On this comprehensive postgraduate course, you develop a systematic understanding and critical awareness of current problems in the field while gaining new insights into the theory and practice of forensic psychology.
It covers all core areas including criminal, investigative and legal psychology as well as victimology and forensic assessments. It also involves study in advanced research methods and professional skills.
The course gives you stage one training towards becoming a chartered psychologist.
Why choose this course?
- Develop your ability to communicate forensic-related material using appropriate methods of delivery to psychology and non-psychology professionals
- Gain a high level of knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, allowing you to perform complex data analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis
- Learn to show how a critical understanding of theory may guide the collection and interpretation of empirical data
- Benefit from an increased sense of personal responsibility and professionalism that will enable you to practise or conduct research within ethical guidelines
- Be aware of the requirements of equal opportunities and disabilities legislation
Unit Information - What will I learn?
Units
- Advanced Research Methods For Forensic Psychology (PSY026-6) Compulsory
- Assessments In Forensic Psychology (PSY028-6) Compulsory
- Criminal Psychology (PSY023-6) Compulsory
- Interventions In Forensic Psychology (PSY029-6) Compulsory
- Investigative Psychology (PSY024-6) Compulsory
- Legal Psychology (PSY025-6) Compulsory
- Msc Forensic Psychology Dissertation (PSY031-6) Compulsory
- Professional Skills For Forensic Psychologists (PSY030-6) Compulsory
- Victimology (PSY065-6) Compulsory
How will I be assessed?
The MSc Forensic Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) Division of Forensic Psychology in partnership with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). As such, the course is only available to those able to demonstrate Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS. Successful completion of the MSc Forensic Psychology confers to Stage 1 of the training required towards becoming a full member of the Division of Forensic Psychology (BPS) and a Registered Forensic Psychologist with the HCPC. The primary focus of the therefore, is to ensure build upon the core skills developed through successful achievement of the completed Graduate Basis for Chartered Status (via an approved undergraduate degree or conversion postgraduate course) and to move towards the competences required of a Forensic Psychologist as outlined in the Subject Benchmark statement for Psychology (QAA, 2016) and aims and objectives of a Stage 1 Qualification in Forensic Psychology as set out by the British Psychological Society (2017). The assessment strategy therefore reflects the academic rigour required for a BPS accredited MSc degree. The assessments are designed to test academic knowledge, oral and written skills, use of literature using primary and secondary sources, critical analysis of ideas, connections made between theory, practice, real life situations and the understanding and application of professional values, to include ethical issues as detailed by the BPS. The criteria for passing a unit are set out in the University Regulations. Examples of the range of assessment include: written essays, short answer questions exams, literature/systemic reviews, statistics workbooks, reflective portfolio, case studies, treatment formulation, presentation, review of an ethics submission, designing a training programme, and dissertation.
