Forensic Psychology DForenPsy

    Forensic Psychology DForenPsy

    Duration3 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 37,472 / year(s)
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    Forensic Psychology DForenPsy

    About

    Research overview

    Become a skilled, forensic psychologist, who'll be eligible to register with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) allowing you to work effectively within the NHS and equivalent organisations. The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS),conferring eligibility for becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

    Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Meaning that upon graduation, you are eligible to apply for BPS Chartered Psychology status, HCPC registration as a Forensic Psychologist, and full member of the Division of Forensic Psychology.

    The course is run by the Centre for Forensic and Family Psychology (CFFP), located in the School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Institute of Mental Health.

    Professional organisations

    The Professional Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (3 years) is offered by the Centre for Forensic and Family Psychology (CFFP) under the Academic Unit of Mental Health and Neurosciences, School of Medicine in collaboration with Nottinghamshire Healthcare National Health Service (NHS) Trust’s Institute of Mental Health (IMH).

    In 2010, it was the second professional doctorate in forensic psychology to be set up in the UK and the first to follow the 1 + 2 model (Year 1 Masters component, Years 2 and 3 Doctorate component). A major advantage of the Nottingham structure is that trainees complete all the theoretical components before starting their supervised practice. It also allows for a ‘top up’ programme for those already holding an accredited Masters to enter the programme for the doctorate component (Years 2 and 3) only.

    Related programmes

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Entry requirements

    All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

    QualificationDForenPsy
    Degree

    2:1 in psychology (or international equivalent) recognised by the BPS as conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with a minimum grade of 60% overall, plus 60% in your final research project.

    Additional information

    You'll also need:

    • one clinical and one academic reference from your most recent clinical and academic experiences respectively
    • academic transcript(s)
    • personal statement
    • abstract of your most recent research project
    • at least 50 days on application of forensic experience supervised by a registered psychologist
    • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate issued within the last 12 months (can be issued by the university)
    QualificationDForenPsy
    Degree

    2:1 in psychology (or international equivalent) recognised by the BPS as conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with a minimum grade of 60% overall, plus 60% in your final research project.

    International and EU equivalents

    We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.

    For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.

    IELTS7.5 with no less than 7.0 in each element
    English language requirements

    As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

    This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

    Additional information

    You will also need:

    • one clinical and one academic reference from your most recent clinical and academic experiences respectively
    • academic transcript(s)
    • personal statement
    • abstract of your most recent research project
    • at least 50 days on application of forensic experience supervised by a registered forensic psychologist
    • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate issued within the last 12 months (can be issued by the university)

    Meeting our English language requirements

    If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

    If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

    For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

    Visa restrictions

    International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

    We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

    We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

    If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

    English Program Requirements

    IELTS: 7.5 with no less than 7.0 in each element IELTS:

    As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

    This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

    English language requirements:

    As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

    This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

    Career

    Careers

    Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

    Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

    International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

    90% of postgraduates from the School of Medicine secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £39,564.*

    *HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.

    BPS and HCPC

    The Professional Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (3 years) and the Top up Professional Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (2 years) are approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and therefore confer eligibility to apply for HCPC registration as a ‘forensic psychologist practitioner’ for those successfully completing the Doctorate programmes.

    They are also both accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and on completion you are able to apply for Chartered Membership of the BPS and Full Membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology, which is a division of the society which promotes the professional interests of Forensic Psychologists.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    37,472 / year(s)

    Forensic Psychology DForenPsy

    University of Nottingham

    University of Nottingham

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Nottingham