Duration:
1 year (full-time)
2 years (part-time)
Number of credits:
180
Start date(s):
September 2025
September 2026
January 2027
Prepare for your career in Forensic Psychology and learn the theory and critical skills needed to investigate the causes and the consequences of crime.
Did you know?
This is an exciting opportunity to study forensic psychology within a School with an established expertise in therapeutic skills and therapies.
Accredited by the British Psychological Society.
Modules
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Your curriculum
Our MSc Forensic Psychology degree will introduce you to the key theoretical concepts and practical approaches relevant to the legal and criminal justice system.
During this one year course, you will:
- Gain a strong foundation in understanding the field of forensic psychology.
- Study real-life case studies and apply theory to practical work with an emphasis on career preparation
- Develop the necessary clinical and practical skills to carry out assessments for treatment of criminal behaviour.
- Be introduced to the ethical principles and the codes of conduct in forensic psychology and the concept of evidence-based practice.
The core philosophy of the course is to promote an understanding of the role of forensic psychologists in various forensic settings, whilst preparing you for a rewarding career or doctoral study in the field of forensic psychology.
Learning
You will be taught by leading experts in the field.
This includes chartered psychologists and HCPC registered Forensic Psychologists, who will reach you the latest developments in the field of Forensic Psychology.
You will develop knowledge of contemporary psychological theories of understanding crime. You will be encouraged to develop the ability to critically evaluate research, start thinking reflectively and communicate the knowledge you acquired to a wider, multidisciplinary, audience.
From an investigative standpoint, you will develop a strong scientific understanding of the current theories of aetiology of criminal behaviour and the assessment of risk.
You will gain an understanding of evidence for legal aspects in consideration for court cases, and sentencing and parole boards.
You will be encouraged to think critically about methodological challenges and limitations arising from these topics.
You will also learn how to appropriately conduct and disseminate your own research in preparation for the doctoral level, if you decide to pursue your studies further.
Careers
Once you’ve successfully graduated from the programme, you can continue your training to becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist.
The skills and knowledge you develop can also lead you to a successful career in:
- Prison service
- Charities
- Psychological assessment developers
- Youth offending services and institutions
- Recruitment
- Ministry of Justice
- Home Office
- Police service
- Border Agency
- Security services/agencies
- Data collection and analysis in the Government or police research sector
- NHS
- Academia
- The Probation Service
- Rehabilitation units
- Secure Hospitals
- Victim Support
Open days
Get a real taste of our campus, community and what it’s like to study at Roehampton
Applying
UK postgraduate students apply through our direct application system.
Specific entry requirements
- Applicants are required to hold a second class honours degree (or recognised equivalent qualification).
- Applicants should have a degree in psychology or from a similar subject area (e.g. Criminology).
- Applicants need to be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership with the BPS.
- Applicants whose degree is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (some psychology degrees and degrees from other disciplines) will be required to complete an MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme first, before applying for this programme. If you do not hold Graduate Basis for Chartership by the BPS, you are welcome to apply to the MSc Psychology of Forensic and Criminal Behaviour
General entry requirements
September 2025 entry tuition fees (UK)
| Level of study | Full-time | Part-time* |
| MSc | £11,250 | £5,625 |
*Year 1 fee
We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries. See our financial support pages for UK students.
We also provide other ways to support the cost of living, including free buses and on-campus car parking, hardship support and some of the most affordable student accommodation and catering in London. Find out more about how we can support you.
International postgraduate students apply through our direct application system.
Specific entry requirements
- Applicants are required to hold a second class honours degree (or recognised equivalent qualification).
- Applicants should have a degree in psychology or from a similar subject area (e.g. Criminology).
- Applicants need to be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership with the BPS
- Applicants whose degree is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (some psychology degrees and degrees from other disciplines) will be required to complete an MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme first, before applying for this programme. If you do not hold Graduate Basis for Chartership by the BPS, you are welcome to apply to the MSc Psychology of Forensic and Criminal Behaviour
General entry requirements
September 2025 entry tuition fees (international)
| Level of study | Full-time | Part-time* |
| MSc | £18,250 | £9,125 |
*Year 1 fee
We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries. See our financial support pages for international students.
We also provide other ways to support the cost of living, including free buses and on-campus car parking, hardship support and some of the most affordable student accommodation and catering in London. Find out more about how we can support you.
Need help or advice before applying?
Psychology
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