8Jun
UndergraduateCourse summary
This BPS Accredited MSc Forensic & Investigative Psychology aims to develop your knowledge of various theories, concepts, research and professional practice skills to support your progression to become a (Registered/Chartered) Forensic Psychologist or forensic/investigative practitioner. The course adopts an applied approach to teaching and learning with an emphasis on the scientist-practitioner model and 'educating the whole person' approach (personally, professionally and academically). Throughout the course you will develop the practical and academic skills needed to become a confident, professional and reflective forensic & investigative psychology practitioner. This applied approach to learning, combined with specialist teaching from a range of professionals and academics from the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences will enhance your learning experience and support your development of transferable and practical forensic and investigative psychological skills. This course is designed for psychology graduates working in or intending to work in forensic settings (e.g. probation services, victim support services, prisons, forensic psychologist in training) and wishing to pursue specialised training in forensic and/or investigative psychology. We also provide you with opportunities to study and/or attend events alongside other MSc students, thereby enhancing your exposure to a diverse range of students and professionals. Furthermore, you will be able to access the Salomons library, which is one of the best bespoke clinical psychology libraries in the country, with a specific forensic section. Forensic & Investigative Psychology is a discipline that involves the application of scientific theory and principles to help in the understanding, investigation, assessment, treatment of offenders and criminality, and legal responses to criminality. By studying with us, you will develop core psychological knowledge and skills in forensic and investigative research and psychological enquiry and develop your awareness of ‘best practice’ approaches in accordance with professional practice frameworks (e.g. British Psychological Society (BPS) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)), thus making you highly attractive to wide range of future potential employers (e.g. probation services, prison service, police, forensic secure units, National Health Service (NHS), third sector agencies).
Assessment method
To obtain the MSc qualification, you must pass all modules totalling 180 credits. These modules include : four ‘content modules’ (20 credits each), two ‘research methods modules’ (20 credits each) and a research project module (60 credits). The assessment methods used within the programme draw from a range of methods for students to demonstrate and enhance their forensic & investigative psychological skills from both a theoretical and practical approach. The MSc Forensic & Investigative Psychology Assessment Strategy conforms to the Universities Regulations and Credit Framework for the Conferment of Awards. For each 20 credit module, the summative assessments are weighted at 4000 words or equivalent. In addition, each assignment enables students to develop transferable skills they can then draw upon when working within forensic settings and/or pursuing Stage 2 to become – Qualification in Forensic Psychology. Modules may also include formative assessments (e.g. ungraded work). Whilst formative assessments do not contribute to a students’ grades, completion of these enhance their forensic & investigate psychological skills from both a personal and professional development perspective. Each of the 20 credit modules generally have two summative assessments drawn from the following range: written assignments (e.g. critical review of the literature); presentations (e.g. oral, visual); practical assignments and reports (e.g. case study, consultation essay, American Psychology Association (APA) style data analysis report, APA style research report). The 60 credit Research Project is comprised of both formative and summative assessment(s), including a 14,400 word dissertation.
Entry requirements
Students who have studied in the UK require: A minimum of a 2:1 in a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited Undergraduate Psychology degree OR a BPS accredited MSc Psychology (conversion course). OR A minimum of a 2:2 in a BPS accredited Undergraduate Psychology degree AND relevant experience in forensic or investigative settings. Applicants with a 2:2 may be invited to interview at the discretion of the Course Director. Students who have studied overseas require: A minimum of a UK equivalent to a 2:1 in an undergraduate course with Psychology major, including successful completion of research methods modules (covering quantitative and qualitative approaches) and a dissertation (independent research project) module. Overseas students whose course is not considered the equivalent of a BPS accredited undergraduate degree (as assessed by the BPS), would normally require completion of a BPS accredited psychology (undergraduate or MSc Psychology conversion degree) which confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS (GBC) before you would be eligible to apply for a UK Doctorate in Forensic Psychology programme. Therefore, you may wish to contact the BPS to ascertain if your degree is eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC).
English language requirements
If English is not your first language we will require you to obtain IELTS (or equivalent) of 7.0 overall, with no less than 7.0 in writing and no less than 6.5 in all other bands. For more information on the IELTS (International English language Testing System) requirements for this course, visit our dedicated IELTS web page.
English language requirements
https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/international/english-language-requirements
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
Please see course webpage for up to date fee information.
Provider information
Canterbury Christ Church University
North Holmes Road
Canterbury
CT1 1QU