Course summary
This MSc provides the academic training required for a career as a forensic psychologist.
- The Masters is ideal if you're interested in training to become a forensic psychologist. It's also a perfect choice if you're already working in the criminal justice or forensic mental health systems and are keen to learn more about the theory and practice behind forensic psychology.
- The programme will introduce you to a range of psychological theories, methods and processes within the context of the legal, criminal and civil justice systems.
- Based at a research-led London university with strong links to forensic services, you’ll be taught by world-class researchers, and experienced practitioners from the NHS, and the prison and probation service.
- The MSc is led by chartered clinical and forensic psychologist Dr Brian McKenzie, and chartered psychologist Dr Adrian Scott, and includes contributions from world-class researchers and practitioners who will teach on the programme and supervise research projects.
Modules
Overview The course will cover the assessment and treatment of offenders, risk assessment methods, and treatment of offenders with mental health and personality disorders. There will be a focus on criminal investigations by examining psychological issues in eyewitness identification, investigative interviewing of witnesses and suspects, psychological profiling and detecting deception. You'll also explore legal and criminological concepts relevant to contemporary social issues and organisations. Issues relating to ethics, human rights, professional practice and research will be emphasised to provide a firm grounding for further professional training and practice. By completing this programme you will: Develop your knowledge and understanding of the application of psychology to processes in the criminal and civil justice system (eg investigation, trial, the work of the expert witness) Develop a thorough knowledge of psychological theories and interventions in relation to a range of specific client groups, such as sexual and violent offenders, people with personality disorder and mental health difficulties, juveniles and victims of crime Be introduced to a range of psychometric instruments used widely within forensic psychology, and develop your skills in interpreting and communicating the outcome of these assessments Develop the knowledge and skills required to undertake forensic psychological research, including the design, implementation and interpretation of service evaluations, clinical audit, and outcome research within forensic settings Structure The programme is comprised of 7 compulsory modules: Assessment and Intervention in Forensic Psychology Psychology, Crime and Law Research Design and Analysis Multivariate Statistical Methods Professional Issues in Psychological Practice Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Crime Research Project (Forensic Psychology) You'll also choose one option module, which may be selected from a range of courses offered in the Department of Psychology. Recent examples include: Addictive Behaviours Developmental Cognitive Neuropsychology Social Psychology of Social Problems: Intergroup perspective Social-Moral Development Advanced Quantitative Methods Data Analysis and Visualisation Project Investigative Forensic Psychology Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Assessment method
Modules are assessed through a mixture of extended essays, research design coursework, unseen written examinations, oral presentations, and a dissertation based on a substantive research project.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in psychology or a similar relevant subject. You could, for example, be a Psychology graduate with the BPS Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) interested in working towards a BPS qualification in forensic psychology. Or you could be a practitioner working in the criminal justice and forensic mental health systems who doesn't plan to go on to qualify as a forensic psychologist but who wishes to gain further academic knowledge of the theories and practice of the discipline. Subject to having GBC accreditation, completion of this Masters course will fulfil the requirements of Stage 1 training to become a Chartered Psychologist. For non GBC candidates the qualification will not be recognised as fulfilling Stage 1 DFP training, but will apply retrospectively if GBC is obtained at a later date. You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level. We consider all aspects of your application when making a decision and may still be able to offer a place even if your qualifications or grades do not meet the published requirements. We accept a wide range of international qualifications. If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme.
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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
Lewisham
SE14 6NW