BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic Psychology

On this degree you'll explore psychological theories, methods and processes relating to the legal, criminal and civil justice systems.

• You'll develop a thorough understanding of the key issues and debates that relate to psychology and forensic psychology. You’ll also be trained in the design of experiments, hands-on lab skills, and the use of psychology-relevant software for data and statistical analysis.
• You'll benefit from a mentoring scheme during which you’ll be paired with a member of academic staff with forensic psychology expertise who will advise you on career options and support your employability skills.
• You will gain a wide range of transferable skills associated with the practice of psychology, including critical thinking, analytical skills, reflection, self-motivation, planning and organisation.
• You will be actively encouraged to seek opportunities for summer internships or other work experience placements to further build on your skills and knowledge.
• During your final year of study you'll carry out a research project under close supervision of a member of academic staff whose research interests and expertise are in the forensic psychology field. You will learn about all aspects of research in the area of forensic psychology, which forms one of the roots of our research-led teaching.
• Working and learning in an applied fashion will allow you to gain an appreciation of how to use available evidence-bases to inform practice, and how research can feed back into the working process.
• Our academics are experts in their field, and you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in the world-class research taking place in the department.
• You’ll have access to fantastic facilities. These include laboratories, a visual perception and attention laboratory, virtual reality equipment, and a mock police interview suite with recording equipment and an observation room.
• The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), so you can be assured of the very best education and training in psychology during your degree. BPS-accredited programmes are highly valued by employers and give students a route to full BPS membership.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Fiona Gabbert.

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2

Additional requirements

You should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 in GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics or Statistics, and English.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Alternative qualifications and experience

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

We exercise flexibility where entry requirements are concerned, and make offers based on your enthusiasm and commitment to your subject, as shown by your application and personal statement, qualifications, experience and reference.

Your referees are welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application, as well as your qualifications and grades.

We frequently interview mature applicants (over 21) or those with alternative qualifications, and have a long tradition of encouraging students from all social backgrounds to study at our university.

Successfully completing the BSc Psychology with Forensic Psychology will enable to you progress to specialised Masters courses, such as our MSc Forensic Psychology. These are the first steps in pursuing a career as a forensic psychologist or investigative psychologist.

Students from our undergraduate psychology degrees go on to a broad range of careers and future study in areas including:

• Forensic psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Occupational psychology
• Market research
• Advertising
• Media psychology
• Consultancy
• Research psychology

Many of our students have gained professional positions with major employers within:

• HM Prison & Probation Service
• Policing
• Security agencies
• The Home Office

Others are pursuing a Professional Doctorate to complete Stage 2 and gain Chartered Forensic Psychologist Status.

The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which means that alumni are eligible for graduate basis for Chartership with the BPS – vital if you want a career as a psychologist in the future.

You can find out more about career options after graduating on our psychology careers page.

Skills

Throughout the degree you will receive a thorough training in:

• The design and evaluation of empirical research
• The clinical applications of research, and how to use research to inform practice
• Statistical analysis
• Lab skills
• The use of specialist psychology-relevant software

In addition, you'll develop the following transferable skills:

• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• The ability to look at issues from different perspectives
• Data and information processing skills
• Reflection skills
• Self motivation
• Planning and organisation skills
• Oral and written communication skills

Skills and employability training

The Department of Psychology has its own Skills and Employability Programme for students, starting in the first term with a full first-year course on the topic. We are keen that you understand what kind of transferable skills you will develop during the degree, and how you can make the best impression on future employers.

We have strong links with employers of psychology graduates, and the programme has been set up to support you to actively seek relevant work knowledge and experience. This experience can help you develop and recognise the professional-level skills that are highly sought after in the job market.