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forensic psychology degree, bsc forensic psychology, forensic psychology undergraduate

Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons)

Forensic psychology applies psychological knowledge to the understanding of criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system. You study core psychological areas, and specific forensic psychology modules.

 

C890 BSc/FPsy

Course routes:

 

Course overview

Accredited Foundation year

You develop essential skills to work in sectors such as prisons, rehabilitation units, secure units, courts, police, probation, education, charity and voluntary, research, and government policy, and with victims, offenders and professionals. You are also highly valued to work in non-psychology related careers such as management, social work, healthcare, human resources, and other public services.

Your skillset includes designing and conducting research, using psychometric tests, writing risk assessments, giving evidence in court as an expert, critically apprising police interviews and court transcripts, and also developing a good understanding of human behaviour and working across other disciplines such as criminology.

You consider different experiences of victims, witnesses, defendants, and legal professionals within the criminal justice system. You examine different types of crime and criminals such as, violent, and sexual offending, female offenders, youth offending, as well as contemporary issues including terrorism and cybercrime. You focus on how individuals give best evidence by learning the theory and research behind police interviewing and consider the role of jurors, witnesses, and experts first-hand by taking classes in our replica courtroom.

Top reasons to study this course

  • Expert teaching: 91% of BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology students agreed staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2022, tees.ac.uk/source).
  • Forensic psychology applies psychological knowledge to the understanding of criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system. You study core psychological areas, and specific forensic psychology modules.
  • You develop essential skills to work in sectors such as prisons, rehabilitation units, secure units, courts, police, probation, education, charity and voluntary, research, and government policy, and with victims, offenders and professionals. You are also highly valued to work in non-psychology related careers such as management, social work, healthcare, human resources, and other public services.
  • Your skillset includes designing and conducting research, using psychometric tests, writing risk assessments, giving evidence in court as an expert, critically apprising police interviews and court transcripts, and also developing a good understanding of human behaviour and working across other disciplines such as criminology.
  • You consider different experiences of victims, witnesses, defendants, and legal professionals within the criminal justice system. You examine different types of crime and criminals such as, violent, and sexual offending, female offenders, youth offending, as well as contemporary issues including terrorism and cybercrime. You focus on how individuals give best evidence by learning the theory and research behind police interviewing and consider the role of jurors, witnesses, and experts first-hand by taking classes in our replica courtroom.

Download pdf Order prospectus

 

Course details

Course structure

Year 1 core modules

Critical Thinking about Psychology

This module provides students with many of the skills needed to critically evaluate psychological theories and studies. It uses examples from psychology to highlight the common errors that people make when assessing arguments and evaluating evidence.

The module provides step-by-step guidance on how to overcome widespread mistakes and how to construct logical, balanced and coherent arguments. The module also requires students to assess the validity of a number of extraordinary claims, such as parapsychology, alternative medicine, astrology and mediumship. Students will be encouraged to be open-minded, yet require appropriate standards of proof when evaluating such claims.

Human Development and Social Psychology

You gain an understanding of two of the five core areas of study specified by the British Psychological Society (BPS): developmental psychology and social psychology. You consider theoretical and empirical work within human development and social psychology and are introduced to ethics in psychology, psychological research skills and report writing.

Psychobiology, Cognition and Individual Differences

You gain an understanding of three of the five core areas of study specified by the British Psychological Society (BPS): biological psychology, cognitive psychology and individual differences. You consider theoretical and empirical work within biological and developmental psychology and individual differences and also develop psychological research skills and report writing in more depth to provide you with the skills necessary to plan, conduct and report psychological research.

Psychological Research Design and Analysis 1

Providing a foundation in psychological research methods and analysis, this module covers a range of experimental and non-experimental methodological approaches.

You are introduced to the Windows SPSS package for statistical analysis and graph drawing, and you learn about simple qualitative research and data collection methods.

The module covers ethics in research, qualitative and quantitative methods, survey design, simple non-experimental and experimental designs, reliability and validity, probability, hypothesis testing, descriptive data analysis, simple non-parametric and parametric statistical analysis and research report writing.

By the end of the module, you’ll be able to identify the appropriate method for a range of research questions, analyse the resulting data and draw appropriate conclusions.

Underpinning Forensic Psychology

This module is designed to introduce students to the key concepts involved in understanding forensic psychology, such as crime and victim interaction, criminal thinking patterns, explanations of criminal behaviour, testimony and courtroom psychology, and crime prevention.

The main aim of the module is to introduce students to the basic concepts within Forensic Psychology. It will attempt to answer the question 'what is crime?', and will discuss the range of theoretical approaches that have been used to explain it. The module will also introduce students to a range of study and transferable skills relevant to their degree programme and future career.

This is a 40-credit module.

 

Year 2 core modules

Applied Research in Psychology

The module continues to foster advanced research design and analysis, building on the Conducting Research in Psychology module. It will facilitate the further development of knowledge and skills in using advanced research designs, including the use of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Module content includes conceptual issues in advanced research designs, focusing on experimental and quasi-experimental quantitative research designs, planning of sample size, quantitative data analysis (ANOVA and ANCOVA), and advanced qualitative research techniques.

Biological and Social Psychology

The module is divided into two halves: biopsychology and social psychology. Biological, neurological and social explanations for a series of identified psychological topics are explored, as well as introducing the concept of evolutionary explanations for human behaviour and the scientific approach to the study of our social behaviour.

You are required to complete a two-hour unseen written examination for your assessment on this module.

Conducting Research in Psychology

The module deals with advanced research design and analysis, building on the module Research Design and Analysis 1. It facilitates the development of knowledge and skills in using advanced research designs, including the use of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Module content includes conceptual issues in advanced research designs, a focus on non-experimental/correlational quantitative research designs, regression techniques, assessment design and qualitative data collection and analysis.

Development, Cognitive Processes and Disorders

This module is delivered in two parts. In the first half, competing perspectives, contemporary debates, historical perspectives and applied topics within developmental psychology are studied using a lifespan perspective. In the second half, a range of cognitive processes are discussed in relation to both healthy and disordered functioning, drawing evidence from experimental psychology, neuropsychological case studies and cognitive neuroscience perspectives.

Psychopathologies and Individual Differences

You develop a knowledge and understanding of psychopathologies and individual differences in psychology. In addition, you develop skills in psychometric measurement and an in-depth knowledge of these areas along with the necessary skills to distinguish between theories and critically evaluate them.

Theoretical Approaches to Forensic Psychology

This module aims to demonstrate the relevance of psychology to our understanding of crime, criminal behaviour, legal decision making and the investigative process. The key areas addressed include: theories of crime and criminality, the applications of psychology in the criminal justice system, detecting deception, witness testimony, the role of expert witnesses and applied interviewing techniques.

 

Final-year core modules

Applied Forensic Psychology

The main aim of this module is to focus on the application of psychological research and theory to practice in the criminal justice system.

In particular, it is concerned with the contribution made by psychology to the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences. It will use a holistic approach, enabling students to gain an understanding of how parts of the system interface with each other.

The module will cover areas of psychological work relating to aspects of the justice system, with a specific focus on the application of psychology to investigative interviews, victim and witness testimony, and courtroom procedures. In addition, it will cover relevant legal information to increase an understanding of psychological decision making in a legal context.

Dissertation

The module aims to provide you with an opportunity to apply your learning from earlier modules by conducting a self-initiated, substantial data driven research project in a specific area of interest.
You demonstrate your skills in data collection, analysis, interpretation and communication of findings of an empirical piece of research.

You attend a weekly 2 hour lecture (delivered throughout the year) and 5 hours (delivered in term one) of seminar activity.
You research management, supervision protocol, research ethics, personal development and career planning.

You are introduced to specific psychological research studies to further develop your understanding of the research cycle: setting a research question, developing appropriate methods, using appropriate analysis, making appropriate conclusions and dissemination and critical evaluation. This helps you develop ideas for your own project.  Lectures themes are general disciplines of psychology: cognitive, social, biological, developmental, individual differences and are delivered by experts from within the subject group.

Issues in Psychology

This module is aimed to introduce students to a number of debates in applied psychology. The module content is aimed to meet learning needs of students interested in aspects of applied psychology and to foster self-directed learning.

 

and two optional modules (one must be a psychology module)

Current Issues in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

This module is aimed at students who have an interest in applied aspects of cognitive psychology, especially educational psychology, as well as those interested in developmental and bio-psychology.
The module introduces you to a range of different neurodevelopmental disorders e.g. autistic spectrum disorder, dyslexia, ADHD, specific-language impairment, Williams syndrome, Dyscalculia, Fragile X and Downs syndrome. Each disorder will be considered in terms of its diagnostic criteria, characteristics, theoretical perspectives and issues with comorbidity. As such we will discuss each condition at the levels of biology (including genetics), cognition, behaviour and the environment.
Wider issues such as the social aspects of neurodevelopmental disorders, including integration in education, lifespan changes and methodological and ethical issues in researching neurodevelopmental disorders will also be addressed.

Developing Skills for Educational and Community Support

This module provides you with experience and knowledge of working as a support worker with Neuro Partners (www.neuropartners.co.uk/). You develop transferable / employability skills, such as confidentiality, data protection, communications, problem-solving, group work, time management, self-management, and record keeping. The work experience enables you to work within a team whilst maintaining boundaries and a professional relationship with an individual. The service users will have a range of conditions, including mental health conditions and possibly co-morbid disorders and considerations when approaching support. You will be working on any combination of the following types of support:

Education-based support: Sighted Guide, Mobility Support, Travel Support, Note Taker, Transcriber, Library Assistant, Proof reading, Reader, Exam Support

Community-based support: Personal Care, Community access, Accessing social and leisure activities with service users, Assisting the service user during Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy. Community-based hours will include evenings and weekends.

Prior to commencing the module, you are required to apply for Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) enhanced disclosure and successfully complete the Neuro Partners interview, assessment centre and training. DBS applications will be made during the interview. You will receive full training for the role of support worker (delivered by Neuro Partners) and have regular contact with an Assistant Psychologist, who will appraise you 3 times throughout the year.

You will have 6 hours contact at Teesside University to introduce the module and go through assessment requirements. This will be delivered as 3 x 2hour lectures (delivered throughout the year). The module requires you to be available for the full duration of the academic year (30 weeks) and accumulate a minimum of 70 hours of support work experience. It is expected that you will gain 2-3 hours support work experience per week and will document your experience by completing logs after every session.

Promoting Health, Preventing Illness

This module explores psychology’s role in progressing, treating and managing illness. You will consider the dominant discussions of health and illness and explore the methods used to measure and assess health and illness. This module explores health promotion interventions, particularly the associated psychological issues that need to be considered when you are addressing the health and illness needs of individuals across the lifespan.

The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour

This modules aims to develop an understanding of the psychological explanations of criminal behaviour in relation to a number of specific crimes. The role of the Forensic Psychologist and psychological evidence are explored for topics including sexual offending, CSA, aggression, stalking, and arson. Further, the value of theoretical explanations is considered in relation to the evolution of crimes such as online grooming and cyberstalking

The Psychology of Everyday Self

This module provides an arena for you to study in depth one of the most intriguing and misunderstood aspects of psychological experience – that of selfhood.
It brings together a number of sub-disciplines that throw light on selfhood and subjective experience. Perspectives from social, developmental, and clinical psychology are combined in this module to offer you the opportunity to explore what selfhood means to you and how different constructs of selfhood can be enriching to the human experience.

Therapeutic Care and Meaningful Interactions

Therapeutic Care and Meaningful Interactions provides you with experience and knowledge of working as a Therapeutic Care Volunteer (TCV) within South Tees NHS Trust. You have the opportunity to develop transferable knowledge and employability skills. You cover confidentiality, data protection, communications, problem-solving, group work, time management, self-management, and record keeping. You have the opportunity to work within a health care team across any combination of wards across the Trust and community hospitals, whilst maintaining boundaries and a professional relationship with individuals.

 

Modules across the school also available

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

Teaching is delivered using a range of lectures, seminars and laboratory classes. We emphasise study skills so you learn how to use all our extensive facilities such as electronic journals, virtual learning environments and computer programs. You also have access to our computer suites and specialist laboratories where you develop practical skills in the investigation of human behaviour.

How you are assessed

Our varied assessments develop the skills most valued by employers. They include essays, exams, group and individual presentations, poster presentations, portfolios and a dissertation. There is even opportunity to write a psychological expert witness report.




Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services

Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

A typical offer is 88-112 tariff points from at least two A levels T level or equivalent. You must also have GCSEs in English and maths at grade 4 (grade C) or equivalent.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

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


You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL

 

Employability

Career opportunities

Although this is an academic course rather than a professional training course, on successful completion, with a 2.2 or above, you will be eligible to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) status with the British Psychological Society (www/bps.org.uk). As with all our psychology degrees, upon graduation you can proceed to further study in any area of psychology. However, the unique skills and knowledge developed on this course are particularly suited to the postgraduate training you will need in order to become a Chartered Forensic Psychologist.

All programmes are designed to incorporate employability skills development alongside your degree course. Our staff utilise their extensive connections to provide many and varied opportunities to engage with potential employers through fairs, guest lecture sessions, live projects and site visits. In addition we offer a series of workshops and events in the first, second and third year that ensure all students are equipped with both degree level subject knowledge PLUS the practical skills that employers are looking for in new graduate recruits.

Our award winning careers service works with regional and national employers to advertise graduate positions, in addition to providing post-graduation support for all Teesside University alumni.

 

Information for international applicants

Qualifications

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

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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

The British Psycholigical Society Accredited

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Other course routes

Foundation year

Study this course with a foundation year if you need additional preparation or if you don't have sufficient grades to join Year 1.

BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology (with Foundation Year)

Full-time

Entry to 2024/25 academic year

Fee for UK applicants
£9,250 a year

More details about our fees

Fee for international applicants
£17,000 a year

More details about our fees for international applicants


What is included in your tuition fee?

  • Length: 3 years
  • UCAS code: C890 BSc/FPsy
  • Start date: September
  • Semester dates
  • Typical offer: 88-112 tariff points from at least 2 A levels (or equivalent)

Apply online (full-time) through UCAS

 

Part-time

2024/25 entry

Fee for UK applicants
£4,500 (120 credits)

More details about our fees

  • Length: Up to 5 years
  • Attendance: Daytime
  • Start date: September
  • Semester dates

Apply online (part-time)

 

Choose Teesside

  • On video

    Mock courtroom facility

    Dr Kimberly Collins talks about how the mock courtroom facility is used for teaching psychology.

     
  • Student and graduate profiles

    Ellie McLernon

    Ellie McLernonBSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology

    Ellie's interest in psychology had led to her studying for a degree at Teesside.

    Meet Ellie

    Stacie Thursby

    Stacie Thursby BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology

    Stacie's time at Teesside has led to her continuing her studies in psychology.

    Meet Stacie

     
 
 
 

Psychology

Studying Psychology at the School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law gives you access to outstanding facilities, including eye-trackers, EEG and Near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). You also get to use specialist interviewing labs and our replica courtroom.

 

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

 

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