MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology

University of Wolverhampton

United Kingdom, Wolverhampton

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Home/United Kingdom/Wolverhampton /University of Wolverhampton/MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology

University of Wolverhampton

United Kingdom , Wolverhampton

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Wolverhampton City Campus

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines18-Sep-2023

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 16,000 / year

Next Intake 18-Sep-2023

MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology

About

Why choose this course?

Study MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology with us and gain the essential foundations for a research career.

A research-focused programme, emphasising the application of research methods, our on-campus programme includes:

a comprehensive learning experience with an expert team
state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and technology
opportunities to work with applied researchers and expert practitioners.

Forensic and Investigative Psychology

Our Forensic and Investigative Psychology programme brings theories and practices of research to the fields of forensics, crime, and offending. Investigative psychology is the systematic approach to researching human behaviour in relation to offender behaviour. Psychologists working in this field aim to develop scientific understanding of the complexities involved in offending behaviour, by engaging in research that explains and unravels the mysteries of crime.

This programme provides the opportunity to explore this specialised field of research, from the application of principles through to the analysis, investigation, and legal aspects of criminal behaviour. Teaching on this course is informed by leading-edge research, and offers opportunities toward joining the field as a critical thinking leader.

Our programme is designed for both psychology graduates and graduates of related disciplines, such as those seeking a career change from criminology or police work. The programme will help you pursue an academic career in investigative psychology, contributing expertise to organisations involved in the management of offenders and victims, or as an academic researcher in the field.

Foundations

The programme provides the foundations for a career in investigative psychology and allied professions by enabling you to build a solid framework upon which to launch your career. You will develop knowledge of the key models, principles, and research practices used in the study of crime; and explore the many ethical, cultural, and legal issues emerging in society.

Learning

You will learn from experienced applied psychologists, with innovative and inspiring learning methods to enable you to enhance your skills and grow as a researcher. Teaching is delivered in a supportive and friendly environment, where staff help you direct your learning toward your areas of interest. Staff are active researchers, with expertise in technology, cyber bullying, and a variety of forensic psychology specialisms.

Learn about the full range of contributions that professional psychologists can make including the legal and investigative process; evaluating the validity of suspect or witness accounts; assessing the decision-making processes of detectives or jurors; to developing profiling inferences about the likely characteristics of an offender and predicting their likely home location. Intensive examinations of the variations in criminal behavioural style are a central feature of this course. We provide intensive training on advanced statistical methods and research skills.

Our team

Our team are especially proud to be members of the British Psychological Society (BPS) Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP), contributing to the ongoing development of this exciting field.

Our School staff are a diverse group of people welcoming those of any ethnicity, culture, religion or sexual orientation to join our community and contribute to the profession of psychology. Our team is made up of members of professional bodies – including Advance HE, the British Psychological Society (BPS) as chartered psychologists, and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will have the opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners in psychology, including cyber, occupational, counselling, and clinical psychology. Find out more about our staff here.

Join us at the next Postgraduate Open Evening and meet some of our team.

Our place

The course is part of the School of Psychology in the Faculty of Education, Health, and Wellbeing. The School of Psychology is the professional home to over 50 teaching and research staff, bringing a broad range of interests and experience to benefit students learning on our portfolio of courses. Our School is recognised as one of the leading providers of Psychology education, using innovative teaching methods focusing on the application of scientific and theoretical principles to the study of people’s lives. Psychology staff are grouped into a variety of highly active research clusters through our Centre for Psychological Research, publishing in the latest academic journals and working to make a real-world impact on people’s lives.

We provide multiple opportunities to enhance your career and create networks inside and outside of the department, including volunteering networks, peer mentoring, and the opportunity to become a research assistant for our academic staff using the Research Opportunities Network.

On campus

The course is based at our City Centre campus in the Millennium City building, where you learn in a multidisciplinary environment alongside our colleagues in nursing and social care. The building offers a unique learning space in our psychology labs, simulated environments for creative research projects, and our cyberpsychology lab with the latest in virtual reality and eye-tracking equipment.

Training support

We offer many levels of support, such as academic, research, and cohort tutors who provide personal support and professional mentoring in relation to many aspects of the training. While in training you will have access to our professional practice resources, teaching materials, CPD activities and regular tutorials with members of the team. We also support graduates as they enter the workplace, as alumni and members of the professional community. We work in partnership with Advance HE, the nationally recognised body in teaching quality, to continually develop the quality of our courses with modern teaching and learning practices.

The course will enhance employment prospects for those seeking employment post-completion, and support those already employed to develop their professional skills in a number of ways. First, the course will offer domain-specific skills, such as online data collection methods, specialist quantitative and qualitative research methods, and understanding online behaviour in various applied contexts. Second, students will develop domain general skills, for example analytical and critical thinking, report writing, oral presentation skills, academic writing, data collection, and data analysis and interpretation.

You will gain knowledge and job-relevant skills as you explore areas such as:

A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights in the field of work and employment.
In-depth knowledge of the BPS Ethical Framework, as well as a critical understanding of its applications in resolving associated ethics dilemmas in practice.
A working knowledge of the principles and practices of psychometric assessment, including the skills to choose and use the right psychometric tool for any task.

Our aims are to:

Develop the profession of Forensic and Investigative Psychology by producing graduates who are skilled in the principals of assessment, intervention planning, and evaluation.
Instill core competencies in reflective practice, assessment, research, and evidence-based practice.
Offer in-depth understanding of theoretical models of practice relevant to professional practice in the public and private sectors.
Enable an appreciation for and commitment towards ethics in practice and research.
Provide opportunities to develop competence in systemic practice and organisational working to include involvement with audit, service evaluation, consultation, teaching and leadership.
Support anti-discriminatory practice attending critically to wider social, cultural and political contexts.

The University of Wolverhampton prides itself on preparing you with a number of desirable graduate attributes, including specialist knowledge and enterprise, technological literacy, research skills, and effective communication.

Writing: Every piece of work you submit receives feedback and advice to help develop your skills as a writer. Our aim is to support you in expressing your ideas clearly, concisely, and with impact.
Critical thinking and reasoning: Analysis of research, assumptions, methods, ethics, and how research is applied is a key part of psychology. You must consider each source that you use, and reference your work. Critical thinking skills enable graduates to navigate the increasingly complex modern world, and understand what is beneath the surface of any current issue.
Communication: Learning to communicate is key to a successful career. Throughout your programme you will develop skills to improve your presentation abilities, and articulate an argument to have meaningful impact.
Problem solving: The ability to provide solutions based on logical analysis of a problem is a skill many employers desire. This skill requires you to think outside-the-box and understand the underlying factors at play. These skills are developed purposefully as part of a degree in psychology, and help students achieve autonomy throughout their studies.
Research and analysis: A key part of many careers is the skill with which information can be gathered, organised, understood, and analysed for useful conclusions. A degree in psychology promotes these skills from the start.

Teamwork: Working collaboratively with others on tasks, building positive relationships in the workplace, and maintaining connections over time are valuable skills for any graduate. Studying with us presents opportunities to build these skills, and learn how to productively work with a variety of different people and personalities.

Disciplines

Institute of Human Sciences

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Foundation Programme

We offer two International Foundation Year (IFY) programmes, allowing progression onto a wide range of undergraduate degrees at the University of Wolverhampton:

The 1 Year stand-alone International Foundation Year (IFY)
The 4 Year integrated International Foundation Year (IFY) programme which includes a foundation year and degree

The 1 year stand-alone International Foundation Year (IFY) course is designed for international students (yr for students for whom English is not their first language) whose qualifications are insufficient for direct entry to undergraduate study and/or those whose English language level does not meet the minimum criteria. The 1 year IFY course provides preparation in academic subjects, English language and study skills up to the required level for progression onto most undergraduate degree courses at the University of Wolverhampton (subject to professional body requirements) in Arts; Education, Health and Wellbeing; Science and Engineering and Social Sciences. The IFY is delivered at our Telford and City Campuses. Entry to these foundation programmes may require you to have studied specific subjects at high school

The 4 Year International Foundation Year (IFY) integrated degree routes in Arts; Education, Health and Wellbeing; Science and Engineering and Social Sciences are designed for international students (or for students for whom English is not their first language). This route will suit students whose qualifications fall below the entry requirements to undergraduate study and/or those whose English language level does not meet the minimum criteria. The 4 year integrated IFY courses prepare students in academic subjects, English language and study skills enabling progression onto most undergraduate degree courses at the University of Wolverhampton, subject to professional body requirements. The IFY is delivered at both of our Telford and City campuses. Entry to these foundation programmes may require you to have studied specific subjects at high school.

Students from Jordan wishing to pursue the International Foundation Year (IFY) at the University of Wolverhampton will need to obtain a Certificate of Secondary Education with an overall score of 75% with no less than 70% in each subject

Please note: you only need to take a foundation programme if your qualifications are not suitable for your chosen degree.

Undergraduate

The University considers students for undergraduate study who have completed Secondary School Certificates.

Postgraduate

For entry to a postgraduate degree programme (Master’s) at the University of Wolverhampton, students typically need to have completed a three or four-year undergraduate degree (Honours Bachelor degree or Professional degree) at an accredited university or college. Exact requirements will depend on the postgraduate degree you are applying for and the institution you have studied at.

Degree from Government/ Recognised Private University GPA 2.2/4 minimum
Higher Diploma 2.5/4 and Bachelor 2.0/4

Please note: This information is provided as a guide only. Some courses may have specific entry requirements that are listed on the relevant course page. Please check for any additional subject/course specific requirements before submitting your application.

English Program Requirements

You can demonstrate your English language ability by studying with us on our online Pre-sessional English and Academic Skills courses which will allow you to gain entry to most undergraduate or postgraduate degree courses. You can do our online Pre-sessional course from your own home - you do not need to be on our campus in order to study but you will need access to a PC or laptop and a good quality internet connection in order to fully participate. Our new online Pre-sessional courses will help you to improve and develop your English language and academic skills and will prepare you for your degree programme at the University of Wolverhampton.

Other ways of demonstrating your English language abilities are:

With a qualification (eg a high school certificate) from your country that has been approved by the University of Wolverhampton as meeting the minimum English language entry competency. See your country for details.
By demonstrating that you completed your secondary or university education at a secondary (high) school or university in a country approved by the University as teaching in the medium of English.
If you are a national of one of the following countries you do not have to prove your level of English; Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America
By presenting one of the international qualifications listed below. It should have been completed no more than two years before of the start date of your degree course.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 16,000

How to Apply

First of all, decide which course is right for you.
Check the entry requirements, including the minimum English requirements for your chosen course.
Check the visa requirements.
Make your application - via our on-line course directory or directly to the University via Admissions or the International Office, find out how to do it below.