Course summary

The MSc Forensic Psychology programme covers the British Psychological Society’s core curriculum in forensic psychology and is suitable for individuals who wish to pursue a career in forensic psychology, employment relevant to the criminal justice system, or allied professional roles. The degree prepares you for practice with a sound appreciation of academic theory and research evidence and an understanding of the forensic psychologist’s role in the legal and criminal justice system. The programme has a distinctive applied emphasis that centres on core areas of expertise. These include prisons and offenders, the courts, investigation, policing and security, young people and victims. The course also has a strong ethical and professional emphasis. One focus is on issues surrounding the management of offenders, encompassing the identification of causes of offending, assessment and risk, formulation and appropriate interventions. Young people and crime, sexuality, sexual and violent offending, personality disorder, and reducing aggression in adolescents are specialist areas. A second focus is on how the forensic practitioner obtains best information and evidence via interviews. The maximisation of information, intelligence and evidence across a variety of forensic, policing and security areas of work are key aspects. You will engage with investigative methods of interviewing for use with children and adults, and learn how investigative interviews align to other areas of forensic and legal work such as barrister questioning and judicial processes. Detecting deception, and decision making in security, military and cyber settings, are also specialist areas. A third focus is on victims, especially young people and those who are vulnerable, and the special procedures available to assist vulnerable witnesses. Domestic violence, child sexual abuse, sexuality, and the impact of vulnerability on people's social interactions particularly those relating to the use of new communication technologies and social media, are of special interest. As you develop your understanding you will learn how to engage in the reflective practice that is essential to maintaining professional integrity. You will explore the ethical, legal, professional and personal dilemmas that can arise in professional practice within forensic and organisational settings. During your programme you can make use of our forensic interviewing suite, kit for recording stress biomarkers, as well as EEG and Virtual Reality equipment. There is also the opportunity to explore scenarios in our Crime Scene House. In line with our applied focus, assignments model aspects of a professional forensic psychologist’s workload and research projects will focus in forensic areas. For more information and to apply for the Forensic Psychology course, please visit the course page at www.glos.ac.uk/Postgraduate