Entry requirements

A minimum of an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Psychology or an MSc or Graduate Diploma in Psychology, with evidence of strong research methods skills.

UK degrees must be accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), international degrees must meet similar standards particularly with regards to research methods and statistics.

Experience of working with offenders and/or victims of crime in either a paid or voluntary capacity is desirable. Part-time students will normally be expected to be working in a forensic or forensic-related setting or have experience of this.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Want to study a Forensic Psychology Master’s in Birmingham? Our MSc Forensic Psychology course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and provides the first step (Stage 1) towards gaining chartered status as a forensic psychologist.

In this course you will learn about some of the most dangerous offenders in society and their victims, the various approaches to assisting police with their enquires (investigative psychology), the Criminal Justice System from a psychological perspective, the role of forensic psychologists in various forensic settings, and you will develop skills that will prepare you for Stage 2 training or further postgraduate studies.

This course will also enhance your research skills and knowledge, through teaching you how to design high-level research projects, conduct statistical analysis, and to evaluate and scientifically report research findings.

The core aim of the course is to prepare you to work with clients and professionals in a range of forensic and forensic-related settings. Equipped with a sound knowledge of key theoretical and applied issues in forensic psychology, you will gain not only a critical appreciation of theoretical and factual concepts, but an awareness of the strengths and limitations of research evidence. The course integrates psychological theory with the development of practical skills and an understanding of professional practice.

The aims of the course are to:

  • Equip you with a detailed critical understanding of the key theoretical and applied issues in forensic psychology, including investigative psychology procedures, the court system, the development of offending behaviour, the assessment and treatment of offenders, and the effects of offending on victims
  • Provide an understanding of forensic psychology techniques and the roles of other criminal justice professionals in the detection, prosecution, assessment and treatment of offenders
  • Enable you to acquire an advanced ability to design research, conduct statistical analysis, and evaluate and scientifically report research in forensic psychology
  • Enhance your skills in communication, group work, professionalism and application of IT so that you can perform at a high level of competence in these areas
  • Satisfy the academic requirements for Master’s-level knowledge as set out by the Division for Forensic Psychology of the British Psychological Society

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to demonstrate an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the key issues in forensic psychology of relevance to both academics and practitioners. Graduates of this course are expected to have developed advanced academic, intellectual and professional skills, with the ability to work autonomously and in team.

You will be taught by experts in the field of forensic psychology with a wide range of research specialisms, including our Course Director, Professor Michael Brookes OBE, a consultant chartered and registered forensic psychologist, appointed an OBE in 2013 for his services to HM Prison Service and the Care of Prisoners. You will also have the opportunity to attend lectures delivered by professionals currently working in forensic settings.

Our Psychology department has a wide range of psychology testing labs, equipment, and software to support your studies, as well as a dedicated BPS computer lab with networked computers with Psychology-specific software.

Information for international students

Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept.

In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course.

Fees and funding

Learn more about postgraduate fees and funding.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Course Enquiries Team
Email
courseenquiries@bcu.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)121 331 6295