Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc
Validated by Coventry University
Duration
2 yearsStudy Mode
OnlineTotal Tuition
£10,000Monthly Payment
£417Qualification
Master’s Degree (MSc / MA / MPH)Start Date
January March May July September NovemberProgramme Overview
The Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc from Coventry University is a 100% online, 180-credit postgraduate degree designed for professionals who want to develop specialist expertise at the intersection of psychology, mental health and the criminal justice system. The programme examines how psychological theory and practice can be applied to people experiencing mental health difficulties within forensic settings, including offenders, patients, at-risk individuals and victims/survivors. Students develop knowledge in mental health disorders, clinical assessment, case formulation, forensic risk assessment, risk management, legal and ethical frameworks, professional practice and psychological research. The programme is delivered part-time over two years, making it particularly suitable for working professionals who want to gain an internationally recognised UK master's degree without leaving their employment.
The degree is awarded by Coventry University and delivered online by Coventry University Online and is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). For students who already hold the required Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), the programme is designed to fulfil the BPS Stage 1 academic requirements towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. Students should understand, however, that completing this MSc alone does not automatically make them a Chartered Psychologist; the BPS requirements include an appropriate undergraduate psychology qualification or accredited conversion route, followed by the relevant professional training and requirements. This makes the programme particularly valuable for psychology graduates and professionals seeking to specialise in forensic psychology and mental health, as well as professionals working in criminal justice, rehabilitation, corrections, law enforcement, mental health services and related areas.
The programme combines academic knowledge with practical, career-focused learning. Students work with practitioner-informed scenarios and real-world case studies and develop skills that can be applied in forensic mental health and criminal justice environments. Coventry University currently lists six intakes per year—January, March, May, July, September and November—although the 2026–27 online page specifically lists November 2026, January 2027, March 2027, May 2027 and July 2027 as upcoming start dates. The published full course fee is £10,000 for 180 credits, although Coventry University states that regionalised pricing and discounts may be available depending on the student's location. Students can pay through flexible arrangements, including payment by credit hour and instalments during the programme, with the university also identifying payment per semester as an available option.
Entry Requirements
Applicants normally need:
An undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above, or an international equivalent, in Psychology.
A science or social-science degree may also be considered where at least 50% of the studies were in psychology and the applicant can demonstrate study of research methods.
Coventry states that it recognises a breadth of qualifications and encourages applicants with alternative qualifications to discuss their circumstances with an adviser.
English Language
Coventry's published requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. For UpCaria marketing, this requirement should be presented according to Coventry's applicable English-language evidence/exemption rules for each applicant's country and previous education.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation supporting their academic background and previous experience. For UpCaria recruitment, the recommended application document checklist is:
Completed online application
Bachelor's degree certificate
Official academic transcript
Evidence of the applicant's psychology studies, where relevant
Evidence of research-methods study, particularly where applying with a science/social-science degree
English-language evidence, where required
Passport or government-issued identification, where requested for verification
Evidence of relevant professional experience, where applicable
Coventry confirms that applicants will need documentation relating to their previous qualifications and experience; the exact documentation required can vary according to the applicant's academic background and circumstances.
Who is this course for?
This programme is particularly suitable for:
Psychology graduates seeking a specialist master's in forensic psychology and mental health.
Professionals already working in forensic mental health.
Mental health and behavioural-health professionals seeking greater expertise in forensic populations.
Professionals working in prisons, probation, corrections and rehabilitation.
Police, law-enforcement and security professionals interested in psychological approaches to offending and mental health.
Social workers and professionals working with vulnerable or at-risk populations.
Professionals working with young offenders and youth justice programmes.
Professionals in criminal justice and multi-agency services.
Psychology or social-science professionals seeking advancement into forensic-related roles.
Individuals seeking to progress towards the professional pathway associated with Chartered Forensic Psychology.
Career Opportunities
Assistant Psychologist
Forensic Mental Health Practitioner
Forensic Psychology Trainee Practitioner
Prison and Probation Officer
Forensic Mental Health Support Worker
Youth Offending Practitioner
Rehabilitation and Interventions Facilitator
Mental Health Outreach Specialist
Criminal Justice / Multi-Agency Practitioner
Forensic Psychology Researcher
Programme Highlights
This module establishes the foundation for understanding forensic mental health within the criminal justice system. Students examine mental health disorders, psychological theories, clinical assessment and case formulation, and consider how individuals with mental health conditions move through the criminal justice process. The module also examines legal frameworks, ethics, multi-agency working and contemporary developments in forensic psychology, helping students understand the complex relationship between mental health, offending and justice.
This module focuses on the professional realities of working with forensic mental-health populations. Students explore ethical and legal responsibilities, organisational influences, reflective practice, practitioner wellbeing and case formulation. Particular attention is given to managing challenging situations and understanding how culture, gender and sexuality can influence professional practice and interactions with forensic populations.
Students develop the skills required to design and plan their postgraduate research project. The module introduces qualitative and quantitative research design while examining research ethics and the changing skills required in modern professional environments. It provides an important bridge between academic research and the student's eventual independent research project.
This module develops students' ability to undertake rigorous psychological research using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Students learn how to analyse, interpret and present research findings and develop transferable research skills that can be applied across psychology, mental health, criminal justice and other professional environments.
This is one of the programme's most professionally relevant modules. Students examine methods used to assess risk in forensic environments, including risk and protective factors associated with offending. They learn to interpret case materials and develop appropriate forensic risk-management strategies, building skills relevant to corrections, rehabilitation, mental health and criminal justice settings.
The final module enables students to undertake an independent postgraduate research investigation in an area relevant to forensic psychology and mental health. Students apply the theoretical, methodological and ethical knowledge developed throughout the programme to a real-world issue. The project strengthens advanced critical thinking, research, problem-solving and analytical skills and provides an opportunity for students to develop specialist knowledge in an area of personal or professional interest.
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