Psychology of Forensic and Criminal Behaviour

Postgraduate School of Psychology

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.

Psychology of Forensic and Criminal Behaviour
Duration

1 year (full-time)
2 years (part-time)

Number of Credits

180 credits

Start date

September 2023

Degree Type

MSc

Modules

Skills

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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.

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.

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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 
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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.

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.

UK EU and International
£10,500 £16,500

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

Image -   Specialist psychological research facilities      
  Which includes four dedicated EEG suites, static and head-mounted gaze-tracking equipment, access to an MRI, a repetitive trans cranial magnetic stimulator and advanced computer software for data collection and analysis.   

Specialist psychological research facilities  

Which includes four dedicated EEG suites, static and head-mounted gaze-tracking equipment, access to an MRI, a repetitive trans cranial magnetic stimulator and advanced computer software for data collection and analysis. 

Image -  Manresa Hall in Whitelands College    
  On top of a 24 hour computer room, the College also has two dedicated quiet study areas.

Manresa Hall in Whitelands College 

On top of a 24 hour computer room, the College also has two dedicated quiet study areas.

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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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