Applied Forensic Psychology with Placement MSc

University of Bath

United Kingdom, Bath

University Rank:#151

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Duration2 year(s)

Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

Applied Forensic Psychology with Placement MSc

About

Prepare for a career in forensic psychology on this BPS-accredited course. You’ll do a work placement in a forensic setting, enhancing your experience.

This British Psychological Society (BPS)-accredited course will provide you with the essential psychological knowledge, professional skills and workplace experience you need to start your career in the field of forensic psychology.

You’ll gain a deep understanding of psychological theory and its application across legal, criminal, and civil justice systems, while developing your ability to conduct research and lead development projects within forensic services. With a strong emphasis on ethics, governance, and organisational practice, you'll be well-equipped to work in a range of contemporary settings.

A key feature of the course is a work placement, which lasts up to 12 months. During this, you’ll apply your learning in a forensic setting and gain vital hands-on experience. Your placement will allow you to demonstrate your skills, build professional confidence, and gain valuable insights into the realities of professional practice.

Through the taught components, you’ll develop foundational and advanced skills in forensic psychology. This will prepare you to work effectively in diverse settings, such as correctional facilities and mental health services.

Whether you're a psychology graduate aiming to become a practitioner or researcher, or a professional already working in the criminal justice or forensic mental health sectors, this course offers the theoretical grounding and practical experience to start or advance your career.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Saudi Arabian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least 3.5 on a 5-point scale or 3.0 on a 4-point scale. You should also have achieved a good mark in your dissertation.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in psychology. Relevant practical experience (ideally in a forensic or clinical setting) will also be an advantage, with some placement providers looking for students with experience.

Your degree must be recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as providing Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC). If you have gained your degree from an institution outside of the UK, before you apply to study we would encourage you to look at the eligibility criteria and application process for obtaining graduate membership and GBC with the British Psychological Society.

If you do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology, we will consider applicants who have successfully completed a BPS accredited Masters conversion degree.

We may make an offer on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

In your application you will need to provide a personal statement (maximum 500 words) which should explain:

(a) why you are interested in studying for an MSc Applied Forensic Psychology with Placement and your subsequent career intentions

(b) how your academic, professional and personal experiences equip you to meet the demands of the course. You should be able to demonstrate previous experience working with a forensic or clinical population or in a related field that demonstrates transferrable skills. This may be voluntary work and can cover a wide range of experiences and organisations. (Please note, however, we cannot comment on the applicability of your experience prior to the submission of your application since we need to consider your application in its entirety).

English Program Requirements

IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 7.0 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 overall with a minimum of 69 in all 4 components

TOEFL IBT: 100 overall with a minimum of 27 in all 4 components.

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Career

Find out what our graduates go on to do.

Fee Information

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Applied Forensic Psychology with Placement MSc full-time

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses.

Extra costs

If you receive an offer, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £1,000 when you accept to secure your place. This will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of text books.

We recommend that you consider applying for British Psychological Society (BPS) Graduate Membership (GMBPsS). This membership will give you access to a range of resources, as well as discounts on publications and training tools.

Placement

Your tuition fees during your placement year are significantly lower, but you will need to continue to budget for your costs during this period.

It is unusual for forensic placements to be funded and most are unpaid. Therefore, you’ll need to consider this in your financial planning.

Our placements are three days per week, plus one additional day a week for dissertation-related research. This enables you to consider paid work for one day of the week.

Travel to and from placements will be at your own cost. As the placement duration is one year, you can consider relocating, but you are responsible for the cost of this and your accommodation.

Different placements will have different requirements, but all will require:

a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (and sometimes higher-level vetting, such as for prison access). This will be at your own expense. Currently enhanced DBS checks cost £55.
health and safety regulations (such as checks on up-to-date immunisations and additional vaccinations if required). These will be at your own expense.

During your work placement, we recommend you consider purchasing professional indemnity insurance. Several organisations offer this, including companies recommended by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Applied Forensic Psychology with Placement MSc

University of Bath

United Kingdom, Bath

Go to Official Website