Course summary

The course provides the academic component (Stage 1) of the route to becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS’s) Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP) and Practitioner Forensic Psychologist status with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The programme also supports students with the transition towards Stage 2 of the chartership process by providing opportunities to volunteer in forensic practice placements to gain suitable experience and by incorporating practice-based assessments. The programme introduces the context and application of psychology in various forensic settings - this includes the legal and criminal justice system, forensic psychological practice and forensic mental health. Students are introduced to the role of a forensic psychologist in practice. The programme focuses on core theoretical models of crime with an emphasis on theoretical, practical and methodological limitations. When considering applied skills in forensic practice, there is a focus on specialist assessments, core treatments and interventions utilised when working with various client groups in a forensic setting. Client groups include offenders in prison, secure hospitals and the community, as well as offenders on probation and within the legal system (court assessment). Students gain the ability to appropriately design, conduct, analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological research in a chosen specialised research area within forensic psychology. An important feature of the programme is to provide students with the skills and knowledge requirement for Stage 1 of the chartership process, as well as supporting the transition towards Stage 2. There is an emphasis on reflective practice skills, and professional and ethical practice in the workplace. There are also opportunities for volunteering in forensic practice placements.