Course summary
Supporting the requirements of the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology, this course focuses on developing the expertise and qualities you need to gain employment at a senior level. On this comprehensive postgraduate course, you develop a systematic understanding and critical awareness of current problems in the field while gaining new insights into the theory and practice of forensic psychology. Covering all core areas including criminal, investigative and legal psychology as well as victimology and forensic assessments. It also involves study in advanced research methods and professional skills, while giving you stage one training towards becoming a chartered psychologist. Why choose this course?
- Develop your ability to communicate forensic-related material using appropriate methods of delivery to psychology and non-psychology professionals
- Gain a high level of knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, allowing you to perform complex data analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis
- Learn to show how a critical understanding of theory may guide the collection and interpretation of empirical data
- Benefit from an increased sense of personal responsibility and professionalism that will enable you to practise or conduct research within ethical guidelines
- Be aware of the requirements of equal opportunities and disabilities legislation
Modules
Areas of study include:
- Advanced Research Methods for Forensic Psychology
- Assessments in Forensic Psychology
- Criminal Psychology
- Interventions in Forensic Psychology
- Investigative Psychology
- Legal Psychology
- Professional Skills for Forensic Psychologists
- Victimology
- MSc Forensic Psychology Dissertation
Assessment method
The MSc Forensic Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) Division of Forensic Psychology in partnership with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). As such, the course is only available to those able to demonstrate Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS (via an approved undergraduate degree or conversion postgraduate course). Successful completion of the MSc Forensic Psychology confers to Stage 1 of the training required towards becoming a full member of the Division of Forensic Psychology (BPS) and a Registered Forensic Psychologist with the HCPC. The assessment strategy therefore reflects the academic rigour required for a BPS accredited MSc degree. The assessments are designed to test academic knowledge, oral and written skills, use of literature using primary and secondary sources, critical analysis of ideas, connections made between theory, practice and real life situations as well as the understanding and application of professional values, including ethical issues as detailed by the BPS. Examples of the range of assessment include: written essays, short answer questions exams, literature/systemic reviews, statistics workbooks, reflective portfolio, case studies, treatment formulation, presentations, review of an ethics submission, designing a training programme, and a dissertation. There is an initial assessment within the first six weeks. The purpose of this is to build student confidence in undertaking assessment tasks and to provide developmental feedback at an early stage. This enables the identification of any specialist or additional support that may be required to support monitoring processes, StAR boards etc. Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/forensic-psychology
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- British Psychological Society
Entry requirements
Good Honours degree in a relevant subject. To be admitted to the course applicants are normally required: to have attained at least a 2nd Class Honours degree in psychology to provide evidence of eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
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
For information on the 2024 fees please refer to our website, https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/money/fees/
Sponsorship information
For information on postgraduate funding, please visit: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/postgraduatestudy/postgraduate-fees-and-funding
Provider information
University of Bedfordshire
Park Square
Luton
LU1 3JU