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Forensic Psychology Doctor of Psychology

About this course

The Doctor of Psychology in Forensic Psychology (DPsych in Forensic Psychology) is a research-based professional doctoral course for practicing forensic psychologists and aims to develop reflective researching practitioners.

This DPsych in Forensic Psychology is a two and a half year part-time research-based programme which allows experienced practicing forensic psychologists the opportunity to further develop their knowledge, understanding, skills, qualities and attributes in a specialist area of forensic psychology. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to engage in a process of continuous reflection on yourself, your practice and your research, which will ensure that you develop as a reflective researching practitioner.

  • Become a reflective researcher

    You'll develop your ability to design and implement independent and original research at the boundaries of knowledge of forensic psychology.

  • Specialise in an area that interests you

    This course comprises of two modules designed to allow you to tailor your learning towards an area of forensic psychology that interests you.

  • Explore the complex relationships

    between knowledge, theory and practice in forensic psychology, and crucially understanding the sector and how to influence it.

What you’ll study

The DPsych in Forensic Psychology will provide you with an opportunity to explore the complex relationships between knowledge, theory and practice in forensic psychology and to explore the complex relationship between understanding the sector and changing it.

You'll develop as a reflective researching practitioner in the field of forensic psychology through the synthesis of practice with research and you'll develop your ability to design and implement independent and original research at the boundaries of knowledge of forensic psychology.

The course will enable you to undertake critical investigation and evaluation of a forensic psychology topic in order to develop the intellectual and personal adaptability to be able to inform organisational and societal change.

You'll develop a range of skills including your judgement, foresight and problem analysis by applying theoretical and philosophically tuned skills to the research material. You'll also develop your communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the academics and practitioners from the academia and the communities in which people live, and to act as interpreters between the two.

This course comprises of two modules designed to allow you to specialise in an area of forensic psychology that interests you. The course also incorporates individual learning plans which are reviewed regularly and include your written reflections on development.

The DPsych in Forensic Psychology consists of 540 credits with 180 level 7 credits awarded as Accredited Prior Learning (APL), at admission, for completion of an MSc in Forensic Psychology (or equivalent). A further 60 level 8 APL credits can be awarded on evidence of Doctoral level research competence which will exempt you from Module One.

To obtain a DPsych in Forensic Psychology you will need to successfully complete the full 540 credits. You may be awarded an MProf in Forensic Psychology at any point from the end of Year Two of the course. If you wish to withdraw before completion of the DPsych, if meeting the criteria for the MProf award, you may submit for examination for this award.

Module One: Foundations in Research (60 credits)

This module aims to develop research competence suitable to undertake the DPsych thesis portfolio. The aims of the module are to allow you to:

  • research a topic or issue in forensic psychology at Doctorate level
  • understand how the process of research and analysis can be utilised to structure developments in forensic psychology professional practice
  • conceptualise, design and implement appropriate research methodologies and adjust the project design in light of unforeseen problems and contradictions
  • nurture professional development as a reflective researching practitioner in the field of forensic psychology
  • exercise personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in undertaking research in complex and unpredictable situations in professional environments.

Module Two: Thesis Portfolio (300 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop doctoral level researching practitioners in the field of forensic psychology. The aims of the module are to:

  • allow you an opportunity to explore the complex relationships between knowledge, theory and practice in forensic psychology and to explore the complex relationship between understanding the sector and changing it
  • enable you to develop as reflective researching practitioners in the field of forensic psychology through the synthesis of practice with research
  • develop your ability to design and implement independent and original research at the boundaries of knowledge of forensic psychology
  • get an opportunity to develop your judgement, foresight and problem analysis by applying theoretical and philosophically tuned skills to the research material
  • enable you to undertake critical investigation and evaluation of a forensic psychology topic in order to develop your intellectual and personal adaptability to be able to inform organisational and societal change.

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

Student Profiles

Jonathan Kenyon

Doctor of Psychology in Forensic Psychology

Take a look at our Psychology Labs

 

How you're taught

Course induction

As part of the course induction you will meet your course leader, other members if the cohort and a range of teaching staff. You will also be provided with a course handbook which will include a range of information about studying at NTU.

Teaching and learning

There are no mandatory teaching elements in the course but there will be optional DPsych research workshops provided. These workshops will combine teaching with practical application and consideration of your own research and will enhance and support your learning. Although the workshops and additional training are optional, if placed within your Individual Learning Plan (ILP), you will be expected to attend the workshop during your registration on the course.

Throughout the course you will be supervised by a team of experts (topic and / or method) with at least one of these being a forensic psychologist or experienced forensic academic staff member. Your supervisors will provide academic supervision across the course modules and assessments.

You will be directed to appropriate websites, specialist texts and primary literature by your supervisors and workshop lecturers. You will undertake extensive independent studies without direction from staff as part of your independent learning time. This will involve independent reading in the appropriate topic areas and undertaking applied research projects.

Assessment methods

The DPsych utilises a variety of methods of assessment to capture the researching practitioner focus on the course. The assessments include research projects, a structured evaluation report and a reflective commentary. The thesis portfolio assessment is completed through a Viva Voce examination.

The indicative content of the thesis portfolio may include:

  • a structured evaluation of a contemporary topic in forensic psychology
  • a dissertation based on primary research
  • an Individual Learning Plan and reflections on progress.

During the course you will be provided with feedback on progress from supervisors, through annual reviews including feedback from an independent staff member.

An active research environment

The course team are actively engaged in practice informed applied research and many are members of NTU's Harm and Stigma Prevention in Forensic Psychology (HASP-PF) research group.

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.

Staff Profiles

Karen Slade - Professor

School of Social Sciences

Prof Karen Slade is Professor of applied forensic psychology and international expert on suicide prevention within the criminal justice and blue-light sectors. She is on part-time secondment to HMPPS leading…

Belinda Winder - Professor

Psychology

Belinda Winder (Professor)

Nicholas Blagden - Professor

Nicholas Blagden

Rebecca Lievesley - Associate Professor

School of Social Sciences

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

Jens Binder - Associate Professor

School of Social Sciences

Jens Binder is a Cyberpsychologist in the Psychology Department at Nottingham Trent University. He studies online behaviours with a focus on social competence and digital literacy. He also investigates social

Dr Mike Marriott - Principal Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Mike Marriott

Thom Baguley - Professor

School of Social Sciences

Professor Baguley is Professor of Experimental Psychology and director of Psychological Research in the School of Social Sciences at NTU.

Clifford Stevenson - Professor

School of Social Sciences

Dr Clifford Stevenson is a Professor of Social Psychology and Director of Psychological Research at NTU.

Craig Harper - Associate Professor

School of Social Sciences

Dr. Craig Harper is an Associate Professor within NTU Psychology. He teaches across several modules, including: The Psychology of Sexual Offending, Explanations of Crime and Reflective Practice. Craig also supervises

Andy Grayson - Associate Professor

School of Social Sciences

Andy Grayson (Dr)

Palwinder Athwal-Kooner - Principal Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Palwinder Athwal-Kooner lectures on the undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses in the School of Social Sciences.

Rowena Hill - Professor

School of Social Sciences

Rowena Hill

Professor Daragh McDermott - Executive Dean

School of Social Sciences

Daragh McDermott is the Executive Dean of the School of Social Sciences. He provides strategic and operational leadership for the School, chairing the School Executive Team.

Campus and facilities

As a psychology student you will benefit from our dedicated learning environment. We have specialist research laboratories including eye trackers, motion capture labs and an £80,000 EEG system. These facilities support staff research as well as student projects in the exciting areas of human cognition, behavioural neuroscience, human interaction and communication, and human development. Find out more about these specialist facilities.

NTU’s City Campus has everything you’ll need to stay busy. 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

  • All applicants must have a British Psychological Society chartership with Full Membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology or Health and Care Professions registration as a Forensic Psychologist to undertake this course.
  • A Master's-level qualification or equivalent (e.g. Stage 1 of the BPS Diploma in Forensic Psychology or 180 M-level credits) in a relevant subject which included research teaching and assessment.
  • It is recommended, but not required that you have five years (including training) of experience in a forensic setting or at least two years of experience post-training.
  • Applicants will be required to provide two academic references.
  • Final selection is based on an interview with members of the course team.

Although not required for entry onto this course, it is ideal that you have access to a population on which you can undertake your research.

As you’re applying for a Research degree, you will need to submit a statement about the subject you wish to research. Please see our Doctoral School pages for more information about this.

International students

Academic entry requirements:

  • All applicants must have a British Psychological Society chartership with Full Membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology or Health and Care Professions registration as a Forensic Psychologist to undertake this course.
  • A Master's-level qualification or equivalent (e.g. Stage 1 of the BPS Diploma in Forensic Psychology or 180 M-level credits) in a relevant subject which included research teaching and assessment.
  • It is recommended, but not required that you have five years (including training) of experience in a forensic setting or at least two years of experience post-training.
  • Applicants will be required to provide two academic references.
  • Final selection is based on an interview with members of the course team.

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international qualifications on our international entry requirements page.

Although not required for entry onto this course, it is ideal that you have access to a population on which you can undertake your research.

As you’re applying for a Research degree, you will need to submit a statement about the subject you wish to research. Please see our Doctoral School pages for more information about this.

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

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.
  • £3,700 per year

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.

See information about funding, loans and funded projects.

Doctoral loans

Student Finance England and Student Finance Wales provide a non-means-tested Doctoral loan to help with course fees and living costs for a postgraduate research course. Use the links to check if you are eligible.

Studentships

Every year, we provide fully-funded PhD studentships, with opportunities across all our academic disciplines. These are open to UK and International students and applications usually open in October.

Sign up for emails and we’ll let you know when the next NTU studentships are released.

Funded projects

We advertise funded PhD projects throughout the year. See what projects are currently available.

Find out more

Find out how much a research degree will cost and explore different types of research funding.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • £3,700 per year

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.

See information about funding, loans and funded projects.

Studentships

Every year, we provide fully-funded PhD studentships, with opportunities across all our academic disciplines. These are open to UK and international students and applications usually open in October.

Sign up for emails and we’ll let you know when the next NTU studentships are released.

Funded projects

We advertise funded PhD projects throughout the year. See what projects are currently available.

Living costs

Visit managing your money to get advice on 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 of £6,000 when you've accepted your offer to study at NTU. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, before the start date of your course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about advance payments, 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 explore different types of research funding.

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

Most modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) - meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

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.

How to apply

For a step-by-step guide and to make an application, please visit our how to apply page.

To apply for this course you'll need to complete an application form, produce a research proposal, provide appropriate references and then submit your application to the Doctoral School. Further information can be found on the Doctoral School pages.

As you’re applying for a Research degree, you may like to have a look around our Research pages. This may help you to spot academic staff, research areas or projects that interest you.

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.

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

Attending one of our Doctoral School open events is a great way to find out more about research opportunities at NTU.

  • Chat to academics and current students
  • Attend workshops by members of the Doctoral School
  • Learn about funding and scholarships opportunities
  • Find out how NTU can support you through your study and application process.

Please check this page for a full list of events.

Getting in touch

For more information, please contact the Doctoral School Administrator by email or telephone +44 (0)115 848 8154

For a step-by-step guide and to make an application, please visit our how to apply page.

To apply for this course you'll need to complete an application form, produce a research proposal, provide appropriate references and then submit your application to the Doctoral School. Further information can be found on the Doctoral School pages.

As you’re applying for a Research degree, you may like to have a look around our Research pages. This may help you to spot academic staff, research areas or projects that interest you.

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.

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.

Getting in touch

For more information, please contact the Doctoral School Administrator by email or telephone +44 (0)115 848 8154