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Forensic Psychology at Newcastle University - UCAS

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

This course will provide you with an advanced understanding of the theoretical and applied issues in forensic psychology. Our scientist-practitioner approach equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in forensic psychology practice. The MSc in Forensic Psychology offers comprehensive professional training in forensic psychology. You will gain an in-depth experience of offending and victim pathways, as well as the investigative process. Through the use of a structured framework, you will also study theory and conduct research relating to forensic psychology practice. The course has two different routes: Forensic Psychology, MSc (Accredited): This route is fully accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), thereby accounting for Stage 1 of the Qualification in Forensic Psychology. Students enrolling on this route must have a first degree in psychology providing Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the BPS. We will attempt to provide you with a placement within local forensic units (ie HM Prison Service, NHS, Police, or the Forensic Interview Laboratory within the School of Psychology), however, this is not always guaranteed for all students. Forensic Psychology, MSc (Non-accredited): Northumbria Police are proud to support this course and to be working in collaboration with the School of Psychology at Newcastle University. You will develop your understanding of forensic psychology in a multi-disciplinary and professional context. We promote collaborative teaching and research through our strong links with UK forensic psychology practitioners, including Her Majesty's Prison Service, the National Health Service (NHS) and Police. You will gain demonstrable, advanced knowledge and critical understanding in: •theories and professional issues of forensic psychology •the breadth and depth of forensic psychology •the role of psychology within the legal system (civil and criminal) •the National Offender Management system •legislation under which forensic psychologists work •investigative psychology and forensic interviewing •investigative process from pre-trial/conviction to through/after-care and restorative justice •legal, ethical and contextual issues in the evaluation of research and practice •debating and using evidence from appropriate literature •legal processes. You will also gain professional skills in: •writing parole board and analytical reports •developing forensic case formulations •independent learning •project planning •problem solving •time management •teamwork •reflection. Your specialist skills and knowledge will be developed through a combination of: •written reports •reflective journals •interview guides •oral presentations. Our staff are experts in the field of forensic psychology and offer a range of research specialisms, such as: Dr Gavin Oxburgh, Forensic Psychologist (Degree Programme Director): • investigative Interviewing and the use of empathy during suspect interviews • the social and cognitive processes associated with achieving co-operation and the elicitation of memories from eye-witnesses and suspects of crime • miscarriages of justice • the interviewing of high-interest groups (HIGs), such as sex offenders and murderers. Faye Horsley, Forensic Psychologist (Deputy Programme Director) • formulation of offenders • assessment and Treatment of offenders • working with personality disordered offenders • adult fire setting and arson. Professor Gwyneth Doherty-Sneddon, (Head of School) • the visuospatial processing links between visual social cues and visual non-social information (as in mental imaging) • how children adapt to different communication media (eg face-to-face versus live video links) • children's patterns of gaze as indicators of internal cognitive states like thinking and concentration • gaze aversion as cognitive load management in people with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and Williams syndrome.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • British Psychological Society

How to apply

International applicants

Direct Entry: IELTS 7.0 overall (with a minimum of 7.0 in all sub-skills). Pre-sessional English Language courses are not accepted as an alternative entry to this course.

Entry requirements

The course has two different routes and entry requirements for those with, and without the Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Council. Forensic Psychology, MSc (Accredited) A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in psychology, which provides Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Forensic Psychology, MSc (Non-Accredited) A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in psychology (joint or combined honours which includes psychology, or an international psychology degree) that does not confer GBC with the BPS. Other qualifications/experience may be acceptable and will be considered by the Degree Programme Director (eg mental health specialists, police officers, prison officers). If shortlisted for interview, students on this route must be able to satisfy the interview panel that they have the ability to successfully complete a module in advanced research methods and statistics. Given the applied nature of the course (accredited and non-accredited routes), you must have either: (i) an undergraduate dissertation in forensic psychology (or relevant area), and/or; (ii) relevant work/research experience in a forensic environment (voluntary or paid), such as: • victim support • the police • the prison service • the NHS • forensic-relevant charities We also value relevant academic research, such as a dissertation in forensic psychology. International Students: To study this course you need to meet the following English Language requirements: Direct Entry: IELTS 7.0 overall (with a minimum of 7.0 in all sub-skills). Pre-sessional English Language courses are not accepted as an alternative entry to this course. Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests. The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.


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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Forensic Psychology at Newcastle University - UCAS