Forensic Psychology

Entry requirements

The course has two different routes and entry requirements for those with, and without the Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Council.

Forensic Psychology MSc (Accredited)

A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in psychology, which provides Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). See also relevant experience requirement below.

Forensic Psychology MSc (Non-accredited)

A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in psychology (joint or combined honours which includes psychology, or an international psychology degree) that does not confer GBC with the BPS.

Other qualifications/experience may be acceptable and will be considered by the Degree Programme Director (eg mental health specialists, police officers, prison officers).

If shortlisted for interview, students on this route must be able to satisfy the interview panel that they have the ability to successfully complete a module in advanced research methods and statistics.

Months of entry

October

Course content

This course will provide you with an advanced understanding of the theoretical and applied issues in forensic psychology. Our scientist-practitioner approach equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in forensic psychology practice.

The MSc in Forensic Psychology offers comprehensive professional training in forensic psychology. You will gain an in-depth experience of offending and victim pathways, as well as the investigative process. Through the use of a structured framework, you will also study theory and conduct research relating to forensic psychology practice. The course has two different routes:

Forensic Psychology, MSc (Accredited)

This route is fully accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), thereby accounting for Stage 1 of the Qualification in Forensic Psychology. Students enrolling on this route must have a first degree in psychology providing Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the BPS. We will attempt to provide you with a placement within local forensic units (ie HM Prison Service, NHS, Police, or the Forensic Interview Laboratory within the School of Psychology), however, this is not always guaranteed for all students.

Forensic Psychology, MSc (Non-accredited)

This route is not accredited by the BPS and therefore does not fulfil Stage 1 of the BPS qualification in Forensic Psychology. If a student on this non-accredited route wanted to progress onto Stage 2 of the Qualification in Forensic Psychology in the future, they would need to go back and complete the necessary conversion programme to give them the requisite GBC with the BPS.

This route is aimed primarily at those students who do not possess a first degree in psychology providing GBC with the BPS, but whose degree covers research methods and statistics relevant to psychology (eg a joint or combined honours degree which includes psychology, or an international psychology degree that does not confer GBC with the BPS). Other qualifications/experience may be acceptable and will be considered by the Programme Director (eg mental health specialists, police officers, prison officers).

No placements will be provided on this route (with the exception of the Forensic Interview Laboratory within the School of Psychology - space permitting). You are, however, free to gain access to your own placement.

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Information for international students

Direct Entry: IELTS 7.0 overall (with a minimum of 7.0 in all sub-skills).

Fees and funding

See our course fees and funding web page.