MSc Applied Criminology and Forensic Psychology

available as Full-time

available as Part-time

Develop a deep insight into crime and what causes criminal behaviour by studying this uniquely practical and applied course

Studying applied criminology and forensic psychology at postgraduate level will allow you to develop a range of enquiring, analytical and practical skills benefitting you as a practitioner or researcher.

You’ll have the opportunity of a work placement alongside specialised modules covering mediation, international criminology, assessment of offenders, child protection and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods. These modules will give you a valuable set of skills for both employment and further research.

Your tutors are all experts in this field and currently undertaking research. We also invite external practitioners who bring their practical skills and experience to the course throughout the year.

The application deadline for this course has now passed. Applications submitted after 31 July 2018 are not guaranteed to be considered for September 2018 entry.

Course details

You’ll develop a critical awareness of topics at the forefront of criminology and forensic psychology, as well as the contexts and theories that influence practice in these areas.

The applied focus of this course provides an excellent foundation in risk assessment of offenders, methods of rehabilitation, use of forensic interviewing strategies, mediation skills and facial composite construction.

Alongside these skills you’ll also learn directly from leading experts about current research and debates in criminology and forensic psychology which directly affect people at all points in the legal system.

Additionally, you'll acquire excellent transferable research skills in both quantitative and qualitative methods which will enable you to carry out high-quality research in a variety of contexts and with ethical integrity.

What you study

Compulsory modules include:

• Practical Forensic Psychology (assessing offenders and working with witnesses)
• Current Topics in Crime
• Criminal Justice in Practice
• Advanced Research Skills
• Dissertation

Optional modules include:

• Community Safety and Mediation
• Child Protection in Context
• Advanced Forensic Psychology (therapeutic jurisprudence and neuroethics)
• International and Comparative Criminology
• Investigative Journalism
• Work Placement

How you’ll be taught

This is a one year full-time course delivered over three trimesters. You’ll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, guest lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study. Some option modules are blended (face-to-face and online) or are delivered fully online.

Assessments

You will be assessed by a range of applied coursework including policy briefings and reports, risk assessment, ethics application, and individual presentations, alongside more traditional assessments such as essays and the dissertation.

Work placement

Through engaging in a work placement related to your course you will explore the concepts, debates, policies, initiatives, and funding related to the area in which you’re working.

Careers

• HM Prisons and secure units
• Probation service
• Police services
• Social work
• Court services
• Legal services
• Voluntary sector
• Community development
• Adult guidance
• Local and central government
• Academia and research
• Health services
• Forensic services
• Private practice

Visit the MSc Applied Criminology and Forensic Psychology page on the Edinburgh Napier University website for more details!