Forensic Psychology MSc
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: One year full-time / two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- 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 2024 entry will be Friday 17th May 2024.
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
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.
Mixed Methods
This module will consider the ontological, epistemological, practical, and theoretical issues involved in combining qualitative and quantitative research in psychology. It will demonstrate some of the most effective ways in which quantitative and qualitative research techniques can be employed together within a single research programme, and it will also introduce a methodological approach which combine quantitative and qualitative elements within a single procedure (repertory grids). The main aim of the module will be to encourage you to see the connection, rather than the conventional 'division' that is drawn between quantitative and qualitative paradigms in psychology. 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 focussed 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.
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 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
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 keep occupied between studying. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s our superb Students’ Union building that includes a two-storey, 100-station gym; a whole host of cafés, bars, restaurants and food outlets catering to every taste; our much-loved Global Lounge; performance and rehearsal spaces for musicians; and much, much more!
If that’s not enough, just take a few steps off campus, and you’ll find yourself in the beating heart of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities. Enjoy lush green spaces and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink, and social scene by night.
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.
- All applicants must explain why they want to study the Forensic Psychology course in their personal statement.
- 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.
- 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.
- Take part in a face-to-face interview with a lecturer/practitioner, and complete a written exercise and a group task.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Deadline for applications - 2024 entry
The deadline for applications for MSc Forensic Psychology starting in September 2024 will be Friday 17th May 2024.
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.
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.
Interview dates for entry in September 2024
Interview dates for 2024 entry are to be confirmed.
Please note that interview dates may be subject to change and will be confirmed to successful applicants when they are invited to interview, additional dates may be organised in August or September.
To avoid delays, we advise that you submit your completed application, including one academic and one vocational reference, as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call +44 (0)115 848 4200
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
- 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.
- All applicants must explain why they want to study the Forensic Psychology course in their personal statement.
- 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.
- 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.
- Final selection is based on an interview process with members of the course team.
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.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Deadline for applications - 2024 entry
The deadline for applications for MSc Forensic Psychology starting in September 2024 will be Friday 17th May 2024.
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.
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.
Interview dates
Interview dates for 2024 entry are TBC.
Please note that interview dates may be subject to change and will be confirmed to successful applicants when they are invited to interview, additional dates may be organised in August or September.
To avoid delays, we advise that you submit your completed application, including one academic and one vocational reference, as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
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.
Fees and funding
Fees for September 2024
| Study route | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,995 |
*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.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies, and from the University.
There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which is paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies, We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduate fees and funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Fees for September 2024
| Study route | International/ EU students |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £19,500 |
*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.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
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.
How to apply
All applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Deadline for applications and application task - 2024 entry
The deadline for applications for MSc Forensic Psychology starting in September 2024 will be Friday 17 May 2024.
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 2024
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 2024, April 2024, and June 2024. 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 2024
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 2024, April 2024, and June 2024. 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:
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.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Deadline for applications - 2024 entry
The deadline for applications for MSc Forensic Psychology starting in September 2024 will be Friday 17 May 2024.
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.