MSC APPLIED FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY F/T

at Edinburgh Napier University

You will develop a robust understanding of the psychology research on which forensic psychology practice is based. This will be complemented by learning some of the real-life skills that forensic psychology practitioners use in their daily work. You will also have opportunities to engage in critical discussions with experienced forensic psychology practitioners, and with professionals from other criminal justice agencies.

All of this will be underpinned by developing your own research skills to submission standard. Your robust research skills will enable you to apply independent critical analysis to existing and new theories and practices, throughout your career.

Modules

Trimester 1:
Evidence and Investigation (20 credits)
Assessments and Treatments (20 credits)
Advanced Research Skills (20 credits)

Trimester 2:
Advanced Forensic Psychology (20 credits)
Practical Forensic Psychology (20 credits)
Psychology Project (Tri 2+3)

Trimester 3:
Advice and Consultancy (20 credits)
Psychology Project (60 credits)

Lead Academics
Marc Kozlowski has been Head of (forensic) Psychology at four UK prisons – two in England and two in Scotland. In those roles he recruited, managed and clinically supervised many Forensic Psychologists in Training, so he has first-hand experience of the challenges and opportunities that will be faced by our MSc graduates once they step into the workplace. The organisational knowledge and the clinical experience that Marc brings, will keep the programme honest in terms of its real-world relevance and currency.

Dr Faye Skelton’s expertise covers all things facial-recognition and eyewitness reliability. Faye has taken some of her ideas public in the formidable arena of the Edinburgh Fringe, and survived to tell the tale. The Practical Forensic Psychology MSc module that Faye co-delivered in 2018-19, received a 100% student satisfaction rating.

Dr Alex McIntyre’s publications cover many aspects of eyewitness accounts in the context of criminal investigations. She has active working links with a number of organisations who work within and alongside the criminal justice system, and has successfully placed Napier students to gain experience in those organisations. Alex also co-delivered the Practical Forensic Psychology module that achieved a 100% student satisfaction in 2018-19.

Dr Adam Mahoney has recently taken up a lectureship in forensic psychology at Edinburgh Napier University and continues to provide consultancy based services to various forensic organisations.

Dr Duncan Carmichael joined Edinburgh Napier as a psychology lecture in 2019.

Undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees 

IELTS (Academic)
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

TOEFL Internet Based Test
80 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing

Pearson’s Test of Academic English
56 overall with a minimum of 51 in each component

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE))
169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each component

Cambridge B2 First (formerly Cambridge English First (FCE))
169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each component

Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English Advanced (CAE))
169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each component

Trinity Integrated Skills Test (ISE)
ISEII, ISEIII, ISEIV with a pass in each component

LanguageCert English language qualification
B2 Communicator Test with overall 39 or above, and 25 or above in all skills

Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next.

The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes.

Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2022 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. 

The largest UK employers of forensic psychologists are Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (in England and Wales) and the Scottish Prison Service.

Forensic psychologists also work across other settings including hospitals, secure children’s homes, police forces, courts, and universities. 

In practice this means forensic psychologists assess, formulate, and intervene in those engaging in harmful behaviours to lead to safer societies. They communicate psychological knowledge and advice to other professionals. They develop and facilitate training for other professionals in forensic settings. They contribute to the international evidence base for forensic psychology.

UK-trained forensic psychologists have also been recruited to jobs in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Barbados, mainland Europe, and the USA (note: USA jobs are in academia, because forensic psychology practitioners are not used in the same way there).