On this exciting programme you will be introduced to forensic psychology and criminal behaviour, and gain a detailed understanding of the application of clinical skills, such as forensic psychological assessment, consultancy provision, practical interventions and evaluation in forensic settings.
Duration
1 year (full-time)
2 years (part-time)
Number of Credits
180 credits
Start date
September 2023
Degree Type
MSc
Modules
Why this course
Gain an in-depth understanding of psychological research and theory and their practical application in various settings within the legal and criminal justice system.
Develop your research skills and investigate the context, causes and consequences of offending behaviour.
Learn from leading experts, researchers and practitioners, including Charted Psychologists and registered Forensic Psychologists.
Benefit from our network of connections with a variety of organisations within the field of criminal justice systems such as Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service HQ and the Ministry of Justice.
Skills
The programme will encourage you to scrutinise theoretical models of criminal behaviour. You’ll develop an understanding of why people offend, including the onset, development and maintenance of offending behaviours, while also considering the links between theoretical approaches and practical applications to forensic work.
Advance your understanding of criminal behaviour
You’ll learn about a range of therapeutic interventions while acknowledging the challenges that are inherent to working with a forensic population. You will explore the complex relationship between mental disorders and criminal behaviour and gain an understanding of the criminal justice system in England and Wales and its various agencies, including law enforcement, the courts, the penal system and crime prevention agencies. You’ll discuss the role of psychology within the criminal justice system, and be introduced to different aspects of investigative psychology, such as interviewing, eyewitness memory, jury decision-making and offender profiling.
How you'll learn
You’ll examine the latest research, study real-life case studies, learn to carry out assessment interviews and evaluate available evidence. You’ll also develop transferrable professional skills including specialist report writing and communicating your findings and expertise to a wider audience. To further your professional development, you’ll learn about ethical considerations in research projects, data collection and data analysis.
Taught by leading experts in the field, you’ll be encouraged to critically evaluate research and apply your theoretical understandings to practical workshops, developing your assessment and consultancy skills.
You will also complete your own masters research project, using the knowledge and skills you’ve learned on the programme in your own small-scale research project.
Upcoming Events:
Career options
On completion of the MSc Psychology of Forensic and Criminal Behaviour, graduates will be able to offer a broad range of knowledge and skills, which will support them to work across a number of sectors, including:
- 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
How our careers service supports you
Our careers team is available to support you from the start of your studies until after you graduate. We will help you build your CV, prepare for interviews, and meet and learn from successful graduates working at the top of their careers.
Application Info
How to apply
Postgraduate programmes
You can now apply for any programme for any entry point in 2023.
All postgraduate taught applications can be made via our online application form.
- Check our application deadlines
- View our entry requirements for postgraduate programmes
- View our general entry criteria and application FAQs below
If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
International students
Please note that most international applicants have to pay a deposit before securing their place.
- See our Finance pages for more details
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Tuition fees and funding
September 2023 entry tuition fees
Year 1 fees, see links in table below for more information.
2023/24 entry funding
Specific Entry Requirements
- Applicants are required to hold a second class honours degree (or recognised equivalent qualification).
- Applicants should have a degree in psychology, criminology or from a similar subject area.
Validation and curriculum review
What is validation?
Validation is a formal process through which the University approves a programme (content, teaching, learning and assessment) as being of appropriate standard and quality. This is a normal process used throughout the university sector.
The University expects to publish details of the validated programme in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.
What is curriculum review?
Curriculum review is the regular and systematic monitoring and reviewing of programmes. It is a normal process in the sector and it is the way by which the university ensures that your course remains up-to-date and relevant. The process may result in changes to the content, structure and/or assessment of the programme.
The University expects to publish details of the re-validated programme by 31 March in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.
Need help before you apply?
Course Facilities
Our Research
For an overview of the research carried out by psychology academics within the School of Psychology, please visit the departmental research pages.
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