Forensic Psychology

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent. To be admitted to the course you are normally required to have attained at least a second class honours degree in psychology to provide evidence of eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS)

MSc

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the course

Supporting the requirements of the British Psychological Society's Division of Forensic Psychology, this course focuses on developing the expertise and qualities you will need to gain employment at a senior level. Covering all the main topics and involving advanced study in research methods and professional skills, you will receive stage one training towards becoming a chartered psychologist.

Key features

• Study the links between scientific theory and practice, and learn to show how a critical understanding of theory may guide the collection and interpretation of empirical data
• Explore your ability to communicate forensic-related material using appropriate methods of delivery to other psychology and non-psychology professionals
• Develop a systematic understanding and critical awareness of current problems, and gain new insights into the theory and practice of forensic psychology
• Gain a high level of knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods which will allow you to perform complex data analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis
• Benefit from an increased sense of personal responsibility and professionalism that will enable you to practice or conduct research within ethical guidelines while being aware of the requirements of equal opportunities and disabilities legislation.

Career Opportunities

Forensic psychology can be evidenced in a range of settings such as the prison and probation service, the NHS, during criminal investigations and in community settings. However, the advanced route to registration in forensic psychology is only one possibility and, having completed your degree you will find that many career opportunities are open to you both inside and outside the forensic sector and psychology related fields. Whatever your thoughts, forensic psychology is compelling as both a discipline and a profession. Studying for the MSc in Forensic Psychology will give you a good grounding in:

• Applying what you learn to simulated real life contexts (e.g., in a courtroom setting)
• The unit on professional skills in particular develops the skills expected from a forensic psychologist and other professions dealing with challenging behaviours. These skills include motivational interviewing, report writing, training skills, working in multidisciplinary environments, building relationships with other professionals.
• Assessment of risks and needs.
• Working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Communication skills such as summarizing complex information to communicate to others.
• Complex problem solving..

Areas of study include

• Advanced Research Methods For Forensic Psychology (PSY026-6) Compulsory
• Criminal Psychology (PSY023-6) Compulsory
• Dissertation (PSY031-6) Compulsory
• Forensic Psychology In Practice 1 (PSY028-6) Compulsory
• Forensic Psychology In Practice 2 (PSY029-6) Compulsory
• Investigative Psychology (PSY024-6) Compulsory
• Legal Psychology (PSY025-6) Compulsory
• Professional Skills For Forensic Psychologists (PSY030-6) Compulsory
• Rehabilitation & Recidivism (PSY027-6) Compulsory

Fees and funding

For details on the financial support on offer at the University of Bedfordshire please visit our website: www.beds.ac.uk/pgfunding.

Qualification and course duration

MSc