Forensic Psychology MSc
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: One year full-time / two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
This British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited Forensic Psychology Masters degree is designed to prepare psychology graduates with the academic knowledge and skills necessary to conduct practical work and research within a forensic context. The BPS accreditation means that by obtaining the MSc in Forensic Psychology you'll be completing the first stage in your professional training required by the BPS to become a qualified practitioner within the field of forensic psychology (Chartered Forensic Psychologist).
The focus on blending research and practical expertise is reflected in the course team, which consists of forensic practitioners or academics who each have considerable experience working with offenders and victims in a range of forensic contexts in the UK. Attached to the MSc in Forensic Psychology is the Sexual Offences, Crime and Misconduct Research Unit (SOCAMRU), which incorporates a group of active researchers currently engaged in collaborative work with:
- HM Prison Service
- the Police Service
- the National Health Service (NHS)
- High Secure Hospitals.
Application deadline
The application deadline date for 2023 entry is Friday 19th May 2023.
Applicants are advised to upload their reference documents as soon as possible, and preferably before submitting their application. Applicants for the course who do not upload references may be offered a place on the course (subject to a successful interview) on the condition that suitable and satisfactory references are provided before the start date. However, places cannot be confirmed until these references are received
What you’ll study
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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Careers and employability
Becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist
In order to become eligible to obtain Chartered Forensic Psychologist status you will need to be a Graduate Member of the Society with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership and have successfully completed a Society accredited MSc in Forensic Psychology, which this course provides.
With this course completed, you'll need to complete a Qualification in Forensic Psychology Stage 2 (QFP Stage 2) consisting of two years' full time supervised practice (or part-time equivalent). Further information can be found on the BPS website.
During the course you'll study selected modules which cover the key knowledge and research skills recommended by the Division of Forensic Psychology in the British Psychological Society. The course will also equip you with core practical skills that will facilitate your progression towards becoming a practitioner in the field of forensic psychology.
Students generally choose the MSc Forensic Psychology because they wish to qualify as a BPS Chartered and Health and Care Professions Council Registered forensic psychologist and to pursue a career in forensic psychology. Others may choose to use their qualification as a stepping stone toward doctoral training in clinical psychology, to work in criminal justice and mental health settings, e.g. police, prison, probation services, the NHS, and so on.
It's also possible to pursue an academic and / or research career in psychology following graduation (for example by working as a research assistant or associate, or by studying for a PhD). Indeed, your qualification in forensic psychology is likely to be popular with a whole range of potential employers because, in addition to possessing in-depth theoretical knowledge of forensic psychology, you will also have demonstrated an ability to write essays and reports and to present in front of other people (amongst other transferable skills).
What are graduates of the MSc Forensic Psychology doing now?
The job titles below give you an indication of the careers our recent MSc Forensic Psychology graduates are following.
- Mental health support worker
- Force intelligence research officer
- Assistant psychologist
- Research assistant
- Interventions facilitator in a prison
- Programme facilitator in a prison
- Healthcare support worker
- Analyst at a police force
- Review officer at a police force
- Psychology graduate intern
*Data extracted from the Nottingham Trent University Graduate Destinations Database 2015/16 - 2016/17.
You may also be interested in pursuing a place on a clinical psychology doctoral route or research roles or PhD study on a forensic area.
Employability team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. Find out more about the service.
Campus and facilities
How to apply
All applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.
Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Deadline for applications and application task - 2023 entry
The deadline for applications for MSc Forensic Psychology starting in September 2023 is Friday 19th May 2023.
In order to engage in the interview process and receive enrolment materials in good time we advise that applications are submitted as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Application Task 2023
As part of the application process please complete the application tasks set out in this document and upload this with your application. Your responses will help the course admissions team to decide whether to progress your application to the interview stage. Please note that admissions reviews will only take place at certain points of the year and so your application will be reviewed at the next review date following submission and processing of your application. Review dates are: February 2023, April 2023, June 2023. You will receive an update as to whether your application has been progressed to interview shortly after these review dates so please check your emails regularly during these times.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) formally known as a Criminal Record Bureau check
Many students choose to collect research data in the UK as part of their projects. You may be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check depending on your project topic.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Open days
The School of Social Sciences holds open events throughout the year. Come along and learn more about our courses, speak to programme leaders and find out about studying with the School.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or support, you can call our Admissions Team on +44 (0)115 848 4200, or contact us at Ask NTU.
Good luck with your application!
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application Task 2023
As part of the application process please complete the application tasks set out in this document and upload this with your application. Your responses will help the course admissions team to decide whether to progress your application to the interview stage. Please note that admissions reviews will only take place at certain points of the year and so your application will be reviewed at the next review date following submission and processing of your application. Review dates are: February 2023, April 2023, June 2023. You will receive an update as to whether your application has been progressed to interview shortly after these review dates so please check your emails regularly during these times.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
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The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Deadline for applications - 2023 entry
The deadline for applications for MSc Forensic Psychology starting in September 2023 is Friday 19th May 2023.
Applicants are advised to upload their reference documents as soon as possible, and preferably before submitting their application. Applicants for the course who do not upload references may be offered a place on the course (subject to a successful interview) on the condition that suitable and satisfactory references are provided before the start date. However, places cannot be confirmed until these references are received
In order to engage in the interview process and receive enrolment materials in good time we advise that applications are submitted as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) formally known as a Criminal Record Bureau check
Many students from overseas choose to collect research data in the UK as part of their projects. DBS checks only cover students from the UK, so unless you have been resident in the UK for five years or more, we will need a criminal record check from your home country if you plan to work with vulnerable populations. Checks from overseas can sometimes be referred to by a variety of names such as a Police Check or a Good Behaviour Record. To find out what it is called in your home country and how to apply for one, please visit the government website.
If you are an overseas student and are planning to collect data for your research project from vulnerable populations in your home country, you are advised to apply for a home police check to support your research. You will need to demonstrate in your ethics form that you have met all the requirements of your home country to work with vulnerable populations.
If you are unable to obtain a home Police Check and still wish to work with vulnerable populations in your home country, discuss this with your Course Leader in the first instance. It will need to be made clear in your written correspondence with any participants / organisations that the University has been unable to engage with any disclosure and barring service checks prior to you undertaking your research.
Once you have obtained your police check, a copy of the documentation (in English) should be passed to the relevant course administrator in the School of Social Sciences Office.