Skip to main content
Postgraduate study
Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology MSc

This course provides a thorough and comprehensive training in the knowledge base of forensic psychology counting as the requisite Stage 1 component for the status of Forensic Psychologist of the British Psychological Society.

 

Course overview

Accredited

You experience a critical and questioning approach to the discipline of forensic psychology. You develop as an independent critical thinker, resilient and well prepared as a forensic psychology practitioner. The programme covers the key knowledge areas in a way which represents the stages and processes in the criminal justice system and the pathways offenders and victims take through it.

The integrative approach of the courses sees ethics, practice and professional skills incorporated as appropriate to each topic, enhancing the relevance of these issues, and applied psychological knowledge to the understanding, investigation, assessment, interventions and management of offenders.

For example, in the module Law, Justice and Psychology students act as expert witness and are questioned individually by a mock barrister. They then reflect on their performance and consider how it could impact on the decision-making process of the court in the criminal justice system. Students therefore have the opportunity to present in court, which is something they may then do once they qualify as a forensic psychologist.

Top reasons to study this course

> Study this course and you may be eligible for a £2,500 Sir Keith Skeoch postgraduate scholarship.
> You employ a scientist-practitioner approach to issues relevant to professional practice and research in forensic psychology.

> Research laboratories and simulated environments including the mock courtroom, police station and interview suites develop your communication and delivery of evidence skills.

>The programme team are research and consultancy active, which underpins field their teaching. Areas of expertise include adolescent mental health, risk assessment and treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy, expert witness, intermediary work, investigative interviewing, police investigations, personality, false confessions, trauma-informed care, compassion based therapeutic approaches.

> Benefit from our strong external links with the local prison service, regional secure units and the NHS to pursue work experience in forensic settings, and a focus for your dissertation.

> Specialist external speakers may contribute to the delivery of the programme, giving you relevant and on topic insights.

Download pdf Order prospectus

 

Course details

Course structure

Core modules

Applied Qualitative Research Methods

You will gain the requisite skills needed to analyse, conduct and assess qualitative research within the applied psychology setting. You will also gain an understanding of key theoretical approaches in designing qualitative research projects as well as practical experience in collecting and analysing qualitative data. The module aims to facilitate the development of a knowledge of and skills in using advanced qualitative research designs, specifically it will develop your knowledge and skills in qualitative research design and methods as applicable to applied psychology at MSc level. You will understand the relationship between theory and practice of interpretative approaches in psychological research, and explore different modes of investigation and analysis employed within these interpretative approaches.

Applied Quantitative Research Methods

You develop knowledge of and skills in using advanced research designs, including the use of quantitative analysis techniques. Specifically, you will develop additional knowledge and skills in research design and methods, appropriate statistical analysis, as applicable to applied psychology at MSc level. Quantitative analysis of advanced research designs includes effect size, power analysis, confidence intervals, multiple regression, logistic regression, factor analysis and reliability analysis, mediation analysis, moderation analysis.

Applied Skills in Forensic Psychology

You gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of the range of therapeutic approaches available and their application to a diverse array of forensic clients. You develop logical, structured, critical narrative following a formal request for information pertaining to practice recommendations and the communication of this knowledge. The module will also provide an understanding of the roles which forensic psychologists play within third sector, government and public organisations, ethical and professional considerations with regard to professional competencies, evidence-based practice and required skills of a forensic psychologists within their varied roles, including trainer, consultant, supervisor and practitioner.

Assessment and Interventions in Forensic Practice

This module is designed to develop a thorough understanding of the theoretical explanations of offending behaviour, its origins and the purpose and principles of the assessment and intervention process. It emphasises the importance of psychological assessment (including risk, personality disorder and cognitive assessment) and specialist intervention, exploring issues specific to a group of offenders including but not exclusive to: sexual offenders, violent offenders, young offenders, mentally disordered offenders, offenders affected by issues of intellectual functioning and cognitive impairment, female offenders and those with personality disorder.

Integral to this module is an understanding of the role of the psychologist as a practitioner. Through the use of case studies, you will develop the skills required of a forensic psychologist and demonstrate the importance of skills for sharing knowledge and information. The module will describe the role the forensic psychologist plays in assessment and intervention, effective communication, project management and training others. You will gain an understanding of the requirements of independent working, ethical and professional considerations and multi-disciplinary work.

You will gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of the theoretical explanations of offending behaviour, psychological assessment, interventions with offenders and the process of training other professionals. The module will also provide an understanding of ethical and professional considerations with regard to professional competencies, evidence based practice and required skills of a forensic psychologists within their varied roles; trainer, consultant, supervisor and practitioner.

Indicative content

Theoretical explanations of offending behaviour, exploring issues specific to a group of offenders including but not exclusive to: sexual offenders, violent offenders, young offenders, mentally disordered offenders, offenders affected by issues of intellectual functioning and cognitive impairment, female offenders and those with personality disorder
Purpose and principles of psychological assessment process, notably risk assessment, personality disorder assessment, case formulation and cognitive assessment
Offending and morality, excuses and justification for offending behaviour
Crime, victim and offender interaction/mediation, including restorative justice
“What works” literature and evaluation of offending behaviour interventions with various groups of offenders; sexual offenders, violent offenders (including domestic violence) and personality disordered offenders
The role of a forensic psychologist as a practitioner
Independent working and reflective practice as a forensic psychologist
The relevance and importance of multi-disciplinary working.

This module will be assessed by way of a 5,000 word Psychological Risk Assessment and Case Formulation Report of a case study (ICA 60%) and 3,000 word Training Plan Report underpinned by a critical review of literature (ECA 40%).

Forensic Psychology Project

This gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your research competency within a specialist area of forensic psychology. You are required to produce an original empirical research project of 12,000 words on a specialist area of your choice within forensic psychology.

Law, Justice and Psychology

You are introduced to the multi-disciplinary nature of forensic psychology, and to the application of psychological knowledge to the criminal justice system. You discuss a range of theoretical approaches that have been used to explain crime, and gain an understanding of the principles of studying the justice process.

The module also introduces you to civil and criminal law. It includes discussion of the issues relating to jury selection and jury decision making, the nature of expert evidence, child witnesses, assessment and interventions with victims and witnesses, and the role of the psychologist as an expert witness.

The development of the new replica courtroom at the University offers an excellent opportunity for you to practise key professional skills such as presenting specialist court reports in an appropriate context and to undertake research related to this area.

The Psychology of Investigations

This module gives you a critical understanding of the psychological and legal issues regarding the psychology of investigations. It analyses the ways in which psychological theories can be applied to the investigative process (including the gathering of evidence) and considers the investigatory process of victims, witnesses and suspects of crime.

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

The course utilises seminars and lectures. There are aspects of self-directed learning in some modules and applied learning including visits to courts and specialist expert external speakers.

How you are assessed

The course is assessed using a variety of methods, formative and summative. These include traditional essay writing, applied assignments including psychological risk assessment reports, consultancy reports, and the delivery of evidence and cross-examination in the unique court room facility at the University.

 

Entry requirements

Applicants should have at least a second-class honours degree in psychology and the Graduate Basis for Chartership as recognised by the BPS. Applicants with other degrees are invited to call the admission enquiries number to discuss possible additional requirements for entry.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country

 

Employability

Career opportunities

After Stage 1, students can become chartered forensic psychologists by successfully completing the Stage 2 Qualification in Forensic Psychology.

 

Information for international applicants

Qualifications

International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.

Select your country:
  
 

Useful information

Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.

Talk to us

Talk to an international student enrolment adviser

 
 

Professional accreditation

British Psychological Society accredited

This course is accredited by the BPS. This gives students Stage 1 of the two-stage process towards becoming a chartered forensic psychologist.

Full-time

2024/25 entry

Fee for UK applicants
£7,365 a year

More details about our fees

Fee for international applicants
£17,000 a year

More details about our fees for international applicants

Apply now (full-time)

 

Part-time

2024/25 entry

Fee for UK applicants
£820 for each 20 credits

More details about our fees

Apply now (part-time)

Apply now (part-time)

 

Choose Teesside

  • Student and graduate profiles

    Jessica Rees

    Jessica ReesMSc Forensic Psychology

    Jess enjoyed her time at Teesside completing her undergraduate degree, that she continued her studies with a master's degree.

    Meet Jessica

     
 
 

Get in touch

UK students

Email: ssshladmissions@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 738801


Online chat (general enquiries)

International students

Email: internationalenquiries@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0) 1642 738900


More international contacts

 

Open days and events

Go to top menu