Forensic Psychology MSc
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.
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Become a Registered Forensic Psychologist
Take the first step towards becoming a Registered Forensic Psychologist on this BPS-accredited Masters course.
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Putting your skills into practice
with your independent research project, focusing on a topic of your choice.
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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.
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Learn from the experts
at a university rated TEF ‘Gold’ for teaching and learning.
150
(out of 1,049 evaluated institutions)
What you’ll study
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 an NTU 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.
Explanations of Crime, Criminal Behaviour and Victimology
This module provides a conceptual basis for understanding crime, criminal behaviour and victimisation, as well as the evidence and theoretical basis for more applied modules such as Assessment, Formulation and Treatment and Professional Forensic Practice. In brief, this module covers the philosophical, historical and social meaning of crime, as well as methodological shortcomings associated with measuring crime. A range of theoretical explanations of criminal behaviour and victimisation are critically reviewed, including psychological models associated with adults, children, violent and sexual offending. This is assessed through two coursework essays, including a focus on reflective writing.
Police, Justice System and Psychology
This module will permit you to develop current knowledge of the relevant evidence base and an understanding of the ethical and legal factors influencing professional practice in the UK justice system. It will cover the legal framework of the law and the civil and criminal justice systems, with a detailed knowledge of the legal system in England and Wales. Legal processes and methods, in particular the role of the jury in legal decision-making, sentencing processes, expert testimony and legal statutes and case law will be considered. You will also develop an awareness and understanding of the structure and function of Police Services and related agencies. Psychology will be applied to the process of crime prevention and investigation, and students will gain an understanding of the limits on police powers, including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). The role of the victim and vulnerable persons (e.g. children) in the justice system will be also be explored. This is assessed through a piece of coursework.
Prison, Rehabilitation and Aftercare
This module is the second module exploring a forensic context. This module will allow you to develop knowledge about forensic settings commonly encountered by offenders post-sentencing, in particular prisons, secure hospital settings and community initiatives. The role of the victim in post-sentencing initiatives will also be explored, e.g. victim-offender mediation.
Assessment, Formulation and Treatment of Offenders and Victims
In this module you will start to explore conceptual and applied issues associated with core practitioner skills of assessment, formulation and treatment of offenders and victims. You will gain a critical knowledge of risk assessment, clinical assessment and measurement tools, and develop an understanding of how this assessment information can be integrated with theoretical accounts to develop a formulation and treatment plan which addresses an individual's criminogenic and / or clinical needs.
Professional Forensic Practice
The module uses experiential and action learning to provide you with the opportunity to engage in theory-to-practice links. You will integrate academic knowledge with core practitioner skills and apply your knowledge and skills to problems commonly encountered in forensic psychological practice. You will also develop an academic and experiential appreciation of ethical, cultural and professional conduct considerations associated with the work of forensic psychologists.
The Reflective Practice Group, which is part of this module, is aimed at providing you with a theoretical and experiential understanding of reflection and its importance in professional forensic practice. Writing a Reflective Diary will be a key part of the module, and will provide you with the opportunity to critically and creatively consider your experiences during the initial stages of the training to become a professional Forensic Psychologist. This is assessed through a risk assessment report based on a case study and the reflective diary.
Qualitative Research Design and Analysis One
This module aims to introduce you to the field of qualitative research. The main aims of this module are to outline the main philosophical and epistemological arguments supporting the use of qualitative research methods in psychology, outline the key issues, problems, and new insights that shape qualitative research design in psychology; familiarise you with a range of data collection techniques used by qualitative researchers in psychology; develop your capacity to manage and handle qualitative data; familiarise you with a range of data analytic techniques used by qualitative researchers in psychology (and to outline the differences between them) and to further develop your ability to report, present, and evaluate qualitative research. This is assessed through a piece of coursework.
Research in Practice
In this module, you will extend your knowledge and understanding of the different research methods and approaches used in forensic practice including the benefits and challenges. You will gain a critical understanding of the importance of well-designed intervention studies and service evaluations. You will also develop your understanding of research integrity and how this can be achieved. This is assessed through a piece of coursework.
Advanced Experimentation and Statistics One and Two
Advanced Experimentation and Statistics One examines the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of statistics used in experimental research (e.g., statistical inference, power and effect size). The framework for the module is a regression / GLM approach to statistics that focuses on the relationship between multiple linear regression, ANOVA and ANCOVA. The module also covers application of these concepts in widely available computer software such as R and the relationship between different experimental designs (e.g., factorial designs, multi-stage sampling, RCTs, cross-sectional designs, longitudinal designs or single-case studies) and statistical issues such as power and generalizability. Practical issues such as dealing with violations of statistical assumptions or missing data are also considered.
Advanced Experimentation and Statistics Two uses the regression framework adopted in Advanced Experimentation and Statistics One and introduces additional advanced statistical topics such as logistic regression, Poisson regression, meta-analysis and multilevel modeling. The module builds on practical topics introduced in Advanced Experimentation and Statistics One such as dealing with violations of assumptions and the limitations of standard research designs for real world data (e.g., handling unbalanced or missing data in repeated measures analyses).
Forensic Research Project
This is completed under the supervision of a research active member of staff. The research project is focused on a forensic topic and can include qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods, all of which are covered on the course. The journal-style of the final report is designed to develop knowledge in publishing research and presenting information professionally as part of evidence-based practice and skills required for Stage 2 of the route to Chartership.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you're taught
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.
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).
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.
- Clinical associates in psychology
- Assistant psychologists
- Therapy coordinators
- Support workers
- Police officers
- Probation officers
- Civil servants
- Research associates
- Lecturers
*Data extracted from the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22, 2020/21, and 2019/20, surveying graduates 15 months after finishing their degree.
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
As a postgraduate Psychology student, you’ll mainly be studying in the Chaucer, Taylor and Newton buildings, at the centre of our vibrant City Campus. As well as a range of classrooms and lecture theatres, you’ll benefit from our dedicated Psychology learning environments.
We have specialist research laboratories including 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.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
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.
You will need to take part in a face-to-face interview with a lecturer/practitioner, and complete a written exercise and a group task. Please also see the application tasks below that you are required to complete as part of your application.
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: You will need to take part in a face-to-face interview with a lecturer/practitioner, and complete a written exercise and a group task. Please also see the application tasks below that you are required to complete as part of your application.
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
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.
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
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.
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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.
