Course description

• This programme is accredited with the British Psychological Society (BPS), thereby accounting for Stage 1 of the qualification for those who already hold Graduate Basis of Chartership (GBC) with the BPS
• Choose a programme which offers a compelling blend of academic studies, research and practical experience
• Learn from a teaching team made up of forensic practitioners and academics with considerable experience of working with offenders and victims in a range of forensic contexts
• Benefit from a supportive and dynamic research environment where you will have the chance to pursue your own professional interests
• Gain vital practical insights, including potential opportunities for real life experience within a related field
• Broaden your professional options: this qualification is valuable for careers in a range of settings including prisons, secure units, hospitals, mental health services, police, probation services, courts, community organisations, charities and social enterprises
• Build an excellent platform if you want to progress to PhD research

This postgraduate degree will equip psychology graduates with the academic knowledge and skills they need to conduct practical work and research within a forensic context.

During the course, you will be encouraged to undertake a minimum of 30 hours volunteering to gain real life experience in a related field, as well as to obtain practical insights into forensic psychology.

The culmination of the MSc Forensic Psychology programme is the research project which will enable you to tailor your learning to reflect your own specific area of professional interest and your career aspirations. To support your work on your research project, you will develop skills in collecting and analysing data relevant to forensic psychology. You will also use a range of techniques and research methods applicable to advanced scholarship in the discipline.

On successful completion of the course, you may continue your training to become a Forensic Psychologist, or pursue a career in sectors such as the prison and probation services, crime analysis or education.

Accreditation

The MSc Forensic Psychology programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), thereby accounting for Stage 1 of the qualification for those who already hold Graduate Basis of Chartership (GBC) with the BPS.

Qualifying as a Forensic Psychologist

Gaining a BPS accredited MSc is the first step (stage 1) towards becoming a Forensic Psychologist. The next step (stage 2) is to complete approved applied training; one route is the Qualification in Forensic Psychology provided by the BPS. The Qualification in Forensic Psychology is the independent route to training as a forensic psychologist. To find out more about the stage 2 qualification, please visit the British Psychological Society website

How you will learn

The MSc Forensic Psychology is delivered primarily through lectures, interactive workshops and discussions, small group teaching, and one-on-one supervision.

You will also benefit from a number of outings and visits, as well as guest lectures by prominent figures in the world of forensic psychology.

How you will be assessed

Assessments will be diverse in format and may include:

• essays
• group and individual presentations
• research project report(s)
• a reflective practice portfolio.

Who you'll meet

You will be taught by an established academic team who are active in research and specialists in their field including:

• Dr Dean Fido
• Dr Rachael Wheatley
• Dr Henry Lennon
• Dr Zacharia Nahouli
• Robyn Mooney