Forensic Psychology MSc

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Level of study:
Masters
Entry Requirements:
More information
Start date:
September 2027
Duration:
One year full-time; two years part-time
Attendance:
Full-time, Part-time
Course delivery:
On-campus (City Campus)

Accredited

About this course

From crime and justice, to behaviour and victimology; from prison and rehabilitation to the treatment of offenders and victims. These are the big topics in the world of Forensic Psychology, and exactly what our course focuses on to support your journey on a variety of forensic career paths. For example, becoming a Registered Forensic Psychologist, or a researcher in practice.

We have a focus on blending research and practical expertise. This is reflected in our course team who are made up of forensic practitioners and academics with significant experience working with victims and offenders in the UK. We link the course closely to our active research community, who work with a variety of different related sectors, such as HMPPS, the Police, secure hospitals and the NHS.

Become a Registered Forensic Psychologist

Take the first step towards becoming a Registered Forensic Psychologist on this BPS-accredited Masters course.
100% of Forensic Psychology students

are satisfied with the quality of their course (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2026)
Set days in university each week

With 3 set days in university each week (1-2 for part-time students), balance your studies around your other commitments such as part-time work.
Learn from the experts

at a university rated TEF ‘Gold’ for teaching and learning.

We will focus on developing knowledge in relation to crime, behaviour, justice, policing, prisons, and offenders and victims. We’ll also delve into the specific skills needed in this area by developing your reflective practice, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and applied practice skills (e.g. risk assessment and consultancy).

As a Psychology student, you’ll get to undertake an independent research project where you’ll demonstrate the skills you’ve learned with us. This will include devising, conducting, analysing and presenting an empirical research study at postgraduate level.

Module information

A standard full-time MSc course is made up of 180 credits studied each year. Some courses may vary, however, and you can find information on the total number of credits achieved per module below.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Sophia Cruz

Forensic Psychology student

“I’ve found the teaching at NTU to be excellent, the wealth of knowledge and passion that comes from the lecturers is unmatched and has been integral to my learning experience.”
Read Sophia's profile
Danielle Thompsett

Forensic Psychology student

“I’ve always felt genuinely supported by the university, especially by the staff within the psychology department. That experience made it an easy decision to continue my studies here in an environment that nurtures your individual development and challenges you to grow.”
Read Danielle's profile
Gianna Myers

Forensic Psychology student

“I know exactly what I want to do with my career and this course has helped solidify that. It has also been really fun meeting new people and expanding my horizons.”
Read Gianna's profile

The MSc Forensic Psychology starts in late September. A dedicated induction day is provided for all students which introduces you to your course, to your teaching teams and to the university facilities. The day ends with an informal social event.

The course is completed in one year of full-time study or two years part-time. The teaching terms run from late September to Christmas (Term 1) and then from January to Easter (Term 2). Term 3 consists of research supervision and some specialist (CPD) sessions. Full-time students attend three days of teaching, whereas part-time students attend for one or two of the days.

Study and support

This course is supported by a team of approachable staff, and is delivered primarily through lectures, interactive workshops and discussions, small group teaching and one-on-one supervision. Your research supervisor will support you as an academic tutor, therefore providing pastoral support. In addition to this, weekly reflective practice sessions (see the next section) provide an opportunity for you to discuss concerns, and seek staff and peer support.

You'll also have access to the extensive facilities within the Department of Psychology and the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

International students in psychology can access language and study skills support, as well as help in acclimatising, via the university’s International Student Support Officer.

Reflective practice

A key feature of the MSc in Forensic Psychology at NTU is the weekly Reflective Practice groups/tutorials, designed to facilitate emotional as well as cognitive development in students as they enter the frequently taxing world of forensic psychology. This is a great opportunity that this course offers to develop in reflective practice, a key skill for the stage two training to become a Registered Forensic Psychologist, and for many other roles in relation to Forensic Psychology and the Criminal Justice System.

Assessment methods

Assessments will be diverse in format and will include:

examinations
essays
presentations
practical reports
a consultancy report
a research project
a forensic practice portfolio.

An active research environment

The team working on the Masters have a variety of different backgrounds in Forensic Psychology with a strong emphasis on practice and applied research. Due to their vast experience, including six Chartered and/or Registered Forensic Psychologists and internationally renowned researchers, the staff at NTU have wide-scale ongoing collaborations with a number of different forensic sectors. Thus, students' forensic research projects often involve an applied nature and will be supervised by an experienced member of the team.

World-leading research

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 100% of NTU's research environment in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of quality.

You may be interested in finding out more about our COPE research Centre.

In-sessional English language support

In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes.

Rosie Kitson-Boyce

Senior Lecturer

Rosie Kitson-Boyce is a lecturer in Forensic Psychology in the Department of Psychology at Nottingham Trent University.
Visit Rosie Kitson-Boyce's staff profile
Rebecca Lievesley

Associate Professor

Dr Rebecca Lievesley is an Associate Professor in Psychology, and Course Leader for the Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (DPsych). Rebecca has experience teaching and leading a number of undergraduate and postgraduate psychology modules and co-leads the Harm and Stigma Prevention in Forensic Psychology (HASP-FP) Research Group.
Visit Rebecca Lievesley's staff profile
Rosanna Perkins

Senior Lecturer

Rosanna is course leader on the MSc Forensic Psychology and a personal tutor for undergraduate years 2 and 3 at Nottingham Trent University.
Visit Rosanna Perkins's staff profile
Karen Slade

Professor

Prof Karen Slade is Professor of applied forensic psychology and international expert on suicide prevention within the criminal justice and blue-light sectors. She worked on secondment to HMPPS from 2019-24 leading on service developments around suicide and wider mortality prevention systems within prison and probation services. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Visit Karen Slade's staff profile
Lorraine Smith

Senior Lecturer

Lorraine has been a Lecturer in psychology for a year and specialises in the assessment of prisoners with an Intellectual Disability.
Visit Lorraine Smith's staff profile
Belinda Winder

Professor

Belinda Winder (Professor)
Visit Belinda Winder's staff profile
Lori Button

Senior Lecturer

Lori Button is a Senior Lecturer in the Psychology department at Nottingham Trent University.
Visit Lori Button's staff profile
David Wilde

Senior Lecturer

David Wilde (Dr)
Visit David Wilde's staff profile
Nikolas Pautz

Senior Lecturer

Nikolas Pautz is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology in the Department of Psychology.
Visit Nikolas Pautz's staff profile
Vanessa Dale Hewitt

Senior Lecturer

She has more than 15 years experience in the national health service in neuropsychology and perinatal psychology services. Since 2009 she has worked in academia alongside her clinical practice. She is currently a senior lecturer in Psychology and the Course Director for the Clinical Associate in Psychology MSc and Apprenticeship at Nottingham Trent University. Previously she worked as an academic tutor for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Nottingham.
Visit Vanessa Dale Hewitt's staff profile
Dr Jens Roeser

Associate Professor

Learn more about Lecturer in Psychology, Dr Jens Roeser.
Visit Dr Jens Roeser's staff profile
Palwinder Athwal-Kooner

Principal Lecturer

Palwinder Athwal-Kooner lectures on the undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses in the School of Social Sciences.
Visit Palwinder Athwal-Kooner's staff profile
Sebastian Teicher

Principal Lecturer

Sebastian Teicher
Visit Sebastian Teicher's staff profile
Craig Harper

Associate Professor

Dr. Craig Harper is an Associate Professor within Nottingham Institute of Psychology. He teaches across several modules, including: The Psychology of Sexual Offending, Explanations of Crime and Reflective Practice. Craig also supervises project students at both undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels, and supports doctoral students studying for PhD and DPsych qualifications.
Visit Craig Harper's staff profile
Katie Bell

Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer Katie Bell at NTU is a BPS-chartered, HCPC-registered forensic psychologist teaching on MSc Forensic Psychology & Forensic Mental Health.
Visit Katie Bell's staff profile
Rahmanara Chowdhury

Senior Lecturer

Dr Rahmanara Chowdhury is a Chartered Psychologist, and currently a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology.
Visit Rahmanara Chowdhury's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

You will need a British Psychological Society (BPS) recognised undergraduate degree (minimum 2.1) in Psychology or an equivalent qualification that confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the BPS.

Applicants whose undergraduate degree is a 2.2 or equivalent will also be considered, but will be required to demonstrate relevant forensic experience and ability to study at the required academic level.

When you apply you will be required to submit a personal statement and a written task which will be sifted by the application team. If you pass the sifting stage, you will be invited to attend an in person or online interview with a member of the course team / teaching staff.

Additional requirements for UK students

Guidance Notes for Work

Thank you for your interest to study on the British Psychological Society accredited MSc Forensic Psychology course at Nottingham Trent University. As part of the application process please download and complete these application tasks and upload the completed document to your Applicant Portal. Your responses will help the course admissions team to decide whether we progress your application to the interview stage.

All applicants must explain why they want to study the Forensic Psychology course in their personal statement.

One academic and one vocational reference is required. Applicants who have not been in academic study for several years and cannot provide an academic reference will be required to provide a second vocational reference.

Other qualifications and experience

We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

International students

Academic entry requirements: You will need a British Psychological Society (BPS) recognised undergraduate degree (minimum 2.1) in Psychology or an equivalent qualification that confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the BPS. Applicants whose undergraduate degree is a 2.2 or equivalent will also be considered, but will be required to demonstrate relevant forensic experience and ability to study at the required academic level. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

Other requirements: When you apply you will be required to submit a personal statement and a written task which will be sifted by the application team. If you pass the sifting stage, you will be invited to attend an in person or online interview with a member of the course team / teaching staff.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Additional requirements for international students

Non-standard entry qualifications or experience

Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. You will be required to demonstrate how your experiences and knowledge would enable you to study this course at Masters-level in your Personal Statement.

Guidance Notes for Work

All applicants must explain why they want to study the Forensic Psychology course in their personal statement.

English language requirements

View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.

If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.

Other qualifications and experience

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Sign up for emails

Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.

Getting in touch

If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

Full-time - £10,550
Part-time - £5,275

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies. See which courses are eligible for scholarships.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Postgraduate loans

There is a government postgraduate loan scheme for Masters degrees. The loan contributes towards costs of study, and students can put it towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs at their discretion. Find out more about postgraduate loans.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

£20,900

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

Alumni discount

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money, the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

MSc Forensic Psychology field trips

During the course there may be a small number of optional field trips that students have the opportunity to undertake. This may require students organising their own travel to attend these, and the course team always strives to make these as local as possible to minimise any costs incurred.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Cost of living in Nottingham

Our student benefits and free services

Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

Becoming a HCPC Registered Forensic Psychologist

Registration with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC) is a mandatory requirement for practitioner Psychologists.

Chartered status refers to completion of the BPS qualification in Forensic Psychology. If you wish to be BPS Chartered you will need to firstly become a Graduate Member of the BPS with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, and then have successfully completed a BPS accredited MSc in Forensic Psychology (Stage 1). You then progress on to complete the BPS Qualification in Forensic Psychology Stage 2 (QFP Stage 2). ‘Stage 2’ consists of a minimum of two years' full time supervised practice (or part-time equivalent)Further information can be found on the BPS website.

The BPS route is no longer the only route to becoming a HCPC qualified practitioner psychologist. A number of UK universities are providing an alternative Stage Two route to HCPC Registration after completion of an approved/BPS accredited Forensic Psychology MSc. This Masters course would enable you to apply for any stage two option that is approved by the HCPC.

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 practice skills that will facilitate your progression towards becoming a practitioner in the field of forensic psychology.

Students generally choose the MSc Forensic Psychology course because they wish to qualify as a HCPC Registered forensic psychologist (and potentially BPS Chartership), and to pursue a career in forensic psychology. Others may choose to use their qualification as a stepping stone toward doctoral training in 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 and core reflective practice skills, you will also have demonstrated an ability to write essays and reports and to present in front of other people (amongst other transferable skills).

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.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).
Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:
- NHS
- Metropolitan Police Service
- National Crime Agency
- His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service
- Nottinghamshire Police
- Cygnet Health
Our graduates are…

Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:
- Assistant Forensic Psychologists
- Clinical Associate in Psychology
- Police Officers
- Domestic Abuse Practitioners
- Recovery Coordinators
- Probation Officers
- Civil Servants
Assessed work-like experience

We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.
NTU Enterprise

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Where your course could take you

Discover how our students and alumni used their qualification to further their careers. Take a look at our other profiles and explore the possibilities awaiting you.

Ellie’s placement experience in prisons

Currently working as a Research Assistant in the Psychology department, Ellie Woodward discusses her work experience helping inmates learn to read and write.

View Ellie Woodward's profile

Campus and facilities

As a Psychology student, you’ll mostly study in our Chaucer and Taylor buildings and benefit from our Psychology Laboratories which includes eye-trackers, motion capture labs, virtual reality and driving simulation suites, a mock prison cell, and an £80,000 EEG system. These facilities support your learning alongside staff research in the exciting areas of human cognition, behavioural neuroscience, human interaction and communication, and human development.

NTU’s City Campus has everything you’ll need to stay busy between lectures. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s our stylish Students’ Union building and two-storey, 100-station gym; a whole host of cafés, bars, restaurants and food outlets for every taste; our much-loved Global Lounge; performance and rehearsal spaces for musicians; and much, much more!

Take a few steps off campus and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure. Enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Applying

UK students

We are no longer taking applications for this course for a September 2026 start.

All applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.

If you are interested in joining us in September, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September the previous year.

Deadline for applications and application task

The deadline for applications for MSc Forensic Psychology starting in September will be 4pm on Friday 12 June 2026.

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.

Application Task

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, April, and June. 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.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 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.

Good luck with your application!

Apply now

International students

We are no longer taking applications for this course for a September 2026 start.

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Deadline for applications and application task

The deadline for applications for MSc Forensic Psychology starting in September will be 4pm on Friday 12 June 2026.

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

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 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.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Apply now