Course summary

Overview Examine the role of psychologists in legal settings, advances in the psychological understanding of offender behaviour, and assessment and rehabilitation. You’ll critically examine the role of psychology in various forensic settings, demonstrating how theory is applied to real-life situations. Our masters course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is the first stage towards gaining chartered psychologist status with the BPS. You’ll explore topics such as investigating and prosecuting crime, rehabilitation, and other current issues within forensic psychology. In practical sessions, you might work on case formulations, complete violence risk assessments and undertake behavioural investigative advice reports. Alongside workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers to help you learn about what it’s like to work in the field. Past speakers include alumni talking about their careers, members of the local police force, and psychologists working in prisons. Our course lecturers have forensic research and practice experience, and draw on their experience to bring relevant examples to the classes. Some members of staff continue to work in forensic practice alongside their teaching. Features and benefits

• Accredited course - This course is accredited as Stage 1 MSc Forensic Psychology by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the first stage to becoming a qualified forensic psychologist.

• Contemporary teaching -  Our teaching staff includes practicing researchers, counsellors, and forensic, clinical, health, and community psychologists. Our innovative assignments are reflective of what is expected in forensic practice and include case studies, consultancy and court reports. You’ll benefit from dynamic teaching with use of CAVE, our simulation room, and mock courtroom.

• Reflective practice - You'll have the opportunity to develop your reflective practice skills within the Personal and Professional Development Unit. This a key skill for practitioner psychologists.

• Research active academics - Our staff engage in a wide range of research areas, including police decision-making, trauma, eyewitness and alibi evidence, expert witness evidence and juror decision-making. We actively work with students to publish their dissertations in peer-reviewed journals.

• Enhanced student support - We strongly believe in enhancing student wellbeing. You’ll have a personal tutor and the programme support tutors will also work closely with you throughout the course.

• Outstanding facilities - You’ll have access to our specialist facilities for psychology demonstration and practice, which includes an fNIR imaging research device, and psychology laboratories.