MSc Forensic Psychology

Supporting the requirements of the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology, this course develops a systematic understanding and critical awareness of current issues in the field while exploring core areas such as criminal, investigative and legal psychology; victimology; and forensic assessments and interventions. You gain new insights into the theory and practice of forensic psychology as well as a high level of knowledge of advanced research methods, allowing you to perform complex data analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis.What will you studyStudying our Forensic Psychology MSc course will equip you with in-depth knowledge in the areas of criminal, investigative and legal psychology and skills in relation to the assessment and rehabilitation of offenders. In Advanced Research Methods for Psychologists you will have sessions covering advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods including training on relevant analytical software. You will develop an understanding of why criminal behaviour occurs in our Criminal Psychology unit by exploring a range of theories of offending and different types of offenders. These sessions will help you understand how these theories have developed psychological practice. You will then learn about the methodological and practical skills relevant to conducting and interpreting psychological assessments of offenders that may include cognitive, personality, mental health or offence specific tests in our Assessments in Forensic Psychology unit. Following this, you will develop a thorough understanding of the psychological interventions used to treat and rehabilitate offenders in the field of forensic work in our Interventions in Forensic Psychology unit.Shifting the focus from offenders, you will also explore the concept of Victimology by gaining a critical understanding of the psychological effects of experiencing victimisation while exploring the ethical and clinical applications to effectively help and support victims of serious offences. Aside from this, you will consider the role of psychology in investigative and police contexts in our Investigative Psychology unit which could potentially inspire you to pursue a career in this specialised field. In areas of Legal Psychology, you will discover how psychology can be applied to legal contexts including false confessions and jury decision making. To prepare you for your career, our unit in Professional Skills will support you in developing the academic and professional skills to work in forensic contexts. Finally, you will complete a MSc Forensic Psychology Dissertation that will give you the opportunity to carry out a substantial piece of research into a specialised area of forensic psychology that is of interest to you.CareersYour BPS-accredited MSc opens the way to further applied training in forensic psychology to become a full chartered member of the BPS and gain eligibility to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).Career opportunities for graduates of this course include various roles in prison and probation services, the police, the criminal justice system, and the NHS.You will also have acquired specific knowledge in research methods to put you in a position to continue your research studies within Psychology with a PhD.