MSc Forensic Psychology

at Birmingham City University

COURSE IN DEPTH
 

Modules
 

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):

 

Research Methods in Forensic Psychology
20 credits

 

This module builds upon your undergraduate and previous experience of research in psychology, and begins to prepare you to undertake advanced independent research. This module will provide you with research knowledge and skills applicable to advanced scholarship in the discipline of forensic psychology.

 

You will develop knowledge and a critical understanding of a variety of research designs and data collection techniques and methods, and will be able to select and use the most appropriate ones to effectively plan and carry out empirical research.

 

The Assessment and Treatment of Offenders
20 credits

 

This module aims to provide you with advanced knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of the assessment and treatment of offenders. You will consider the key tools and literature relevant to assessment and treatment interventions and review how these are used by practising forensic psychologists in a range of settings.

 

Forensic and Transferable Skills
20 credits

 

This module provides you with a theoretical underpinning of the ethical, legal, and practical issues applicable to practice in forensic psychology. You will develop skills in communicating information in forensic psychological practice, including report writing, expert testimony, and presentation skills. In addition, the module covers transferable psychology-specific and non-psychology-specific skills; ensuring students have the requisite skills in writing for publication, group work, professionalism, and ICT.

 

Investigative Psychology
20 credits

 

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the practical and theoretical issues relevant to Investigative Psychology. You will learn about a range of relevant topics (e.g. the development of Investigative Psychology, how offender and geographical profiling has evolved, and crime linkage). You will also explore particular concepts relating to policing and investigation, such as police decision making.

 

The Psychology of Law and Justice
20 credits

 

This module will provide you with knowledge and critical understanding of the application of psychological theory and research to legal proceedings, the criminal investigation process, and prosecution of offences. At the same time, you will be equipped with an appreciation of the role and functioning of the Criminal Justice System.

 

Advanced Research Methods in Forensic Psychology
20 credits

 

This module builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired by students in the Research Methods module that was taught in Term 1 further preparing you to undertake advanced independent research. This module will provide you with further and more advanced knowledge and skills applicable to advanced scholarship in the discipline of forensic psychology.

 

Victimology
20 credits

 

This module aims to equip you with knowledge and understanding relating to the concept of victimology. Whilst much of the course is centred on offenders, this module focuses on victims and is therefore beneficial to those who wish to work with individuals who have been victims of offending in the future. The module considers a range of victim cohorts including victims of sexual, violent, and trafficking offences. Whilst looking at the theory of victimisation within these concepts, the module also aims to explore the ethical applications of working with the victim.

 

Forensic Psychology Dissertation Project
40 credits

 

The aim of this module is to allow the students to design, analyse, and scientifically report research in forensic psychology, demonstrating a critical awareness of existing research literature and a solid practical appreciation of ethical research principles. Students are expected to communicate their research clearly and competently in written and verbal forms. Students are required to produce their dissertation report in APA style in order to prepare students for future training in forensic psychology where part of their training and professional practice will be to produce research of a publishable standard.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

 

Award: MSc Starting: Sep 2022
Full Time 1 Year £16,300 in 2022/23

Enhancing your employability

You will have the opportunity to visit a local prison such as HMP Birmingham, attend court hearings and gain practical experience in one of the University’s mock courtrooms.

 

We will also assist in identifying work experience opportunities and the Centre for Academic Success offers 1:1 and small group private tutorials in English (including academic writing), study skills, maths, statistics, Word, Excel, programming, networking and project management.

 

Many graduates go on to gain employment within the health, charity and policing industries, such as working as a trainee forensic psychologist in a prison or mental health facility or as an assistant in one of these settings. You can also develop your academic career and choose to undertake further research within a higher education setting.

 

The research methods you will have practiced will provide you with the skills to embark on postgraduate research opportunities alongside your professional development if you wish to combine the professional and academic routes together.

 

OpportUNIty

 

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.

 

It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.