Applied Forensic Psychology with Placement

Entry requirements

You should have a bachelor's honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above. You should have also achieved a good mark in your dissertation, typically a 2:1 mark or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in psychology. Relevant practical experience (ideally in a forensic or clinical setting) will also be an advantage, with some placement providers looking for students with experience.

Your degree must be recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as providing Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC).

If you do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology, we will consider applicants who have successfully completed a BPS accredited Masters conversion degree.

We may make an offer on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

In your application you will need to provide a personal statement (maximum 500 words) which should explain:

(a) why you are interested in studying for an MSc Applied Forensic Psychology and Counselling and your subsequent career intentions

(b) how your academic, professional and personal experiences equip you to meet the demands of the course. You should be able to demonstrate previous experience working with a forensic or clinical population or in a related field that demonstrates transferrable skills. This may be voluntary work and can cover a wide range of experiences and organisations. (Please note, however, we cannot comment on the applicability of your experience prior to the submission of your application since we need to consider your application in its entirety).

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Take a first step towards a career in forensic psychology settings on this BPS-accredited course, with a compulsory placement and focus on counselling skills.

This degree provides the background psychological knowledge, professional skills and relevant experience you need to move confidently into working psychologically within the legal, criminal and civil justice systems.

You will gain up-to-date knowledge of psychological theory and practices, and develop the insights and skills to carry out research and development projects in forensic services, looking at governance, ethical, organisational issues.

You will also be introduced to the foundation skills of forensic psychology practice and spend time developing basic skills in counselling that can be applied in a variety of forensic settings.

The counselling element of the course, and a year-long placement, will help you acquire skills and experience which, compared with other forensic psychology courses, can greatly enhance your employability prospects.

This course is for graduates in psychology, who are interested in progressing to careers in the forensic services as practitioners, researchers or managers. It is also for those currently working in the criminal justice or forensic mental health systems, wishing to learn more about the theory and practice behind forensic psychology.

Graduate prospects

Thanks to the skills and relevant experience you gain, you will be well placed to secure work in NHS forensic services, probation and prison service, or voluntary sector organisations.

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is the first step to becoming a forensic psychologist. Successful completion of this course fulfils Stage 1 of the requirements towards Chartered Membership of the Society and full membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology.

Fees and funding

View available funding opportunities.