Course summary
Our BSc Forensic Psychology programme, accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), will provide you with a unique opportunity to understand how psychological knowledge informs forensic practice. We will provide you with hands-on experience of conducting scientific research on forensic topics alongside the development of core developmental, cognitive, social, and biological skills. Throughout the duration of this undergraduate course, you will have the flexibility to choose from a range of modules. The combination of module choices will allow you to examine all aspects of criminal behaviour from pathways into crime, to crime scene behaviours, and criminal profiling techniques. You will be introduced to the key themes, theories, and research of psychology and forensic psychology at level 4. At level 5 you will take a closer look at social and developmental issues and theories, and be introduced to contemporary topics in Forensic Psychology, including ethical, legal, and moral dilemmas. Level 6 is focused upon a more advanced critical understanding of the specialist topics within forensic psychology, including both research and practice. A core research methods and skills module will run through each year, allowing you to progressively develop your ability to plan and conduct scientific research independently. You will be supported to conduct your own research, work on real-life case studies, and have the opportunity to engage in presentations at relevant professional conferences. The Positive Psychology modules which run in Stage 1 and 3 will help you to develop transferable psychological skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems, whilst supporting emotional wellbeing when studying sensitive topics. You will be invited to talks with external forensic psychology experts in both research and practice, across a range of different careers. This will provide you with invaluable ‘insider’ information and enable you to make informed decisions about your future aspirations within forensic psychology. By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:
- You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.
- At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2024 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2024*.
- Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop* to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).
- Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.
- Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.
- In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.
Modules
Stage 1 • Introduction to Psychology (Compulsory) • Psychology in Practice (Compulsory) • Investigating Psychology (Compulsory) • Foundations of Forensic Psychology (Compulsory) • Becoming a Psychologist (Compulsory) • Positive Psychology (Compulsory) Stage 2 • Development and Society (Compulsory) • Research Methods and Statistics (Compulsory) • Personality and the Fundamentals of Psychology (Compulsory) • Forensic Risk Assessment (Compulsory) • Biological and Cognitive Psychology: Mechanisms of the mind (Compulsory) • Mapping the Landscape of Forensic Practice (Compulsory) Stage 3 • Forensic Psychology Dissertation (Compulsory) • Forensic Intervention and Rehabilitation (Compulsory) • Criminal Profiling and Behaviour Analysis (Designated) • Pathways into Crime and Addiction (Designated) • Forensic Psychology in Practice Placement (Designated) • Psychology of Mental Health (Designated) • Applying Positive Psychology (Designated) *Students must take all compulsory modules plus three designated modules. Students who do not complete the Honours Degree will be eligible for an Ordinary Degree in the named subject upon successful completion of a minimum of 60 Level 6 credits. These can be from any Level 6 modules, whether identified as compulsory or designated. **Module information is quoted for 2024/25 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.
Assessment method
There are a variety of assessments throughout the study, for example: written examinations; practical reports and essays; poster presentations; oral presentations; self-led research project; online class tests; reflective journals.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you’re eligible to apply.
EU
Wales
England
International
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C816
- Institution code:
- N38
- Campus name:
- Waterside Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 120 points
A level - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - M: 45 credits
Scottish Higher - BBBB
AS
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DDM
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Certificate (QCF)
Scottish Advanced Higher - BBC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 25 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - M2, M3, M3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDM
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate
AQA Level 3 (Foundation) Technical Level (360 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (540 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (720 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (1080 glh) - DDM
T Level - M
GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (or C), or Key Skills application of number at level 2, or equivalent qualifications required.
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | 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
Provider information
University of Northampton
The University of Northampton
Waterside Campus
University Drive
Northampton
NN1 5PH
Clearing contact details
Clearing
01604 214808
Additional information
8.00 am to 5.00 pm