Course overview
You experience a critical and questioning approach to the discipline of forensic psychology. You develop as an independent critical thinker, resilient and well prepared as a forensic psychology practitioner. The programme covers the key knowledge areas in a way that represents the stages and processes in the criminal justice system and the pathways offenders and victims take through it.
The integrative approach of the courses sees ethics, practice and professional skills incorporated as appropriate to each topic, enhancing the relevance of these issues, and applied psychological knowledge to the understanding, investigation, assessment, interventions and management of offenders.
For example, you have the opportunity to act as an expert witness in our mock court room, offering and defending your professional opinion on a case study which is something you may then do if you go on to qualify as a forensic psychologist.
Top reasons to study this course
> Study this course and you may be eligible for a £2,500 Sir Keith Skeoch postgraduate scholarship.
> You employ a scientist-practitioner approach to issues relevant to professional practice and research in forensic psychology.
> Research laboratories and simulated environments including the mock courtroom, police station and interview suites, and technology including eye tracking machines.
>The programme team are research and consultancy active, which underpins their teaching. Areas of expertise include risk assessment and intervention, cognitive behavioural therapy, expert witness, intermediary work, investigative interviewing, police investigations, personality, trauma-informed care and cyber crime.
> Benefit from our strong external links with the local prison service, regional secure units and the NHS to pursue work experience in forensic settings, and a potential focus for your dissertation.
> Specialist external speakers may contribute to the delivery of the programme, giving you relevant and on topic insights.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Applications of Qualitative Methods in Psychology
You gain the requisite skills needed to analyse, conduct and assess qualitative research within the applied psychology setting. You will also gain an understanding of key theoretical approaches in designing qualitative research projects as well as practical experience in collecting and analysing qualitative data. The module aims to facilitate the development of a knowledge of and skills in using advanced qualitative research designs, specifically it will develop your knowledge and skills in qualitative research design and methods as applicable to applied psychology at MSc level. You will understand the relationship between theory and practice of interpretative approaches in psychological research, and explore different modes of investigation and analysis employed within these interpretative approaches.
Applied Quantitative Research Methods
You develop knowledge of and skills in using advanced research designs, including the use of quantitative analysis techniques. Specifically, you will develop additional knowledge and skills in research design and methods, appropriate statistical analysis, as applicable to applied psychology at MSc level. Quantitative analysis of advanced research designs includes effect size, power analysis, confidence intervals, multiple regression, logistic regression, factor analysis and reliability analysis, mediation analysis, moderation analysis.
This gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your research competency within a specialist area of forensic psychology. You are required to produce an original empirical research project of 12,000 words on a specialist area of your choice within forensic psychology.
Professional Skills for Forensic Practitioners
Understand the psychologist’s role as a forensic practitioner by exploring assessment, formulation, intervention, consultancy and training others. Study the theoretical explanations of offending behaviour, its origins, and the purpose and principles of the assessment and intervention process, focusing on psychological elements (including risk, personality disorder and cognitive assessment) and specialist intervention, considering issues specific to different groups.
The Psychology of Investigations and the Criminal Justice System
You examine the nature of criminal investigations from the perspectives of victims, witnesses, suspected offenders and staff working within the criminal justice system. Learn about how evidence collection can be enhanced and improved considering psychological factors during the investigation process. Explore how psychology can assist in understanding and improving the criminal justice system.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
The course utilises seminars and lectures. There are aspects of self-directed learning in some modules and applied learning including visits to courts and specialist expert external speakers.
How you are assessed
The course is assessed using a variety of methods, formative and summative. These include traditional essay writing, applied assignments including psychological risk assessment reports, consultancy reports, and the delivery of evidence and cross-examination in the unique court room facility at the University.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have at least a second-class honours degree in psychology and the Graduate Basis for Chartership as recognised by the BPS. Applicants with other degrees are invited to call the admission enquiries number to discuss possible additional requirements for entry.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
Employability
Career opportunities
After Stage 1, students can become chartered forensic psychologists by successfully completing the Stage 2 Qualification in Forensic Psychology or practitioner forensic psychologists by completing a Level 8 forensic practitioner Postgraduate Diploma.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
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Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.
MSc Forensic Psychology