Develop an in-depth understanding of psychological research and theory, as well as how to practically apply this within the legal and criminal justice system.
Start Date:
September 2023
Duration:
1 year (full-time)
2 years (part-time)
Degree Type:
MSc
Number of credits:
180 credits
School:
Entry Requirements
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.
University of Roehampton London is ranked top 10 in the UK for postgraduate student satisfaction (PTES 2022)
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.
Course and Module Details
Overview
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.
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.
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.
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.
Course subject to curriculum review
Course subject to validation
Modules
These modules are those we currently offer and may be subject to change each year.
Tuition fees and funding
September 2023 entry tuition fees
Year 1 fees, see links in table below for more information.
2023/24 entry funding
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 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
Postgraduate application process FAQs
How do I apply?
To apply, you need to complete our online application form.
Do I need to complete all of my online application at once?
No, you can save and revisit your application form and can contact us directly at any time if you need advice or assistance.
What are the entry criteria and fees?
We have general entry requirements for postgraduate courses. Many of our courses also have specific entry requirements. You can find details of these, and the fees for individual courses, on our postgraduate course pages.
What is the deadline for postgraduate applications?
If you are a prospective postgraduate student who has home fee status, then you can apply close to the start of the course of study. However, if you have international fee status and require a Tier 4 Visa, then you will normally need to apply much earlier. Please see our application deadlines for postgraduate study.
We encourage all students to apply as early as possible, as some programmes have limited numbers.
Does Roehampton offer financial support for postgraduates?
Yes, we offer a range of scholarships, alongside support on managing your finances while you are with us.
You can find more information on our postgraduate home and postgraduate international financial support pages. There are also other sources of external funding for international students available.
Do you offer student accommodation for postgraduates?
Yes, we have a wide range of high quality and competitively priced on-campus student residences. We are able to offer quiet rooms and can adjust for those with specific access needs.
Find out more on our accommodation pages.
More Information
Please contact us here.
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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