Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in psychology.

Undergraduate degrees in science or social science may be accepted where at least 50% of your studies is in psychology and you can evidence curriculum study including research methods.

Months of entry

January, March, May, July, September, November

Course content

The course offers a thorough grounding in the theoretical and practical knowledge, issues and skills central to forensic psychological practice and the wide-ranging criminal justice settings, such as prison services, national security, academia and research.

Accreditation: accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), completing this course fulfils the BPS Stage 1 requirements, placing you on the path towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist and a full member of the Division of Forensic Psychology.
Modern curriculum: explore psychological theory throughout the criminal justice process, from investigation and punishment to working with forensic clients, assessing risk and managing complex cases.
Career-focused: blend theory with real-world application to gain a deep understanding of the subject and develop a range of practice-based, transferable skills essential for your career.

Is this course right for you?

To become a Chartered Psychologist, you must hold Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS) for this qualification to count towards your professional training.

If you already hold GBC, this course fulfils your Stage 1 academic requirements.
If you do not currently hold GBC, you may wish to consider our Psychology MSc, which can provide a pathway to gaining the necessary membership for progression towards a chartered psychology career.

Why you should study this course

Explore current issues in forensic psychology, evaluate modern practices and develop expertise to drive innovation in the field. Through real-world case studies, refine your professional and ethical approaches, preparing for a career in criminal justice, rehabilitation, law enforcement or research.

Expert staff: learn from our staff who teach the latest knowledge and directly engage with the realities of forensic psychology, ensuring you receive the most up-to-date and relevant education. (Staff are subject to change.)
Industry voices: gain first-hand knowledge from professionals across external organisations, including prison services, police, criminal justice agencies and charities. These experiences should help you develop key professional skills and build industry connections.
Skills development: from effective communication and problem-solving to ethical decision-making, this course equips you to work with diverse forensic client groups and make a real impact in various forensic settings.
Applied learning: our hands-on, active learning model allows you to apply theory to practice through case studies, discussions and skill-building activities, reflecting the challenges faced by forensic psychology professionals.

Accreditation and professional recognition

British Psychological Society (BPS)

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for the 2025/26 intakes. This course is designed to fulfil Stage 1 requirements for becoming a Chartered Psychologist, provided you also possess the required Graduate Basis for Chartership. To be eligible for Chartership, you must also have an accredited undergraduate psychology degree or have completed an accredited conversion course before starting this MSc. BPS sets requirements, which are subject to change. Check the BPS website for full details and the most up-to-date information.

Please use the official Coventry University website as your main source of information as our courses are subject to change throughout the year.