degree to add substance to your CV and to ensure you are ‘workplace-ready’ on graduating. Placement hours are subject to change.

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology also features field trips to places such as courts and prisons (subject to availability of the facilities).

Extra qualifications

If you have a particular interest in youth justice, this course gives you the chance to achieve an additional professional qualification – the Youth Justice in Effective Practice Certificate (YJEPC) – alongside your degree studies.

The YJEPC is the most widely held qualification in youth justice and brings together current theory, practice and evidence. It will not only boost your employability in the eyes of potential employers but also help you to make more effective judgements in your future career.

The opportunity to gain the YJEPC is available if you take two specific modules – Working with Young Offenders and Youth Justice.  

Expert teaching

Supporting you all the way is our team of enthusiastic and experienced lecturers who are experts in their fields, including chartered psychologists. Several are still actively engaged with practice, which helps you keep up to date with the latest developments.

Your learning will be underpinned by the internationally renowned research activities of our staff who are helping to shape understanding and practice across the criminal justice sector. Their expertise spans thought-provoking topics such as psychopathy, dark triad, sex offenders, domestic violence and personality disorders. It all means your modules will feature latest thinking and contemporary materials.

Guest speakers include professionals who have pursued a career in the criminal justice sector and who will share their own experiences of forensic psychology.

Equipment and resources

As a Forensic Psychology student, you’ll be based at the Derby Campus. Offering the perfect environment for innovative and engaging teaching, it includes well-resourced lecture theatres, seminar rooms, computer laboratories and social learning spaces.

You’ll be able to gain practical experience of investigative processes using our facilities which include a mock courtroom and replica police custody suite.

Depending on the modules you select in level 6 you could be working alongside students taking courses in subjects such as law, criminology and policing, so there are many opportunities to share knowledge, expertise and experience.

Real-world research

We will prepare you to become a competent researcher yourself, equipped with the skills to analyse data and policies critically and to contribute to original forensic psychology knowledge.

As part of the course, you will pursue independent research into themes matching your career ambitions and intellectual interests. You may also have the chance to get involved in staff research projects where feasible and to present your work at relevant conferences.

How you will learn

You will learn through a compelling combination of:

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• role plays
• workshops
• fieldtrips

We offer a high level of support to students, including a personal tutor system to help steer your academic and professional development throughout your studies.  

How you are assessed

You are assessed via a wide range of methods including:

• essays
• case studies
• presentations including research-style posters
• debates
• group projects

Who you'll meet

Our teaching team for the BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology programme is made up of engaging, passionate and inspiring subject experts. They include:

• Dr Henriette Bergstrøm
• Dr Dean Fido
• Dr Karin Spenser
• Dr Tom Page
• Dr Henry Lennon
• Dr Sophia Tkazky
• Dr Rachael Wheately
• Juliet Marvin
• Dr Katia Vione
• Dr Aleksandra Monteiro
• Robyn Mooney

Personal academic tutoring

Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.