Forensic Psychology

About the course

How does criminal behaviour develop? Are psychopaths born or made? Are eyewitnesses accurate? How should we rehabilitate offenders? These are just some of the challenging questions you will explore on our stimulating degree. 

We are one of the few universities in the UK to offer an integrated degree dedicated to the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system. Forensic psychology is increasingly used to inform practice within the justice system and there is a growing demand for professionals who can draw on knowledge of the subject in a wide range of roles and contexts.

Our BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology programme enables you to apply psychological theories, methods and research to some of the critical challenges facing the criminal justice system today.

You will cover all the main areas of psychology and gain a thorough understanding of complex issues such as criminal behaviour and the personal consequences of crime. There is the chance to focus on specialist areas ranging from cybercrime to domestic abuse, hate crime to psychopathy, offenders with mental or intellectual disabilities to substance misuse. Among the latest additions to the portfolio are optional modules in subjects such as addictive behaviours and schizophrenia.

Throughout, we emphasise the importance of evidence-based practice so you will research real-life criminal justice problems and seek pragmatic solutions to address those problems.

Professional recognition

Our BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). As long as you achieve at least a second class honours qualification and obtain at least 40% in your Independent Study in Psychology - you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the society. This is the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist. 

The next step you will need to complete is a Stage One accredited postgraduate qualification, which we offer in our MSc Forensic Psychology. Following this, you must complete Stage Two towards becoming a Forensic Psychologist, which is the independent training route. Trainees will complete eight pieces of work, taking a minimum of two years, in the following areas: conducting psychological applications and interventions, research, communicating psychological knowledge and advice to other professionals and training other professionals in psychological skills and knowledge. All of these activities are supervised by a registered Forensic Psychologist. Successful submission and HCPC registration leads to qualification as a Forensic Psychologist.

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.

Hands-on learning

We have strong links with a wide range of criminal and community justice agencies including the police, probation services, prisons, youth justice, courts and victim support organisations.  These enrich your learning and open the door for you to undertake independent research projects.

During your second year, as part of the Qualitative Methods module, you will complete a 30-hour volunteering placement. We also encourage you to take up additional volunteering opportunities throughout the degree to add substance to your CV and to ensure you are ‘workplace-ready’ on graduating. Placement hours are subject to change.

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology also features field trips to places such as courts and prisons (subject to availability of the facilities).

Boost your employability with a placement year

Take an optional placement year to put your skills into practice in a real-world setting. We’ll support you in finding a placement and throughout your time in industry. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience for your CV, build contacts, and explore career options before you graduate. 

Expert teaching

Supporting you all the way is our team of enthusiastic and experienced lecturers who are experts in their fields, including chartered psychologists. Several are still actively engaged with practice, which helps you keep up to date with the latest developments.

Your learning will be underpinned by the internationally renowned research activities of our staff who are helping to shape understanding and practice across the criminal justice sector. Their expertise spans thought-provoking topics such as psychopathy, dark triad, sex offenders, domestic violence and personality disorders. It all means your modules will feature latest thinking and contemporary materials.

Guest speakers include professionals who have pursued a career in the criminal justice sector and who will share their own experiences of forensic psychology. 

Equipment and resources

As a Forensic Psychology student, you’ll be based at the Derby Campus. Offering the perfect environment for innovative and engaging teaching, it includes well-resourced lecture theatres, seminar rooms, computer laboratories and social learning spaces.

You’ll be able to gain practical experience of investigative processes using our facilities which include a mock courtroom and replica police custody suite.

Depending on the modules you select in level 6 you could be working alongside students taking courses in subjects such as law, criminology and policing, so there are many opportunities to share knowledge, expertise and experience. 

Real-world research

We will prepare you to become a competent researcher yourself, equipped with the skills to analyse data and policies critically and to contribute to original forensic psychology knowledge. 

As part of the course, you will pursue independent research into themes matching your career ambitions and intellectual interests. You may also have the chance to get involved in staff research projects where feasible and to present your work at relevant conferences.

Forensic Psychology - your questions answered!

In the below video, Forensic Psychology Lecturer, Dr Dean Fido, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Forensic Psychology 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.

You will learn through a compelling combination of: 

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• role plays
• workshops
• fieldtrips

We offer a high level of support to students, including a personal tutor system to help steer your academic and professional development throughout your studies.  

How you are assessed

You are assessed via a wide range of methods including:

• essays
• case studies
• presentations including research-style posters
• debates
• group projects 

The skills and tools you gain on the BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology are valuable for a wide range of careers, including the probation service, the prison service, youth justice and youth offending teams.

You could also consider roles in research and policy-making within the criminal justice system or you could pursue a career in teaching and academia.

Where can a degree in Forensic Psychology take you?

Further study

You can go on to postgraduate study at Derby, with MSc qualifications in subjects such as Forensic Psychology, Criminal Investigation, and Criminal Justice and Criminology.

These expand your knowledge into specialist areas and accelerate your progress to more senior and leadership roles. Some of our students also use their experiences on the degree as a springboard into academic research.

As a graduate of the University of Derby, you may benefit from an alumni discount on your postgraduate course fees if you continue to study with us.

Find out more about our alumni discount. 

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to

Additional costs and optional extras

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.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.