Course summary
Investigative psychology is the systematic science that developed out of early ‘offender profiling’ contributions by psychologists and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to police investigations and court cases. In recent years this sub-discipline has become an increasingly dominant area of forensic psychology. This course allows you explore this specialised field of practice, from the application of psychological principles to the diverse aspects of the analysis, investigation, and legal processing of crime.
- You’ll undertake intensive training on advanced statistical methods, which may open doors to many jobs beyond crime and investigations.
- Engage with the Research Centres and Institutes across the University.
- Hear from visiting speakers including experts from around the world, reflecting on real life cases.
- Learn about the full range of contributions that professional psychologists make such as evaluating the validity of suspect or witness accounts, assessing the decision-making processes of detectives or jurors, developing profiling inferences about likely offender characteristics, and geography. Intensive examinations of the variations in criminal behavioural style are a central feature of this course.
Modules
Introducing Investigative Psychology: From Offender Profiling to the Science of IP Investigative Psychology for Violent, Acquisitive and Sexual Crime of IP Improving Legal Testimony and Evidence in Court and Investigation Investigative Psychology: Tactics and Strategies For Studying Criminal Action Offender Spatial Activity: Beyond Geographical Offender Profiling Clinical Forensic Psychology Professional Issues and Applications Dissertation (Investigative Psychology)
Assessment method
Teaching is delivered 100% online through a mix of asynchronous activities and synchronous sessions. Asynchronous learning includes pre-recorded video lectures, audio materials, and animated content, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Synchronous elements feature live interactive discussions and seminars, fostering a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. Assessment aims to support learning and to measure achievement. Assessment is a combination of coursework, competency-based learning and examination. The nature of the assessment varies from module to module and mirrors the modes of communication expected of graduates in this field, for example, grant proposal, professional case report, and presentation to an expert audience. Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for this course are normally one of the following: * An Honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent qualification in Psychology, Criminology or other relevant discipline. * Other appropriate professional qualifications and/or experience will be considered on an individual basis. You must have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and the ability to access and use online study guidance and support as this course is delivered through distance learning. You may also be eligible to gain [Recognition for your Prior Learning (RPL) - https://www.hud.ac.uk/undergraduate/how-to-apply/apl/
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent, or Duolingo English certificate, score 105 or above. If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Programmes (https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/pre-sessional-english/).
Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements pages.
https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/courses-and-entry-requirements/international-entry-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £10900 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £10900 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £10900 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £10900 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £10900 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £10900 | Year 1 |
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
The information provided below is for those applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2025/26. The University may increase its tuition fees each year to ensure our distance learning fees are competitive and/or in line with RPI-X, which is the rate of inflation set by the government. We will notify you of any increase in your tuition fees before you register or re-register in each year of your course.
Tuition fees will cover the cost of your study at the University. Read more about what is and is not covered by Tuition Fees including compliance for Goods and Services Tax for International Students studying an online course - https://www.hud.ac.uk/distance-learning/fees-and-finance/
Employers looking to enrol a number of learners may be eligible for a corporate discount.
Contact [email protected] for further information.
Sponsorship information
https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding-studies/
Provider information
University of Huddersfield
Queensgate
Huddersfield
HD1 3DH