Forensic and Investigative Psychology

Entry requirements

Months of entry

September

Course content

Gain a deep and practical understanding of how psychology informs every stage of the criminal justice process with our MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology.

This British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited Master’s will equip you with the critical insight, analytical skills, and professional understanding needed to excel in forensic and criminal justice settings.

What you’ll learn

• Learn how psychologists contribute to legal investigations, court proceedings, secure settings, and rehabilitation programmes.
• Explore the psychological roots of criminal behaviour and examine how offenders move through the justice system, from investigation to rehabilitation.
• Understand the ethical, legal, and practical dimensions of working in high-stakes environments.
• Develop professional and ethical skills aligned with BPS and HCPC standards.
• Enhance your employability through practical learning and collaboration with active forensic psychologists.

Taught by experienced practitioners and researchers active in the field, this course blends cutting-edge theory with real-world application. You'll examine how psychological theory and research shape practices across all stages, from initial police investigation to sentencing and detention.

With access to specialist facilities such as virtual reality tools, eye-tracking technology, observation suites, and the innovative Hydra simulation system, you’ll gain hands-on experience relevant to professional forensic environments.

Whether you’re preparing for a role in the police, prison, or probation services, or working towards further doctoral study, this MSc offers the foundation for a rewarding and impactful career.

How you’ll be assessed

To obtain the MSc qualification, you must pass all modules totalling 180 credits. These modules include : four ‘content modules’ (20 credits each), two ‘research methods modules’ (20 credits each) and a research project module (60 credits).

The assessment methods used within the programme draw from a range of methods for students to demonstrate and enhance their forensic & investigative psychological skills from both a theoretical and practical approach.

The MSc Forensic & Investigative Psychology Assessment Strategy conforms to the Universities Regulations and Credit Framework for the Conferment of Awards. For each 20 credit module, the summative assessments are weighted at 4000 words or equivalent. In addition, each assignment enables students to develop transferable skills they can then draw upon when working within forensic settings and/or pursuing Stage 2 to become – Qualification in Forensic Psychology.

Modules may also include formative assessments (e.g. ungraded work). Whilst formative assessments do not contribute to a students’ grades, completion of these enhance their forensic & investigate psychological skills from both a personal and professional development perspective.

Your future career

This course has a strong focus on students gaining key skills for potential employability, including being a stepping stone towards a career in forensic &/or investigative psychology and/or further education. Therefore, upon successful completion of the course students will have gained a range of valuable specific and transferable professional and academic skills to help them pursue a career within forensic &/or investigative psychology.

Upon completion of this course, students may explore opportunities to work within forensic environments, seek employment with forensic mental health services (e.g. NHS, private sector), pursue employment as a probation officer, prison officer, assistant psychologist or police officer roles or further education (e.g. PhD, Doctorate clinical and Forensic Psychology).

Further education students may consider upon completion of this programme may include: MSc Research, PhD, Doctorate Clinical Psychology, Doctorate Clinical/Forensic Psychology, Stage 2 Qualification in Forensic Psychology or other postgraduate degrees that may support career progression.

20% Alumni Discount

We offer alumni discounts on CCCU Postgraduate Taught, PGCE Primary and Secondary, and Master's by Research courses for eligible students.

Visit the Forensic and Investigative Psychology - MSc page on the Canterbury Christ Church University website for more details!

Information for international students

Canterbury Christ Church University welcomes applications from International Students. For more information please visit our website.

Fees and funding

For the full-time course home students fees are £9835 and international students are £17000.

20% Alumni Discount

We offer alumni discounts on CCCU Postgraduate Taught, PGCE Primary and Secondary, and Master's by Research courses for eligible students.