Forensic Psychology, Postgraduate Taught - MSc - 2022/23 entry

The aims of the course are to:

• Equip you with a detailed critical understanding of the key theoretical and applied issues in forensic psychology, including investigative psychology procedures, the court system, the development of offending behaviour, the assessment and treatment of offenders, and the effects of offending on victims
• Provide an understanding of forensic psychology techniques and the roles of other criminal justice professionals in the detection, prosecution, assessment and treatment of offenders
• Enable you to acquire an advanced ability to design research, conduct statistical analysis, and evaluate and scientifically report research in forensic psychology
• Enhance your skills in communication, group work, professionalism and application of IT so that you can perform at a high level of competence in these areas
• Satisfy the academic requirements for Masters-level knowledge as set out by the Division for Forensic Psychology of the British Psychological Society

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to demonstrate an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the key issues in forensic psychology of relevance to both academics and practitioners. Graduates of this course are expected to have developed advanced academic, intellectual and professional skills, with the ability to work autonomously and in team.

You will be taught by experts in the field of forensic psychology with a wide range of research specialisms, including our Course Director, Professor Michael Brookes OBE, a consultant chartered and registered forensic psychologist, appointed an OBE in 2013 for his services to HM Prison Service and the Care of Prisoners. You will also have the opportunity to attend lectures delivered by professionals currently working in forensic settings.

Our Psychology department has a wide range of psychology testing labs, equipment, and software to support your studies, as well as a dedicated BPS computer lab with networked computers with Psychology-specific software.

Bachelor Degree from a recognised university with a minimum grade of 60% / Good / 2.5 / C+

Even though you may have met the stated requirements, if your first language is not English, we may ask you to take an additional English Language Test when you arrive.

Based on the results of the test, you may be required to attend regular English classes to improve your level of competence. English classes are provided free of charge and are available to all non-UK students who wish to attain greater fluency in English.

Enhancing your employability

You will have the opportunity to visit a local prison such as HMP Birmingham, attend court hearings and gain practical experience in one of the University’s mock courtrooms.

We will also assist in identifying work experience opportunities and the Centre for Academic Success offers 1:1 and small group private tutorials in English (including academic writing), study skills, maths, statistics, Word, Excel, programming, networking and project management.

Many graduates go on to gain employment within the health, charity and policing industries, such as working as a trainee forensic psychologist in a prison or mental health facility or as an assistant in one of these settings. You can also develop your academic career and choose to undertake further research within a higher education setting.

The research methods you will have practiced will provide you with the skills to embark on postgraduate research opportunities alongside your professional development if you wish to combine the professional and academic routes together.