MSc Forensic Psychology
Validated by Coventry University
Duration
24 monthsStudy Mode
OnlineTotal Tuition
£10,440Monthly Payment
£435Qualification
Master’s Degree (MSc / MA / MPH)Start Date
Jan, March, May, July, Sep, NovProgramme Overview
The Forensic Psychology MSc from Coventry University Online is a 100% online, part-time postgraduate degree designed for professionals and graduates who want to specialise in the application of psychology within the criminal justice system. The programme is particularly relevant to careers involving forensic psychology, rehabilitation, prisons and probation, youth offending, law enforcement, security services, research and criminal justice. It is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for the 2026/27 intake and is designed to fulfil the BPS Stage 1 academic requirements for Chartered Psychologist progression, provided the student also has the required Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). The programme does not have separate formal specialisations, but its major areas of focus include offending behaviour, criminal justice, forensic risk assessment and management, forensic interventions, psychological research and ethical practice.
For Caribbean students, this programme is particularly attractive to psychology and social-science professionals who want to build advanced expertise without leaving their home country or interrupting employment. Entry normally requires an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above, or an international equivalent, in Psychology, with Coventry's published eligibility criteria applying. The English-language requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component, subject to Coventry's accepted alternatives. Most importantly for prospective students, Coventry's official 2026/27 online course page confirms the full MSc tuition fee is £10,440 for 180 credits. Coventry states that this is the fee for the entire programme and that students may pay by credit hour or through instalments rather than paying the full amount upfront. The university also offers regionalised pricing and discounts based on location, so the final Caribbean fee should be confirmed with Coventry. However, you can check scholarship eligibility on this site.
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.
Career Opportunities
Assistant Forensic Psychologist
Probation Officer
Prison Rehabilitation or Resettlement Officer
Youth Offending Practitioner
Forensic Intervention/Programme Facilitator
Prison Education Professional
Psychological Support Practitioner
Research Assistant – Psychology or Criminal Justice
Law Enforcement, Intelligence or Security Professional
Criminal Justice or Rehabilitation Programme Specialist
Programme Highlights
This module provides a foundation for understanding why offending occurs and how psychological theory can inform criminal justice practice. Students examine different theoretical perspectives on criminal behaviour and consider how these perspectives apply to different forms of offending. A particularly valuable feature for Caribbean professionals is the multi-agency perspective, helping students understand how psychological knowledge can inform recommendations and professional decisions across policing, corrections, probation, rehabilitation and other criminal justice environments.
This module develops the research-planning, ethical and professional skills required for postgraduate-level forensic psychology work. Students develop an understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research design, while considering ethical responsibilities associated with research and professional practice. The module has been developed with the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) and successful students receive an RSA digital credential, adding an additional professional-development element to the programme.
Research capability is central to evidence-based forensic psychology, and this module develops students' ability to use quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students learn how to analyse, interpret and report psychological research and develop the methodological skills required to investigate real-world problems. For Caribbean professionals, these skills can be particularly useful when evaluating rehabilitation programmes, studying offending patterns, assessing interventions or conducting research relevant to local criminal justice systems.
This module focuses on the theory and practical application of interventions for people involved in forensic settings. Students develop their understanding of rehabilitation, intervention strategies and desistance from criminal behaviour, while considering professional and ethical responsibilities when working with forensic client groups. The module is especially relevant for professionals working in prisons, probation, rehabilitation programmes, youth justice and other services seeking to reduce reoffending and support positive behavioural change.
Risk assessment is one of the most important applied skills in forensic psychology. This module examines methods for assessing risk in forensic environments, including risk factors, protective factors and risk-management strategies. Students work with case materials to develop their ability to identify and evaluate forensic risks and consider appropriate management approaches. These skills can translate into areas such as corrections, probation, rehabilitation, safeguarding, law enforcement and criminal justice case management.
The Independent Research Project allows students to bring together the knowledge and research skills developed throughout the MSc and apply them to an area of forensic psychology that interests them. Working with academic supervision, students undertake an independent investigation involving research design, ethical considerations, data analysis and critical interpretation before presenting their findings in a dissertation. This provides valuable preparation for research careers, evidence-based professional practice and further doctoral-level study.
🎓 Scholarship Eligibility Checker
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