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 with Placement 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

Prepare for a career in forensic psychology on this BPS-accredited course. You’ll do a work placement in a forensic setting, enhancing your experience.

This British Psychological Society (BPS)-accredited course will provide you with the essential psychological knowledge, professional skills and workplace experience you need to start your career in the field of forensic psychology.

You’ll gain a deep understanding of psychological theory and its application across legal, criminal, and civil justice systems, while developing your ability to conduct research and lead development projects within forensic services. With a strong emphasis on ethics, governance, and organisational practice, you'll be well-equipped to work in a range of contemporary settings.

A key feature of the course is a work placement, which lasts up to 12 months. During this, you’ll apply your learning in a forensic setting and gain vital hands-on experience. Your placement will allow you to demonstrate your skills, build professional confidence, and gain valuable insights into the realities of professional practice.

Through the taught components, you’ll develop foundational and advanced skills in forensic psychology. This will prepare you to work effectively in diverse settings, such as correctional facilities and mental health services.

Whether you're a psychology graduate aiming to become a practitioner or researcher, or a professional already working in the criminal justice or forensic mental health sectors, this course offers the theoretical grounding and practical experience to start or advance your career.

Learn from experts in the field

You’ll learn from experts in forensic psychology, as well as staff in the wider Department of Psychology community. Their passion, knowledge, experience and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Use specialist facilities

The Department of Psychology is located in a new £30 million building.

You can use this space for group meetings, personal tutor sessions and computer work. The building contains advanced psychology research facilities, including:

• biopsychology suite with two-way mirror
• crossmodal laboratory including a soundproof room
• sensory and pain research suite
• social and developmental observation labs, including the Bath Babylab
• virtual reality lab with motion sensor cameras
• an electroencephalogram (EEG) scanner
• eye-tracking equipment

Gain important career skills

As part of the course, you’ll take part in timetabled sessions to support your professional practice and clinical skills development. These skills-based workshops are designed to help you become a reflective practice practitioner and develop your transferable skills for your work placement and future career.

We’ll also provide you with guidance and support for working in forensic settings (including interview support) and CV writing assistance. All of these are designed to enhance your future employability prospects.

Graduate Prospects

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

These posts could include training positions to allow the completion of the British Psychological Society (BPS) Qualification in Forensic Psychology (Stage 2) with the aim of becoming a Chartered Psychologist with the BPS Division of Forensic Psychology and a Health and Care Professions Council Registered Practitioner 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

See our website for further information on funding for this course.