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Forensic Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS

Course options

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information This course is moving into one of our new buildings at City campus. Teaching will be delivered at our Collegiate campus during the 2024/25 academic year while we get our new facilities ready. After that you will study in brand new facilities at City campus. Course summary

  • Explore psychological theories of criminal behaviour and offender rehabilitation.
  • Apply ethical practices in forensic psychology to real-world settings.
  • Gain key skills in critical thinking, research, ethical practice, and communication.
  • Develop consultancy skills by working with professionals in forensic psychology and criminal justice.
  • Progress towards Stage One of the BPS chartership process in forensic psychology.
You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of criminal behaviour, offender rehabilitation and investigative psychology, while applying theoretical concepts to practical settings. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped to advance towards Stage Two of the BPS chartership process if you’re eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (otherwise you can apply for a BPS-accredited conversion course, MSc Psychology or MSc Developmental Psychology), or to pursue various roles across forensic psychology and criminal justice. Please note the application closing date is Friday 25th April 2025, and all applications will be considered on Thursday 8th May 2025. Accredited by: British Psychological Society (BPS) - This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society. How you learn The course is designed to provide a supportive, challenging and inclusive learning experience, enabling you to reach your full potential, both academically and professionally. You’ll be encouraged to apply empirical research to critically evaluate current challenges and emerging developments in the field. You’ll gain insights into psychological theories of criminal behaviour, how the criminal justice system operates and the role of psychology within it – including offender assessment and intervention. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop consultancy skills by presenting your findings to professional audiences and conducting your own empirical research project. The course uses a variety of teaching methods that combine theoretical learning with practical experience. Your learning will be informed by current research and delivered through interactive and engaging lectures and workshops. We focus on active participation, with student-led discussions, case studies and hands-on projects all helping you apply forensic psychology principles to real-world issues. You’ll also have access to online resources and interactive forums for further independent study and peer-supported learning. This is an on-campus, weekly attendance course, with full-time delivery being across two days a week, and part-time over one day a week. You’ll have 27 hours of face-to-face contact per module, with 22.5 of these on campus, and 4.5 online. You learn through:
  • lectures and workshops
  • case studies and practical exercises
  • access to online resources
  • peer-supported learning
  • independent study
  • exams, presentations and posters
  • case study and research reports
  • client-based portfolios
  • reflective practice
  • a dissertation
Applied learning The Continuous Professional Development (CPD) module is designed to prepare you for professional practice in forensic psychology. You'll explore the pathway to becoming a forensic psychologist, engaging in reflective practice discussions and hearing directly from industry practitioners. Additionally, timetabled sessions with the university’s careers services will focus on key employability skills – including CV development, interview techniques and voluntary work opportunities. You’ll also have access to one-on-one career adviser meetings for personalised guidance.

Modules

Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page. Compulsory modules: Applied Forensic Consultancy Case Formulation: Assessment Of Offenders Case Formulation: Interventions With Offenders Continuing Professional Development In Forensic Psychology Ethics In Forensic Research And Practice Forensic Psychology Dissertation Investigative Psychology Legal And Criminal Justice Qualitative Research Methods For Forensic Psychology Quantitative Research Methods For Forensic Psychology Theories Of Criminal Behaviour

Assessment method

Coursework Practical

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • British Psychological Society

Entry requirements

You should have successfully completed an undergraduate honours degree in psychology (2:1 or above). Undergraduate honours degrees in criminology or other relevant disciplines may also be considered. It would be helpful if your previous studies included research methods. If you have successfully completed an undergraduate honours degree in psychology (or other relevant discipline) with a 2:2, you may be considered if you can satisfy the course team that you have the ability to complete the course (e.g., through evidence significant work experience in criminal justice, or successful completion of other relevant postgraduate study). For example, your work experience could be in the voluntary sector in youth justice, support work, drug rehabilitation, or programme facilitation. If your undergraduate degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) of the BPS. This means that by completing the MSc Forensic Psychology, you will fulfil Stage 1 of the requirements towards chartered membership of the BPS and full membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology. If your undergraduate degree is not accredited by the BPS, you can gain eligibility for the GBC of the BPS through alternative routes. Such routes include BPS acceptance of an overseas psychology degree, or undertaking a conversion course such as a BPS accredited MSc in Psychology. When completing your application form, please keep in mind that the selection panel will be considering the following: • your grades • your relevant work experience (paid or voluntary), or planned • your personal statement, which should reflect your understanding of forensic psychology, and careers in this field, explain why you wish to undertake the course, and how the course fits in with your career aspirations. Try to include reference to the course-specific modules, and give some evidence as to how these fit with your particular interests. You should also discuss any relevant research you have undertaken during other studies, and what research interests you would like to pursue during the course. As there are very limited places available on the MSc Forensic Psychology, it is important that your application form is completed fully and you cover the points indicated above in clear and concise detail. We reserve the right not to consider incomplete applications. The selection panel may also invite applicants to attend a brief interview as part of the application process, which can be either face-to-face or via Skype.


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5If English is not your first language, then you will be required to have an English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS (or equivalent) band 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 in writing.

Please click the following link to find out more about English language requirements for this course

https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/Psychology/MSc-Forensic-Psychology/Full-time


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Our postgraduate fees vary depending on course, level and mode of study. Each postgraduate course page tells you how much the tuition fees are, and what additional costs you might have to budget for during your studies. Please refer to our website for up-to-date information on costs and fees for both full-time and part-time postgraduate study options.

Sponsorship information

Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.

Forensic Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS