Forensic Psychology (BPS Accredited)

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 registration as a Qualified Forensic Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You’ll explore topics such as police investigations of crime, working with vulnerable groups, jury decision-making, ethical practice, offender rehabilitation, and interpret and report the statistical outcomes of test measurement. We have been commended by the British Psychological Society’s Accreditation group for our outstanding use of technology to teach sensitive topics.

In practical sessions, you might work on case formulations, complete violence risk assessments, group presentations, research reports, and develop a psychometric test manual.

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 and forensic mental health settings.

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