22Apr
PostgraduateCourse summary
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), this course provides you with a thorough grounding in the theory, themes, issues and practical skills central to forensic psychology, with a focus on forensic mental health. This course is designed to cover the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology's (DFP) core curriculum. However, it has a specific emphasis on mental health issues in forensic populations and the role of psychologists working in forensic settings.
- It covers diverse topics such as the theoretical basis of forensic psychology across a range of settings, through all stages of the criminal justice process. However, there is a specific focus on mental health and offending.
- The aim of the course is, upon successful completion, for you to have gained an understanding of the influence mental health can have on how people think, feel and act, as well as the opportunity to consider how our criminal justice system can respond to people committing crime, and those being victimised.
- Our teaching and learning is designed to encourage your participation and deepen your understanding of specific subjects. For example, by debating and discussing topics such as the effectiveness of prison in reducing reoffending behaviour and the ethics associated with risk assessment.
Modules
The content and assessment strategy are the same on the full-time campus-based and part-time online versions of the course. However, on this full-time version, all eight modules are studied in one year, rather than four per year on the part-time online version. Five Core Modules are shared with the Forensic Psychology MSc. However, there are three pathway modules which differentiate the courses. It is important to read all four course webpages and compare the specific topic areas covered, and the number of modules studied at one time, to pick the most appropriate course to apply for. Modules Risk Assessment and Management in Forensic Settings - 20 credits The Legal Process - 10 credits Ethical Research and Methods in Forensic Psychology - 40 credits Dissertation in Forensic Psychology - 40 credits Global Professional Development – Leading and Creating Organisational Health and Wellbeing (CMI module) - 10 credits Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc students (campus-based full-time and online part-time):
Assessment method
During the course you will study a range of mandatory modules that carry between 10 and 40 credits each, and then complete a 40-credit dissertation. You will be assessed using approaches such as case studies, risk assessment report, video log, reflective practice, literature review, and empirical reports. Some of the assessments have elements linked to real world tasks. We aim to provide guidance on how to tackle each assessment during the course. For an MSc award, you are required to complete 180 credits, including the 40-credit dissertation. i.e. you must pass all modules on the Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc to achieve this qualification. As the course is accredited graduates must achieve the necessary 50% pass mark for all modules contributing to achieve a BPS accredited MSc degree (BPS Standards for the Accreditation of the Masters’ Programme in Forensic Psychology and Crime MSc, October 2017). Any subsequent attempts are capped at 40%. Graduates who do not meet this requirement will exit with a non-accredited award Forensic Psychology and Mental Health Studies MSc. To achieve the necessary number of credits for all non-accredited awards, graduates must achieve the necessary Coventry University 40% pass mark for all modules contributing to the award. The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
Entry requirements
Applicants should hold the equivalent of a minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree in Psychology. Consideration will be given to applicants who hold the equivalent of a minimum of 2:2 undergraduate degrees in Science or Social Sciences where a minimum of 50% of undergraduate study is in Psychology with evidence of studying a curriculum including research methods. Such non-standard applications will be subject to approval by the Course Director.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
2023/24 fees TBC. Please see our website for latest information.
Provider information
Coventry University
Priory Street
Coventry
CV1 5FB