Programme Overview

The MSc Forensic Psychology is a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited postgraduate degree designed to provide students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of psychology within criminal justice and forensic settings. The programme explores the psychological factors associated with criminal behavior, offender assessment, rehabilitation, investigative processes, and the wider justice system, while emphasizing ethical and evidence-based professional practice.

Through a comprehensive curriculum, students develop critical analytical skills and gain insight into the application of psychological principles across courts, prisons, probation services, law enforcement agencies, and other forensic environments. The programme combines academic rigor with practical relevance, preparing graduates to address contemporary challenges in forensic psychology and contribute meaningfully to research and professional practice.

To successfully complete the degree, students must achieve 180 academic credits and attain a minimum pass mark of 50% in all modules. Graduates who meet the required criteria upon completion will achieve Stage 1 training toward qualification as a Forensic Psychologist, providing an important foundation for further professional development within the field.

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), this MSc serves as a gateway to a rewarding and impactful career, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework needed to excel in forensic psychology practice, research, and criminal justice-related professions.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

International applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minimum equivalent of a UK 2:2 classification.

Applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree in a science or social science discipline may also be considered, provided that at least 50% of their studies were in psychology and they can demonstrate prior learning in research methods.

We recognize a broad range of international qualifications. Applicants who are unsure whether their academic background meets the entry requirements are encouraged to speak with an admissions adviser for an individual assessment.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

The standard requirement is:

IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall
Minimum score of 5.5 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking)

Applicants who do not currently meet the English language requirement may be able to satisfy the requirement by successfully completing an approved pre-sessional English language programme before starting the course.

Who is this course for?

The MSc Forensic Psychology is ideal for individuals who are interested in understanding human behavior within criminal, legal, and correctional settings and who wish to apply psychological principles to issues of crime, justice, and rehabilitation.

This programme is particularly suitable for:

Psychology Graduates seeking to pursue a professional pathway toward becoming a forensic psychologist and meeting the academic requirements for BPS Stage 1 training.
Criminal Justice Professionals working in law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, courts, or related agencies who want to enhance their understanding of offender behavior and psychological assessment.
Social Workers and Rehabilitation Specialists who support individuals involved in the criminal justice system and wish to strengthen their evidence-based intervention skills.
Counselors and Mental Health Practitioners seeking specialized knowledge of the psychological factors associated with criminal behavior, offending, and rehabilitation.
Legal Professionals such as attorneys, legal researchers, and court support personnel who want deeper insight into psychological evidence, offender profiling, and forensic assessments.
Researchers and Academics interested in conducting research on crime, criminal behavior, victimology, justice systems, and forensic psychological practice.
Career Changers who have a strong interest in psychology, criminology, criminal justice, or behavioral sciences and wish to move into a specialized and growing field.