Forensic Psychology

• This programme is accredited with the British Psychological Society (BPS), thereby accounting for Stage 1 of the qualification for those who already hold Graduate Basis of Chartership (GBC) with the BPS
• Choose a programme which offers a compelling blend of academic studies, research and practical experience
• Learn from a teaching team made up of forensic practitioners and academics with considerable experience of working with offenders and victims in a range of forensic contexts
• Benefit from a supportive and dynamic research environment where you will have the chance to pursue your own professional interests
• Gain vital practical insights, including potential opportunities for real life experience within a related field
• Broaden your professional options: this qualification is valuable for careers in a range of settings including prisons, secure units, hospitals, mental health services, police, probation services, courts, community organisations, charities and social enterprises
• Build an excellent platform if you want to progress to PhD research

This postgraduate degree will equip psychology graduates with the academic knowledge and skills they need to conduct practical work and research within a forensic context.

During the course, you will be encouraged to undertake a minimum of 30 hours volunteering to gain real life experience in a related field, as well as to obtain practical insights into forensic psychology. 

The culmination of the MSc Forensic Psychology programme is the research project which will enable you to tailor your learning to reflect your own specific area of professional interest and your career aspirations. To support your work on your research project, you will develop skills in collecting and analysing data relevant to forensic psychology. You will also use a range of techniques and research methods applicable to advanced scholarship in the discipline.

On successful completion of the course, you may continue your training to become a Forensic Psychologist, or pursue a career in sectors such as the prison and probation services, crime analysis or education.

If you prefer, you can also study the MSc Forensic Psychology via our online provision.

Accreditation

The MSc Forensic Psychology programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), thereby accounting for Stage 1 of the qualification for those who already hold Graduate Basis of Chartership (GBC) with the BPS.

Qualifying as a Forensic Psychologist 

Gaining a BPS accredited MSc is the first step (stage 1) towards becoming a Forensic Psychologist. The next step (stage 2) is to complete approved applied training; one route is the Qualification in Forensic Psychology provided by the BPS. The Qualification in Forensic Psychology is the independent route to training as a forensic psychologist. To find out more about the stage 2 qualification, please visit the British Psychological Society website.

How to become a chartered professional psychologist: BPS accreditation at Derby

Find out more about the importance of studying a BPS accredited Psychology degree at the University of Derby.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

The MSc Forensic Psychology is delivered primarily through lectures, interactive workshops and discussions, small group teaching, and one-on-one supervision.

You will also benefit from a number of outings and visits, as well as guest lectures by prominent figures in the world of forensic psychology.

How you will be assessed

Assessments will be diverse in format and may include: 

• essays
• group and individual presentations
• research project report(s)
• a reflective practice portfolio.

Students generally choose the MSc Forensic Psychology because they wish to pursue a career in Forensic Psychology. 

Forensic Psychologists work across many agencies within the criminal justice system, primarily in prison and probation services, secure hospitals, the police, and the courts in roles such as:

• Offender Manager
• Probation Officer
• Psychological Assistant
• Offender Behaviour Programme Facilitator
• Trainee Forensic Psychologist (stage 2 Qualification in Forensic Psychology)
• Behavioural Support Mentor in a school
• Mental Health Recovery Worker
• Forensic Support Worker
• Assistant Forensic Psychologist
• Therapy Coordinator
• Mental Health Adviser at a university
• Academic or career in research
• PhD study

Please note that it is possible to obtain GBC status after you have completed the MSc by undertaking a BPS-accredited conversion course such as our online Postgraduate Diploma Psychology.

• You will need a British Psychological Society (BPS) recognised undergraduate degree (minimum 2.1) in Psychology (or equivalent) that confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the Society
• Those whose qualification does not confer GBC may also apply and an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.1) is similarly required. However, to be eligible for Chartered Membership (CPsychol) of the Society and full membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP), the GBC is a requirement
• Applicants whose undergraduate degree is a 2.2 should contact the Programme Leader
• You are required to provide one academic and one vocational reference
• If English is not your first language you must have achieved an IELTS score of at least level 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skill area)
• Final selection may be subject to an interview with members of the course team

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you'll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.