UK Forensic Psychology Course Directory

The aim of the UK forensic psychology course page is to provide a detailed directory of courses available throughout the country.

Links to the Online, International and USA Forensic Psychology degree directories can be found at the bottom of the page.

If you know of a UK forensic psychology degree course that isn't listed here, I'd be very grateful if you'd provide me with the details via the contact me menu button on the left.

University of Abertay, Dundee

BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychobiology:

Professionally accredited by the British Psychological Society, this unique course offers a combination of psychology, forensic and criminological issues, and biological sciences. Basic psychology forms the core of the programme and includes abnormal behaviour, the biological basis of behaviour, memory, thinking, personality, perception, social behaviour, and developmental psychology. Throughout the four years you receive training in quantitative and qualitative research methods. These are the essential underpinnings for any accredited psychologist and are fundamental to anyone wanting to train in the future as a forensic psychologist.

A number of modules focus wholly on forensic issues with police interviewing, eye witness testimony, face recognition, legal and courtroom psychology being addressed. In addition, the causes of crime from a psychological perspective are examined in an introductory module and an advanced module on criminal behaviour. The course provides studies on the psychology of crime, psychopathology, deviance, and models of offending. In addition, the life sciences discuss techniques that aid in the detection of criminals and you will learn about these in modules on genetics, crime scene analysis, and forensic case studies.

Criminal psychology is an exciting and broad area of study which pulls together physical and psychological evidence in this course. This is exemplified by 4th year modules that examine crime scene analysis and offender profiling under the biological sciences area. The science basis for this course produces graduates that are in great demand and the basic psychology affords an alternative career path in psychology.

Many thanks to Colette for letting me know about this course.

Click Here To Visit The Course Webpage For More Information

University of Birmingham

The following forensic psychology courses are offered at the Centre for Forensic and Criminological Psychology.

Master of Science in Criminological Psychology:

This modularised Diploma/Masters course is designed for graduate psychologists who work with offenders or their victims to develop skills such as assessment, management and treatment. The Course is taught one day a week at the University, beginning late September each year and consisting of lecturers/seminars from invited speakers, practice assessment, case studies and research. The Masters Course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) to be equivalent to stage one of training as a Chartered Forensic Psychologist. Applicants must hold at least a second class honours psychology degree (which confers Graduate Basis for Registration with the BPS) and be working in a forensic setting. Applications by end of March each year.

Master of Science in Clinical Criminology:

This modularised Diploma/Masters course is designed to help multidisciplinary professionals (non psychologists), develop skills such as assessment, management, intervention and treatment of offenders who commit serious crimes of a violent and/or sexual nature. The Course is taught one day a week at the University, beginning late September each year and consisting of lecturers/seminars from invited speakers, practice assessment, case studies and research. Applicants must hold a relevant degree (at least second class honours) and be working with victims or offenders. Applications by end of March each year.

Masters in Forensic Psychology Practice (2 years full time):

Doctorate in Forensic Psychology Practice (3 years full time):

These two programmes aim to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to work as a forensic psychologist; to analyse offending behaviour and its effect on victims, to manage, assess and plan treatment strategies for both victims and offenders and to work as an expert providing professional reports and training. Each week half of the time will be spent at the University in academic learning and the other half in a forensic practice placement. Students will have the chance to work with offender groups (adults, young people, individuals with learning disability) both in community and institutional environments. An evidence based approach is emphasised with the objective of developing skills in research and evaluation. Therefore, professional case studies, research studies and forensic practice reports are carried out.

The two year Masters Course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) to be equivalent to stage one of training as a Chartered Forensic Psychologist. At the end of the Masters, students may choose to complete a third year full time on forensic research and psychometric methods leading to a Doctorate (Foren.Psy.D.). The practice component of the Doctorate can contribute to stage two of training as a Chartered Forensic Psychologist. The entrance requirement is at least a second class honours degree in psychology which confers Graduate Basis for Registration with the BPS. Deadline for applications is end of March each year.

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Coventry University

MSc Forensic Psychology:

The MSc Forensic Psychology provides students with a thorough grounding in the theory, themes, issues and practical skills that are central to the practice and application of psychological research into behaviour relevant to crime and forensic settings.

The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society as fulfilling the requirements of Stage 1 towards Chartered Forensic Psychologist status. The course was designed to cover the BPS Division of Forensic Psychology's (DFP) core curriculum, which was written as a standard by which to judge forensic psychology masters degree courses. The course has been commended for its breadth of coverage and relevance.

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Online Forensic Psychology

MSc in Forensic Psychology and Crime:

The MSc Forensic Psychology and Crime provides part-time students with a unique opportunity to study an area of applied psychology at a distance, whilst also being able to take advantage of residential schools and a blend of modes of delivery, which includes course and module handbooks, online discussions, CD-ROMs, high quality course materials and the use of web-based learning methods. These different methods of delivery provide a thorough grounding in the theory, themes, issues and practical skills that are central to the practice and application of psychological research into behaviour relevant to crime and forensic settings.

The course has been developed and is delivered by an experienced course team which includes chartered forensic psychologists. In addition, experienced forensic practitioners offer ‘real-world’ experience as visiting speakers, and their materials will be made available via DVDs or video presentations.

Successfully completing this course will enable students to further their careers and promotion opportunities within areas such as the police, the prison service, social services, probation, drug dependency units, and youth offending teams, as a result of having a broader knowledge-base in relation to applying theory and contemporary research findings to practice.

Click Here To Visit The Course Webpage For More Information

MSc in Applied Forensic Studies:

Students who are likely to apply to this course will be graduates who have studied psychology in their undergraduate degree but it was not their main subject and their interest in forensic issues relates to a number of other disciplines, for example, criminology, social policy, sociology or law. Other applicants may include graduates who have been working in a forensic setting, or who wish to do so in the future.

The course includes modules covering criminology, forensic psychology, the evaluation of crime-related research, law, counselling, and forensic science. It is an inter-disciplinary course which aims to provide a broad understanding of a range of highly specific contributions to our understanding of crime and how it might be prevented or reduced.

The course team includes a range of academic staff and practitioners from various disciplines such as criminology, forensic psychology, law, counselling, and forensic science. Successfully completing this course will enable students to further their careers and promotion opportunities within areas such as the police, the prison service, social services, probation, drug dependency units, and youth offending teams, as a result of having a broader knowledge-base in relation to applying theory and contemporary research findings to practice.

Click Here To Visit The Course Webpage For More Information

University of Kent

MSc Forensic Psychology:

The MSc in Forensic Psychology programme was introduced in October 1995, and teaching on the core forensic modules on the programme is enhanced by the contributions of several honorary teaching staff, all of whom are Chartered Forensic Psychologists working in applied settings (e.g. in Special Hospitals, RSUs and prisons).

The MSc in Forensic Psychology at Kent is accredited by The British Psychological Society as providing the first (academic) year of professional training for those who wish to qualify as Chartered Forensic Psychologists. Graduates from the programme are then required to gain the equivalent of a further two years' relevant experience under the supervision of a Chartered Forensic Psychologist before qualifying for Chartered status themselves.

Click Here To vist the UK forensic psychology course at The University of Kent.

University of Leicester

MSc Forensic Psychology:

The MSc Forensic Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). It is a full-time course designed to cover the application of psychology to forensic and legal issues.

The principal aim of the course in to equip students with a sound knowledge and understanding of a broad range of topics in forensic and legal psychology. This knowledge includes not only an appreciation of theory and fact, but also an awareness of the strengths and limitations of research evidence, as well as its applications.

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Liverpool John Moores University

BSc (hons) Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice :

The BSc the Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice degree programme is recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and confers eligibility for graduate membership of the BPS and the Graduate Basis for registration, which is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. In practice this means that student’s scrutinize the key fundamental areas of psychology found in most ‘Applied Psychology’ courses but specialise in the area of crime, criminal behaviour and criminal justice. The programme allows students with interests in both psychology and criminal justice to engage in the rigorous study of both disciplines.

The course attempts to explore the relationship between the two fields and encourage an interdisciplinary approach to issues in forensic psychology and criminal justice policy and practice. The ethos of the course is to develop students ability to think in a critical fashion and to therefore enhance your subject knowledge but also to arm you with the relevant vocational and practical skills that are valued and desirable in relevant fields of employment.

Many thanks to Kelly Smith for letting me know about this course.

Click Here To Visit The Course Webpage For More Information

London Metropolitan University

MSc in Forensic Psychology:

This MSc provides you with an advanced and up-to-date understanding of theoretical and applied issues in Forensic Psychology and training in professional competencies. The course integrates psychological theory and research with the development of practical skills and understanding of the scope of professional practice.

This MSc has been accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is the only accredited Forensic Psychology MSc programme on offer in central London. The course provides a professional qualification that meets Part One of the BPS requirements for Chartered Forensic Psychologist status.

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Middlesex University

MSc Forensic Psychology:

Forensic psychology is one of the fastest growing areas of employment for psychology graduates. Accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS), our programme provides the academic component that you will need if you wish to become a chartered forensic psychologist. Successful completion exempts you from Stage One of the BPS Diploma in Forensic Psychology.

Scholarly work is organised around psychological and criminological concepts relevant to contemporary social issues and organisations. This research and evaluation training will aid subsequent professional practice.

Students have access to specialist postgraduate computer and library study facilities.

Click Here To Visit The Course Webpage For More Information

University of Nottingham

Professional Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (DForenPsy):

The Professional (practitioner) Doctorate Forensic Psychology aims to educate and train psychology graduates to work with victims and/or offenders under the supervision of registered forensic psychologists and to attain the highest standards of research and practice.

In collaboration with Institute of Mental Health (IMH), the course aims to develop skills such as assessment, management, intervention, treatment and evaluation.

Click Here To Visit The Course Webpage For Full Details.

(Many thanks to Simon Duff for letting us know about this UK forensic psychology course).

The Open University

MSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminology:

This MSc is suitable for those who want to develop their understanding of forensic psychology and criminology, enhance their research and analytical skills and upgrade their qualifications. It will suit anyone, with appropriate entry qualifications, who has a broad interest in forensic psychology and criminology, and wishes to discover more about these fascinating areas.

By studying forensic psychology and criminology at postgraduate level, you will develop skills that are relevant to a broad range of careers, including all areas of the criminal justice system such as the police and youth offending teams. The skills you develop will be recognised by employers in all fields who value people who can communicate clearly, analyse complex information and show initiative in formulating and investigating questions of their own.

Click Here To Visit The Course Webpage

University of Portsmouth

MSc Forensic Psychology:

This course draws upon facets of psychology and applies them to a range of contexts within the criminal and civil justice systems.

It also provides the academic component needed to gain chartered status as a forensic psychologist.

Units studied include: the psychology of criminal behaviour, research methods and statistics, psychology and investigations and applications of psychology to organisations.

Click Here To Visit The Course Webpage For More Information

Staffordshire University

BSc (hons) Forensic Psychology:

BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology allows you both flexibility and specialisation in your studies.

At Levels 1 and Level 2 you study core elements in psychology including social psychology, research methods, cognitive psychology, biological psychology and individual differences. You will also study forensic modules such as Crime Scene Investigation, Methods of Crime Detection and specialist psychology modules such as The Psychology of Criminal Conduct.

At Level 3 you extend your study of core psychology modules in Developmental Psychology, Dealing with Difference, Psychology in the Justice System and Forensic Psychology Applications, along with forensic modules in Investigating and Reporting Crime Scenes. You can choose to look at a range of applied areas such as counselling, The Psychology of Drugs and Forensic Science in the Legal System.

You will also undertake a substantial piece of research in the form of an empirical project during your third year, where you have the opportunity to contribute your own findings to existing research and theory.

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University of Surrey

MSc Forensic Psychology:

This programme gives you a greater understanding of the contribution that forensic psychology can make. The British Psychological Society's Division of Forensic Psychology expects prospective members to fulfil core academic components and possess recognised qualifications in Forensic Psychology. The MSc Forensic Psychology programme, accredited by the DFP, provides the academic component (Stage 1) on the route to becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist.

Graduates of the programme go on to work in all areas of the criminal justice system, with recent students taking posts in the NHS, prison and probation service, as well as within the police force. A number of students each year choose to continue to study for a PhD and a proportion of our graduates eventually return to university to complete clinical training.

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University of Teeside

BSc Forensic Psychology:

This course provides a thorough grounding in psychology and offers modules relevant to a career in forensic psychology or related fields. You'll gain knowledge and critical understanding of core topics whilst acquiring the specialist knowledge and skills to apply psychological theory and research to criminal behaviour and offending. Expect to develop highly valued research and key transferable skills.

In addition to the core psychology modules, you'll take specialised modules which introduce the theory and practice of forensic psychology and modules that would be of direct benefit to forensic-related work, such as Drugs & Society or Working with Young Offenders.

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Although this is an academic course rather than a professional training course, you'll have the skills and abilities to pursue the postgraduate training you'll need to become a Chartered Forensic Psychologist.

Click Here To Visit The Course Webpage For More Information

MSc Forensic Psychology:

This course aims to provide an advanced and up-to-date understanding of theoretical and applied issues in forensic psychology. It integrates the development of an appropriate psychological and professional knowledge base with training in many of the professional skills utilised in practice. It also emphasises the importance of ongoing assessment, intervention and throughcare, and highlights the role of the forensic psychologist as a project manager, consultant, investigator and practitioner.

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society. This will give students Stage 1 of the two-stage process towards becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist.

Click Here To Visit The Course Webpage For More Information

(Many thanks to Angela for letting me know about this forensic psychology course).

Trinity & All Saints: Accredited By The University of Leeds

BSc Single Honours: Forensic Psychology:

This course will provide you with a thorough grounding in forensic psychology and is one of only a few courses in the UK specialising in this area.

Core psychology modules are supplemented by specialist modules in Forensic Psychology. At the end of this course, you will have acquired the knowledge and skills to engage in further postgraduate study in forensic psychology or any other area of applied psychology.

The course will provide an excellent platform from which to launch a career as a forensic psychologist, working in the police service or as a research psychologist. You may choose to follow a more general career working as a professional psychologist.

Click Here To Visit The Course Webpage For More Information

The University of York

MSc In Applied Forensic Psychology:

The MSc in Applied Forensic Psychology draws upon the University's strength in forensic psychology through its strong association with the Centre for Criminal Justice Economics and Psychology. Developed in partnership with HM Prison Service Directorate of High Security Prisons, the MSc programme offers an equal balance of practice-based, methodological and theoretically driven modules designed to foster autonomy within the bounds of professional practice, independent learning and self-directed reflection. This approach has been developed in response to the changing direction of high secure forensic services. The generic practice-based modules will provide a sound basis for any trainee forensic psychologist.

Many thanks to Rachael Haynes for letting me know about, and personally recommending this forensic psychology course.

Click Here To Visit The Course Webpage For More Information

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