Delivered jointly by UWS and the School of Forensic Mental Health (NHS), this course is the only Scottish Masters programme specialising in forensic mental health.
Graduates will be equipped with the confidence to excel in any forensic mental health setting. The course is designed for those who are currently, or who are looking to be employed in a forensic setting—such as a secure hospital, community based service for mentally disordered offenders, the Scottish Prison Service or Police Scotland.
It is suitable for professionals with backgrounds in nursing, social care, psychology, occupational therapy, psychiatry, criminal justice and security.
Our innovative approach to learning and teaching ensures students benefit from the latest thinking and best practice. The course is delivered online by a combination of experienced forensic clinicians and academic staff.
The course is assessed using a range of different methods including: essay, case study, annotated bibliography, presentation, reflective diaries, treatment plan and peer review.
There is an expectation that the MSc can be completed within three to five years. In order to complete the course modules it is recommended that one day a week is required to fulfil study requirements. Please contact us for more information.
Modules
The course consists of core modules set within a framework of interrelated themes, that is, assessment, treatment and management of patients within a forensic mental health context.
For the award of Pg Certificate in Forensic Mental Health (60 credits), students must undertake:
For the award of Pg Diploma in Forensic Mental Health (120 credits), students must successfully complete the Pg Certificate in Forensic Mental Health and further undertake:
In order to progress to MSc Forensic Mental Health (180 credits), students must have normally progressed to the Research and Enquiry Dissertation with a maximum of one module having been successfully achieved on second attempt.
Sign up to the King's Postgraduate Health & Life Sciences Open Evening - Wednesday 14 March 2018.
New Master's Scholarships available. Find out more and apply.
The Forensic Mental Health course is designed for students with a clinical or academic interest in the complex relationship between mental disorders and criminal behaviour. You will be taught by a multi-disciplinary team of clinical academics. The course constitutes an ideal first step towards clinical psychology training, a PhD or MD degree.
Our course aims to equip you with the knowledge and advanced skills necessary for a career that will involve clinical work and/or research with mentally disordered offenders. There is an emphasis on the clinical relevance of research findings. You will develop the necessary skills to assess and manage risk of antisocial and criminal behaviour as well as establish, manage and evaluate programmes for reducing such behaviour.
You will be required to choose one of two pathways. This means that the combination of modules chosen will lead to a qualification which reflects your chosen focus of study. There are specific entry criteria for each pathway.
The two pathways are:
Students on the Clinical Forensic Psychology pathway will undertake a 60-day (minimum) clinical forensic placement working at the level of an assistant clinical psychologist and complete a module on Forensic Psychology Practice.
Students on the Forensic Mental Health Research pathway will complete additional research methods and statistics training and may benefit from voluntary clinical observation.
Format
You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials. In order to get the most out of the course students, should expect to devote at least one day per week to their studies (part-time students) or 2-3days a week (full-time students).
Assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations.
Year 1:
Examination (20%) | Coursework (60%)| Practical (20%)
This programme offers an exciting opportunity to study forensic psychology within a department with an established expertise in a range of therapeutic skills and therapies. It is especially designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of practical skills and the latest research in preparation for a career in the forensic field.
Our MSc Forensic Psychology degree will introduce you to the key theoretical concepts and practical approaches relevant to the legal and criminal justice system. The core philosophy of the course is to promote an understanding of the role of forensic psychologists in various forensic settings, whilst preparing you for a rewarding career or doctoral study in the field of forensic psychology.
You will be taught by leading experts in the field who are chartered psychologists and HCPC registered Forensic Psychologists to learn about the latest developments in the field of Forensic Psychology. You will develop knowledge of contemporary psychological theories of understanding crime. You will be encouraged to develop the ability to critically evaluate research, start thinking reflectively and communicate the knowledge you acquired to a wider, multidisciplinary, audience.
From an investigative standpoint, you will develop a strong scientific understanding of the current theories of aetiology of criminal behaviour and the assessment of risk. You will gain an understanding of evidence for legal aspects in consideration for court cases, and sentencing and parole boards. You will be encouraged to think critically about methodological challenges and limitations arising from these topics. You will also learn how to appropriately conduct and disseminate your own research in preparation for the doctoral level, if you decide to pursue your studies further.
During this one year course, you will gain a strong foundation in understanding the field of forensic psychology, study real-life case studies and apply theory to practical work with an emphasis on career preparation. You will develop the necessary clinical and practical skills to carry out assessments for treatment of criminal behaviour. To support your professional development, the programme will introduce you to the ethical principles and the codes of conduct in forensic psychology and the concept of evidence-based practice.
You will also have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation in which you will specialise in a research area of Forensic Psychology. Our expert teaching staff will support you in developing your work. You will also benefit from our network of connections within the field of Forensic Psychology.
Full-time
Part-time
Year 1
Year 2
The Advanced Practice in Health Care courses enable experienced health care professionals from varied clinical backgrounds to develop their skills and knowledge to an advanced level of practice.
Performance:
Teaching and Employability:
Advanced Practice in Health Care has been offered at Swansea University since 1992. It is continually refined to ensure it remains at the forefront of contemporary practice.
Modules for the Advanced Practice in Health Care course are designed to enable the clinician to develop knowledge and skills essential to the role of an advanced practitioner i.e. enhanced assessment, diagnostic and disease management skills. Students may also undertake studies for non-medical prescribing.
The Advanced Practice in Health Care course enables students to develop their critical and creative thinking skills in relation to clinical practice to an advanced level. additionally, they are able to develop their knowledge and skills in their roles as researchers, educators, managers and leaders.
Modules on the Advanced Practice in Health Care may include:
The Advanced Practice in Health Care course is taught at the St. David’s Park site in Carmarthen. There are two student intakes per year, one in October and another in March. Students also have access to the extensive facilities at the Singleton Park campus in Swansea.
The course consists of two parts.
For students beginning the course in October, Part One modules are taught for one day a week between October and May for the first two years.
For students beginning the course in March, Part One modules are taught for one day a week between March and January for the first two years, however teaching days are in line with normal University holidays.
Part Two consists of the dissertation which has to be submitted by 30th September in the third year.
The Advanced Practice in Health Care programme comprises several compulsory modules with some optional modules available.
Students are assessed using a variety of methods including essays, presentations and objective structured clinical examinations. The assessment for each module must be successfully completed.
The Advanced Practice in Health Care is suitable for:
The Academic Lead for the Advanced Practice in Health Care team works on a national basis with the Welsh Government on advanced practice policy. Several members of the teaching team have published books and papers on the subject of Advanced Practice.
Practitioner teachers are employed within the local NHS.
Several members of the teaching team of the Advanced Practice in Health Care course work on committees with Hywel Dda Health Board and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board. Clinical mentors support students in practice.
The College of Human and Health Sciences has a vibrant postgraduate community with students drawn from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. The College is known for its friendly, welcoming and supportive environment, which combined with its extensive facilities, state-of-the-art technology and superb beachside location, helps to ensure that students benefit from an exceptional student experience. In addition, students have access to a wide range of excellent facilities and equipment for realistic workplace experiences.
Our MSc Forensic Psychology and Mental Health course is aimed at graduates who want to pursue a career as a Chartered Psychologist and/or register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Forensic Psychologist.
You will cover topics such as psychology applied to legal and investigative processes, forensic risk assessment, offending behaviour interventions, research methods, and personality disorders.
Teaching will comprise a blend of face-to-face and online delivery, and will be based on case examples from forensic and clinical practice.
On completion of the course, you will demonstrate a number of competencies and have enhanced knowledge and skills including:
Each unit enables you to develop a range of core and transferable skills central to the role of a forensic/practitioner psychologist. The course promotes the development of critical thinking and student engagement.
Mental health focus
The focus on mental health throughout the units within this MSc may give you a distinct advantage over an MSc in forensic psychology at another university.
Expert teaching
The programme team also run Manchester's Forensic Academy , which provides regular short skills-based courses for staff working in health, criminal justice and social services.
We use a range of teaching and learning methods, including face-to-face lectures, online activity, directed and guided independent study, and group tasks.
We aim to provide a grounding in current issues in forensic psychology while encouraging significant independent study, as would be expected at postgraduate level.
All teaching is delivered by clinicians currently practicing in forensic mental health and/or active researchers. This enhances learning by offering numerous practice-based clinical examples and research-led teaching.
All teaching is interactive and is supported by audio-visual stimuli such as PowerPoint slides, images and videos. All units are accessible via Blackboard, which contains timetable information, recommended reading lists, assignments, lecture materials and other material related to the course.
Each unit has a discussion facility via Blackboard and lecturers may set tasks to be completed via the virtual learning environment. This facilitates shared learning and networking with peers and teaching staff.
The scientist-practitioner approach will be advocated throughout the course, as will reflective practice and adherence to ethical and professional standards of practice as defined by the BPS and HCPC.
The teaching is designed to enable you to balance study alongside existing workplace demands. The full-time pathway is delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while part-time students would be required to attend only one day a week per semester.
All students will be assigned a personal tutor and regular individual and group tutorials will be held.
We use a range of assessment methods to meet learning outcomes while also developing wider skills and capabilities in line with progression to a career in forensic psychology.
These include critical analysis of literature and theory, case reports, analysis of ethical and professional practice standards (as applied to clinical practice and research), a reflective account, oral presentations, exams and the empirical research project.
You will be given detailed formal feedback for all summative assessments, with clear guidance on how to improve on skills and knowledge.
All students will complete the dissertation project (60 credits), which involves completing a forensic research project, and will take the lead on developing the research question and proposal, as well as conducting the data collection, analysis and dissemination.
You will receive approximately 28 hours of supervision throughout the dissertation project.
This course is offered on both a full and part-time basis. For the part-time option, you will be offered 60 credits per year over two years, one day per week. The second year will also include the dissertation.
For the full-time option, you will be offered 60 credits per semester over two days per week. The dissertation will commence as soon as possible within the academic year (April at the latest), with a submission deadline of September.
The University of Manchester offers extensive library and online services to help you get the most out of your studies.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service .
Forensic psychologists work across all agencies within the criminal justice system, primarily in prison and probation services, secure hospitals, the police and the courts. These agencies and organisations will be your primary employers if you graduate from this MSc.
Our course is accredited by the British Psychological Society.
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
This MSc provides the academic training required for a career as a forensic psychologist.
The programme will introduce you to a range of psychological theories, methods and processes within the context of the legal, criminal and civil justice systems.
Based at a research-led London university with strong links to forensic services, you’ll be taught by world-class researchers, and experienced practitioners from the NHS, and the prison and probation service.
Led by chartered forensic clinical psychologist Dr Caoimhe McAnena, the MSc also includes contributions from world-class researchers and practitioners who will teach on the programme and supervise research projects.
We have been awarded full British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation, which will give you the opportunity to gain Graduate and/or Chartered Membership of the Society.
One of the major strengths of this course is our strong links with local forensic mental health services. Our studentships cover tuition fees and a placement opportunity, enabling students to study part-time while working in an NHS or prison setting.
If you will be doing a placement with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust your offer will be conditional on meeting our Fitness to Train requirements before you begin your studies. Other placements will not have these additional conditions.
The course will cover the assessment and treatment of offenders, risk assessment methods, and treatment of offenders with mental health and personality disorders.
There will be a focus on criminal investigations by examining psychological issues in eyewitness identification, investigative interviewing of witnesses and suspects, psychological profiling and detecting deception.
You'll also explore legal and criminological concepts relevant to contemporary social issues and organisations. Issues relating to ethics, human rights, professional practice and research will be emphasised to provide a firm grounding for further professional training and practice.
By completing this programme you will:
The programme is comprised of 7 core modules and 1 option modules.
The core modules are:
You then choose one option module, which may be selected from a range of courses offered in the Department of Psychology, for example:
This new programme aims to satisfy the academic component of professional training in forensic psychology. Accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as meeting the requirement for Stage One of the BPS Diploma in Forensic Psychology has been applied for. When accredited, successful completion will allow you to enrol in the BPS Qualification in Forensic Psychology (Stage Two) with the aim of achieving the Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP) Qualification in Forensic Psychology, and becoming a Chartered Psychologist with the DFP and Practitioner Forensic Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Graduates of the programme will be well-qualified a wide range careers in:
Relevant career opportunities are available in the:
Many of these posts will be training positions to allow the completion of the Stage Two qualification in Forensic Psychology described above.
Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.
September, February.
This course is for students wishing to achieve Health and Care Professions Council registered status as practitioner psychologists. With an emphasis on guided knowledge, applied experience, specialist input and evidence based-practice, you will become a well rounded practitioner.
On this course you can:
Achieve Registered status as a Practising Forensic Psychologist
Become fully versed in formulation-based assessment and ethical practice
Engage in specialist fields of forensic mental health and disorder
Be supported through placements by experienced and expert staff
Learn how to deliver expert evidence and training
Use the wealth of academic expertise at the University to underpin evidence-based practice
Enjoy a range of placement opportunities
Be well supported in a positive and collegiate atmosphere
The course is primarily aimed at those wishing to become practising forensic psychologists. ‘Forensic psychologist’ is a legally protected title and this course will enable you to use it and apply your skills with confidence. You will be well equipped as a practitioner and supported by experienced practitioner academics throughout the process.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
Working as BPS Chartered and HCPC Registered forensic psychologists in settings such as: prison, community and NHS secure units and developing their own private practice initiatives
Training design and training delivery
Project management
Academia
Teaching will be delivered in blocks at the beginning and end of each semester so you are in regular contact with the University and feel well supported. Placements will be supported and a range of issues will be covered including: practitioner skills – the use of supervision, workload management, professional relationships and reflection; assessment and formulation skills; intervention approaches – to include desistance, environmental impact and rejection sensitivity research and forensic mental health and disorder – a unique unit not delivered anywhere else which focuses on a specialist area of increasing relevance in multi-disciplinary working approaches in forensic psychology.
Core units include:
Practitioner Skills
Forensic Mental Health and Disorder
Forensic Practice Placements
Training Skills
Approaches to Intervention
Options to choose from include:
Research Skills
Forensic psychology in context
Practitioner Skills 2
Staff are experienced practitioners and well regarded in the profession, having held national leadership roles including Chair of the British Psychological Society (BPS) Division, Chair of the BPS Training Committee and many others. Staff are BPS Chartered and HCPC registered practitioner psychologists supported by REF-entered psychologists in a department with long established forensic psychology links. They will bring this extensive experience as practitioners to their teaching which is applied, collegiate and supportive. Supervisors will engage with you in a positive working relationship and your needs will be addressed by staff at the earliest stage.
We assess you in a variety of ways throughout the course, including through empirical research, systematic review, oral presentations and more:
Case Formulation Exercise (x2 – one for assessment and one for intervention)
Placement Reports and Reflective Practice Diaries
Design and delivery of training package
Group presentation/ discussion
Report Writing
This course is specifically tailored for individuals seeking to become a forensic psychologist. This is a unique course which provides a blended approach to gaining these qualifications in one programme of work. We would expect this course to be appealing to those interested in a career in becoming a practising forensic psychologist.
September, February.
This programme uses guided knowledge, applied experience, specialist input and evidence based practice, and you'll be well supported in a positive and collegiate atmosphere. There's also a range of placement opportunities.
On this course you can:
Engage in specialist fields of forensic mental health and disorder
Learn how to use a minimum of two risk assessment tools
Be supported through placements by experienced and expert staff
Learn how to deliver expert evidence and training
The course will give you the knowledge and skills to become a practising forensic psychologist. The title, ‘forensic psychologist’ is a legally protected title and this course will enable you to use it and apply your skills with confidence.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
Chartered and Registered Forensic Psychologists in a range of settings: prison, community, NHS (secure units), developing their own private practice initiatives
Training Design and Training Delivery
Project Management
Teaching will be delivered in blocks at the beginning and end of each semester so you are in regular contact with the University and feel well supported. We will support your professional work placement and help you to develop practitioner skills including the use of supervision, workload management, professional relationships and reflection, assessment and formulation skills. You will also learn intervention approaches which include desistance, environmental impact and rejection sensitivity research, forensic mental health and disorder - a unique unit not delivered anywhere else which focuses on a specialist area of increasing relevance in multi-disciplinary working approaches in forensic psychology.
Core and optional units
Core units include:
Practitioner Skills 1 and 2
Forensic Psychology in Context
Forensic Mental Health and Disorder
Forensic Practice Placements
Tools of the Trade
Training Skills
Approaches to Intervention
Empirical Research Project
Options to choose from include:
Research Skills
Our staff are experienced practitioners and are well regarded in the profession having held national leadership roles including Chair of the Division, Chair of the Training Committee and many others. Staff are Chartered and HCPC registered practitioner psychologists supported by REF entered psychologists within a department with long established forensic psychology links. They will bring this extensive experience as practitioners to their teaching which is applied, collegiate and supportive. Supervisors will engage with you in a positive working relationship and your needs will be well noted and addressed by your tutor at the earliest stage. A positive, supportive approach is nurtured at all times, as with the current delivery of the BSc and MSc in Forensic Psychology.
You will complete a variety of assessments including:
Empirical Research Project
Systematic Review
Case Formulation Exercise (x2 – one for assessment and one for intervention)
Placement Reports and Reflective Practice Diaries
Design and Delivery of Training Package
Group Presentation/Discussion
Tool Training Completion
Report Writing
This course is specifically tailored for individuals seeking to hold a doctoral research degree and become a forensic psychologist. It's a unique course which provides a blended approach to gaining these qualifications in one programme of work. After completing this course, you will be will equipped for a career in academia (i.e., research, lecturing) and/or applied practice in the domain of forensic psychology.
Forensic Psychology at Winchester provides the academic component (Stage 1) of the route to becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist with the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology and Practitioner Forensic Psychologist status with the Health and Care Professions Council. The programme also supports you with the transition towards Stage 2 of the chartership process by incorporating practice-based assessments.
The course introduces the context and application of psychology in various forensic settings including the legal and criminal justice system, forensic psychological practice and forensic mental health. You are introduced to the role of a forensic psychologist in practice. The programme focuses on core theoretical models of crime with an emphasis on theoretical, practical and methodological limitations.
When considering applied skills in forensic practice, there is a focus on specialist assessments, core treatments and interventions utilised when working with various client groups in a forensic setting. Client groups include offenders in prison, secure hospitals and the community, as well as offenders on probation and within the legal system (court assessment). You gain the ability to design, conduct, analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological research in a chosen specialised research area.
There is an emphasis on reflective practice skills, and professional and ethical practice in the workplace. There are also opportunities for volunteering in optional forensic practice placements via the university’s volunteering department. Core modules include Foundations of Forensic Psychology Practice, The Criminal Justice System and the Legal Framework, Specialist Skills in Treatment and Interventions, and Investigative Psychology.
You have access to excellent facilities including numerous research cubicles and laboratories equipped for conducting forensic interviews, developmental research, EEG and social observation. There is a strong criminal investigation representation and practitioner focus within the teaching team, and there is a departmental forensic research group which complements the programme.
Graduates of the course pursue careers in various specialisms within forensic psychology, including the legal and criminal justice system, forensic psychological practice and forensic mental health.
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
The programme provides the first step (Stage 1) towards gaining Chartered Forensic Psychologist status with the BPS.
UK, EU, World
Students have the opportunity to volunteer on optional forensic practice-related placements.
A diverse range of teaching methods are employed including laboratory classes, lectures, seminars, tutorials and individual project supervision. Students have access to excellent facilities including numerous research cubicles and laboratories equipped for conducting forensic interviews, developmental research, EEG and social observation.
There is a strong criminal investigation representation and practitioner focus within the teaching team, and there is a departmental forensic research group which complements the programme.
King Alfred or West Downs, University of Winchester
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. A variety of assessment methods are employed including essays, literature reviews, report writing, presentations, and examinations, as well as a quantitative or qualitative empirical project.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
There has been a significant shift in the current and future provision of care and support for people with personality disorder and those who work with them.
Our course will give you the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge about the needs of people with personality disorder in a variety of settings.
You will extend your:
This deepening of knowledge and understanding will allow you to support and meet the needs of the challenging experiences faced by people who are often stigmatised, isolated and rejected by society.
You will be taught by lecturers with a wide range of knowledge about personality disorder from diverse perspectives. In addition, an important contribution will be made from clinical experts in the School of Forensic Mental Health (SoFMH) and the health sector across Scotland.
On the subject of dealing with people who have personality disorder you will study three modules at SCQF Level 9:
The first two modules can be taken as stand-alone modules. If you wish to complete the Graduate Certificate you will need to complete all three modules.
Teaching & Assessment
You will be taught by lecturers with a wide range of knowledge about personality disorder from diverse perspectives. In addition, an important contribution will be made from clinical experts in the School of Forensic Mental Health (SoFMH) and the health sector across Scotland.
Teaching is through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops.
Our Personality Disorder course is mainly assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:
Jobs
You will have broadened your knowledge of personality disorder and enhanced your professional credentials. This is particularly the case if you are employed in the following settings and roles:
With 10 focused forensic psychology specializations such as Family Violence, Sex Offender Behavior, Cybercrimes, Terrorism, and Police Psychology, you can gain the expertise you need to drive positive change within the legal system.
Walden’s online Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Psychology degree can prepare you to apply new insights, skills, and perspectives to a variety of nonclinical roles in areas like cybercrimes, criminal investigative analysis and profiling, terrorism, and victim advocacy. Explore the biological, psychological, and social factors impacting criminal behavior. Evaluate psychological approaches and their effectiveness in dealing with offenders. Examine research methods used in forensic assessments, and learn to evaluate and enhance systems and programs aimed at forensic populations.
By earning your online master’s in forensic psychology at Walden, you can develop a stronger understanding of specific criminal behavior—and develop the expertise needed to make a difference within the criminal justice system. You can also make a positive impact on communities as well as the first responders and professionals who serve those communities.
Through Walden’s master’s in forensic psychology degree program, you can:
Graduates of this forensic psychology degree program will be prepared to:
Find detailed information for this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt.
Walden’s MS in Forensic Psychology allows you to choose the General Program or from a variety of specializations that focus on a specific population or subject. The programs of study for the General Program and specializations each consist of 10 courses.
Note on licensure: The MS in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.
Statistics like this point to a growing need for nonclinical professionals who understand these forensic populations and others, including substance abusers, sex offenders, victims of violence, at-risk youth, and military veterans.
The MS in Forensic Psychology can help prepare you to work in a variety of positions, including:
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
