Forensic Psychology MSc

Overview

If you want to apply your psychology studies to the exciting field of criminal investigation, then this MSc Forensic Psychology degree course will give you the tools, skills and knowledge to reach your ambition.

You'll learn to understand the different aspects of the legal system, and bring together the disciplines of clinical, social and cognitive psychology, as well as criminology and law. You'll address the major issues concerning the justice system, organisations, individuals and society.

If you're ready to take the next step towards chartered status as a forensic psychologist, this course will introduce you to research at the forefront of the field, and give you the opportunity to get involved with ongoing projects in the department.

What you'll experience

On this course, you'll:

• Learn from the largest group of actively researching forensic psychology academics in the UK
• Put your investigative techniques to the test in our Forensic Interviewing Suite
• Benefit from our connections with custodial establishments, including adult male and women's prisons, young offenders' institutions and secure hospitals
• Be taught in accordance with the academic requirements of the Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP) and the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• Use our laboratories to carry out investigations, with specialist facilities including eye-tracking equipment, observation suite, and digital analysis and video editing suite
• Study themes including professional competence, assessment and interventions with offenders, and investigative psychology and the legal process
• Complete a research project on a topic of your choice, applying your research and data analysis skills to produce a piece of work to a publishable standard

Work experience and career planning

We'll help you to identify voluntary roles and opportunities that will complement your studies.

When you complete this course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the heritage, teaching, or other related industries.

After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

Teaching​

Teaching on this course includes:

• lectures
• tutorials
• practical sessions in labs and studios

How you're assessed​

You'll be assessed through:

• briefing reports and essays
• oral presentations
• expert testimony
• research dissertation

Careers and opportunities

When you graduate, you'll usually do a minimum of two years full-time supervised practice in an employment setting. The work of forensic psychologists is varied, ranging from criminal investigations to organisational change, and from matters of civil justice such as child access to operational emergencies such as hostage incidents.

Here are some routes our previous graduates have pursued:

• Working in prisons
• Probation work
• The police force
• Social work
• Health services
• The courts
• Academia
• Private practice

Visit the Forensic Psychology MSc page on the University of Portsmouth website for more details!