Forensic Mental Health MSc
About this course
From exploring contemporary issues in mental health and forensic mental health in its broadest sense, to delving deeper into crime, criminal behaviour and victimisation, this course will provide you with a critical appreciation of the issues arising from mental health practice and research.
Ideal for those seeking employment in – or already working in – the areas of forensics and/or mental health, this degree will equip you with the theory and awareness of the philosophical and methodological problems, debates and insights that shape the discipline. You’ll also gain practical experience in research as you will complete a research project in a specialist area of your choice, supervised by an expert within the field.
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Tailor your learning to your areas of interest with opportunities to choose your own assessment topics. -
Put your skills into practice and build your networks by working with experts within the area of mental health or psychological wellbeing. -
With 3 set days in university each week (2 for part-time students), balance your studies around your other commitments such as part-time work. -
Benefit from excellent support from our academic team to enhance your learning.
150
(out of 1,049 evaluated institutions)
What you’ll study
In addition to focusing on the key topics within forensic mental health, we’ll also support the development of your expertise in research methods and professional skills.
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, which includes devising, conducting, analysing and presenting an empirical research study at postgraduate level.
Forensic Mental Health
This module will allow you to consider forensic mental health in its broadest context through a critical evaluation of contemporary theory and practice. This consideration will be heavily influenced by psychological perspectives but will also explore other perspectives. You will gain a critical appreciation of legal contexts, the effects of rehabilitation, and the development, delivery and evaluation of interventions with forensic populations. You will also have the opportunity to explore issues relating to the analysis and treatment of individuals diagnosed with psychological disorders. Different theoretical perspectives will be examined, explored and applied in a variety of settings to highlight differences in approaches to dealing with these issues.
Explanations of Crime, Criminal Behaviour and Victimisation
The context of practice in forensic psychology is considered in this module. You'll be provided with a critical introduction to a range of conceptual accounts of crime, criminal behaviour and victimology. Ethics, diversity issues, reflective-practitioner and the science-practitioner model will also be core to this module.
This module will provide a conceptual basis for understanding crime, criminal behaviour and victimisation, and will provide the evidence and theoretical basis for more applied modules such as Assessment, Formulation and Treatment and Professional Forensic Practice. In brief this module will cover the philosophical, historical and social meaning of crime, as well as methodological shortcomings associate with measuring crime. A range of theoretical explanations of criminal behaviour and victimisation will be critically reviewed, including psychological models associated with adults, children, violent and sexual offending. In addition, you'll gain a depth of knowledge and begin to develop your professional identity through the opportunity to investigate individually chosen psychological explanations of criminal behaviour and victimisations in greater detail.
Clinical Research Methods
This module will consider the components of good practice for the conduct of psychological research in clinical settings, as well as offering you the opportunity to experience some research methods that might be used within that context. The responsibilities of psychological researchers will be explored in relation to key governance issues such as ethics, data protection, risk management etc. There will be a consideration of the differences between research and other service areas that use research methods; for example, auditing, service evaluation, and development. The module will therefore encourage you to explore the key opportunities and challenges faced when conducting research in real-world clinical settings, and will inspire creative approaches to designing and implementing clinically relevant research activities.
Research and Professional Skills
This module will introduce you to a range of key research and research dissemination skills necessary for the pursuit of an academic or professional career in psychology. The main aim of the module will be to ensure that you are capable of planning, carrying out, and seeking funding for ethically sound, independent research projects in a psychological setting, and that you are able to present the results of that research in a variety of media for both professional and non-professional audiences. The module will also focus on the development of skills to enhance employability and ensure you are equipped to best present yourself to prospective employers both within and outside of psychology.
Contemporary Issues in Mental Health
This module explores a number of advanced contemporary topics or ‘mini-modules’ in psychological well-being and mental health. The specific module topics change periodically in the spirit of the title ‘Contemporary Issues in…’ and will reflect cutting edge issues in research and practice. Each mini-module has its own set of aims, which will normally be one or more of the following:
- To provide a detailed and critical exploration of one or more contemporary issues which are currently pertinent to a specific aspect of psychological well-being or mental health.
- To critically explore contemporary debates relevant to specified topics within psychological well-being or mental health.
- To critically consider the practice based implications of theoretical understandings of specified contemporary issues within mental health.
In addition the module aims to:
- Critically consider overarching contemporary issues that draw across mini-modules.
- Consolidate learning from across mini-modules, allowing critical comparisons and synergistic conclusions to be drawn.
This module will provide you with four mini-modules led by different members of staff who have specific and appropriate areas of expertise within psychological well-being and mental health. One mini-module will always address ‘Contemporary legal issues in mental health’ however the other three mini-modules will change from year to year depending on the contemporary mental health landscape and the teaching expertise of provisioning staff. Examples of such topics of expertise include:
- Psychoses
- Coping
- Psychological responses to traumatic events
- Addiction
- Work-life balance
- Aging and dementia
- Anti-social behaviour
- Positive psychology
In addition overarching module content is likely to include:
- Competing theoretical perspectives on topics (for example, biological, cultural, environmental, interactionist perspectives).
- Critical evaluation of both research and practitioner literatures.
- Overarching philosophical debates in the areas of psychological well-being and mental health.
- Ethical, definitional and measurement issues relating to specific diagnoses.
Theory and Application to Mental Health
You'll be introduced to key theories underpinning research and practice in mental health and illness, including both traditional and more contemporary perspectives. Theories will be examined against their own socio-historic context and the contemporary context, facilitating a critical and comparative evaluation of relevant theories. In addition, you'll be introduced to methodological limitations and implications of these traditional and contemporary theories.
You'll then be provided with the opportunity to critically apply your theoretical understanding to 'real world' experiences and problems situated within mental health contexts. You will be able to work in teams developing a useful skill set for use in practice and employment settings. Tasks provided will enable you to understand how psychological knowledge interacts with knowledge from other disciplines to form holistic critical understandings useful in applied contexts
The theoretical strand of the module will provide an introduction to pertinent theories in mental health. This will include a consideration of models such as the medical model, categorisation models (e.g. the rise of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual), bio-psychosocial model and constructivist models. You will develop a breadth of general knowledge related to explanatory theories of mental health and illness, in addition to critical approaches to these theories. This will give you a firm grounding relating to theories in this area enabling you to then apply these to real world situations.
The application strand of the module will use enquiry-based learning methods to give you an experience of professional project work across a range of applied areas of interest for mental health. You'll receive an enquiry-task from a set of professional vignettes which originate from real mental health related organisations but are re-framed by the module team to work appropriately as teaching materials and as the basis for the assessment.
This will synthesise the theoretical and evidentiary literatures that have been drawn upon in order to address the identified learning issues. The presentation will also contain recommendations of how this theory and evidence can be applied within, and have a meaningful impact for, the organisation that supplied their particular vignette. The scenarios are open-ended and may be addressed using the in-depth knowledge and understanding encountered earlier in the course, not only from this module but form other modules on the course (e.g. from methods, theory, practice oriented modules); or by using novel critical understandings (researched and developed by the project team).
Specialist Psychology Essay
This module provides students with the opportunity to comprehensively explore an area of interest in depth, within either Psychological Well-being, Mental Health or Forensic Psychology under the supervision of a member of staff who has expertise within that field. Students will be supervised through the small group tutorial programme and will have opportunities to discuss their progress with tutors and peers. The module aims to provide an opportunity for students to:
- Critically examine and have a critical awareness of current psychology theory and research related to Psychological Well-being, Mental Health or Forensic Psychology.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills relevant for the integration and understanding of psychological issues and constructs in a particular area of Psychological Well-being, Mental Health or Forensic Psychology.
You'll need to select a topic which focuses on critical examination of a specific area within Psychological Well-being, Mental Health or Forensic Psychology. The particular area will be determined by your individual interests but might consider a specific area of empirical research, philosophical or methodological underpinnings, or might take a more applied focus. Final specific essay titles will be agreed in negotiation between you and your supervisor.
Research Project / Dissertation
Under the supervision of a research active member of staff, this module enables you to comprehensively demonstrate your research abilities through a chosen topic.
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.
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How you're taught
The MSc Forensic Mental Health 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 (your final piece of coursework is submitted in late August) or two years part-time. The teaching terms run from late September to Christmas and then from January to Easter. The contact teaching for full-time students is delivered over three days per week, and for part-time students over two days per week.
Study and support
This taught course is supported by a team of approachable staff with considerable experience of working within a variety of forensic contexts in the UK. NTU Psychology employs world-leading Professors and academic staff, and you will learn about cutting-edge Psychology from this diverse and talented team of people.
The course is delivered through various modes of teaching, including lectures, interactive workshops, small reflective practice groups and one-on-one supervision. A tutorial system is put in place, where you will meet with an academic tutor in a small group setting on a weekly basis. These sessions will help you with study skills, you can approach your tutor for personalised advice relating to your course or to raise any difficulties you are experiencing relating to your work, personal circumstances, or your university experience.
NTU has a team dedicated to providing student support, around a range of issues including, but not limited to: Employability, Disability and inclusion services, mental health, academic skills, cyber security, accommodation and finances. Support can be accessed either in person or online.
You'll also have access to the extensive facilities within the Department of Psychology and the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), NOW, which is a flexible web-based system that allows you to have 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and other students, and submit coursework electronically from anywhere in the world.
For individuals who do not wish to complete the MSc, a postgraduate certificate in Forensic Mental Health will be offered.
International students in psychology can also access additional language and study skills support, as well as help in acclimatising, via our own International Student Support Officer. There are various on campus global lounges where you can find out more about the exciting international opportunities and cultural events happening at the NTU, and there is even an online virtual global lounge you can access.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed in a variety of ways and on a modular basis through:
- coursework
- essays
- literature reviews
- oral presentations
- professional reports.
You'll also be assessed through your research project / dissertation work and your specialist essay work, which is written up as an academic article suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal.
An active research environment
Throughout the course you will benefit from research-informed teaching. All staff teaching on the course are research-active in their field of interest, with the course team consisting of practitioners and academics who each have considerable experience working within a range of forensic contexts in the UK. The MSc is aligned with the Harm and Stigma Prevention in Forensic Psychology (HASP-FP) research group at NTU.
You may also be interested in finding out about our LGBTQ+ Health and Wellbeing Research Group, the Centre for Public and Psychosocial Health and the Emergency Services Research Unit.
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.
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
Your future career in forensic mental health
When you graduate with an MSc Forensic Mental Health you will have the necessary skills to pursue professional careers in a range of mental health, forensic mental health, or forensic settings. You may choose to study this course if you already work in this area and hope to improve your prospects of promotion and career progression.
You may also want to pursue an academic and / or research career in a number of academic disciplines following graduation (by working as a research assistant or associate, for example, or by studying for a PhD). Psychology graduates with BPS GBR status may also be interested in this course if they are considering doctoral study towards a career as a clinical or counselling psychologist.
The majority of graduates have tended to pursue, or to return to, applied employment in a range of forensic mental health settings. Recent graduates have pursued careers as:
- Mental health support workers
- Clinical assistants
- Care and residential support workers
- Community support workers
- Policy officers
- Police officers
- Probation officers
*Data extracted from the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22 and 2020/21, surveying graduates 15 months after finishing their degree.
You may also want to pursue a career in the prison service or secure hospitals.
Indeed, your qualification in Forensic Mental Health is likely to be popular with a whole range of potential employers because, in addition to possessing in-depth theoretical knowledge of a range of mental health and forensic issues, you will also have demonstrated an ability to write essays and reports and to talk and present in front of other people (amongst other transferable skills). You will also be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be independent, ethical and culturally sensitive in your future application of psychology.
Please note that this course is not a BPS Stage 1 accredited course for Chartered Forensic Psychologist status and for some careers, further study and / or a BPS-accredited conversion course conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership may be required.
Careers and job application advice is available to all our postgraduate students and is provided on a one-to-one basis by a subject specialist within the Department, supported by the university-wide careers service. We're very proud of the achievements of our many graduates and look forward to helping you graduate to a successful career.
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
Applying with prior qualifications
You will need an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.2) in Psychology or an allied discipline such as social science, nursing, health related practice, or law or other recognised equivalent qualification.
Applying with non-standard entry qualifications/experience
Applicants without such qualifications will be considered on an individual basis but will be required to demonstrate how their experiences and knowledge and / or their professional qualifications (such as RMN, RN) would enable them to study this course at Masters level in their Personal Statement.
Additional requirements for UK students
The application form requires a written statement in which you should outline the reasons for wishing to undertake the MSc Forensic Mental Health. We will be looking to ensure that you have a sound rationale for joining the course based on a realistic appreciation of the materials to be studied and the related practice areas.
Other qualifications and experience (PG)
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 an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.2) in Psychology or an allied discipline such as social science, nursing, health related practice, or law or other recognised equivalent qualification. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
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.
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
The application form requires a written statement in which you should outline the reasons for wishing to undertake the MSc Forensic Mental Health. We will be looking to ensure that you have a sound rationale for joining the course based on a realistic appreciation of the materials to be studied and the related practice areas.
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Pre-Masters course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City campus.
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 (PG)
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.
