Everything you need to know...
Course summary
- Study a British Psychology Society accredited course.
- Work towards completing Stage One of the two-stage BPS chartership process.
- Learn new research methods and conduct your own empirical project.
- Gain consultancy skills, communicating with professional audiences.
- Develop the knowledge, skills, values and academic approach to work in areas relating to forensic psychology.
On this course, you'll study both psychological theory and practice. You'll focus on the role of psychology within criminal justice processes – including investigative and legal and criminal processes, and how offenders are assessed, rehabilitated and reintegrated. When you graduate you'll be prepared for a range of worthwhile career paths.

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Graduate View

‘The teaching staff were both knowledgeable and passionate about their subject field. Their passion was infectious, and one of the reasons I became interested in furthering my studies. This course was the stepping stone I needed to progress to PHD level.’
Emma Finch, MSc Forensic Psychology, 2018 graduate
How you learn
Your lecturer's view
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
The course has a blended learning approach. You'll attend four 'block weeks' of 5 days in October, November, February and March.
During the block weeks you'll participate in workshop-based activities on topics in forensic psychology. The rest of your learning will be undertaken online, with screencasts, online activities and discussion threads.
You learn through
- workshop-based activities on campus
- independent study
- online activities
- guest lecturers
- screencasts
Course leaders and tutors
Applied learning
Networking opportunities
There are guest speakers from the field of criminal justice, including practising psychologists and other professionals in the field. You’ll gain experience in research skills, and also learn about ongoing personal and professional development – as well as ethical practice in forensic psychology.
Future careers
This course prepares you to go on to Stage 2 of the chartership process, or further postgraduate study such as a PhD.
The course also prepares you for a career in
- crime analysis
- the police officer
- research
- interventions
- psychology
- appropriate adult services
- youth justice and probation
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society.
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus

Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
Entry requirements
All students
You should have successfully completed an undergraduate honours degree in psychology (2:1 or above). Undergraduate honours degrees in criminology or other relevant disciplines may also be considered. It would be helpful if your previous studies included research methods.
If you have successfully completed an undergraduate honours degree in psychology (or other relevant discipline) with a 2:2, you may be considered if you can satisfy the course team that you have the ability to complete the course (e.g., through evidence significant work experience in criminal justice, or successful completion of other relevant postgraduate study). For example, your work experience could be in the voluntary sector in youth justice, support work, drug rehabilitation, or programme facilitation.
If your undergraduate degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) of the BPS. This means that by completing the MSc Forensic Psychology, you will fulfil Stage 1 of the requirements towards chartered membership of the BPS and full membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology.
If your undergraduate degree is not accredited by the BPS, you can gain eligibility for the GBC of the BPS through alternative routes. Such routes include BPS acceptance of an overseas psychology degree, or undertaking a conversion course such as a BPS accredited MSc in Psychology.
If English is not your first language or your undergraduate degree was not conducted in English, then you will be required to have an English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS (or equivalent) band 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 in writing.
Please note that closing date is the Friday 28th April 2023, and all applications will be considered on Thursday 11th May 2023.
When completing your application form, please keep in mind that the selection panel will be considering the following:
• your grades
• your relevant work experience (paid or voluntary), or planned
• your personal statement, which should reflect your understanding of forensic psychology, and careers in this field, explain why you wish to undertake the course, and how the course fits in with your career aspirations. Try to include reference to the course-specific modules, and give some evidence as to how these fit with your particular interests. You should also discuss any relevant research you have undertaken during other studies, and what research interests you would like to pursue during the course.
As there are very limited places available on the MSc Forensic Psychology, it is important that your application form is completed fully and you cover the points indicated above in clear and concise detail. We reserve the right not to consider incomplete applications.
The selection panel may also invite applicants to attend a brief interview as part of the application process, which can be either face-to-face or via Skype.
Additional information for EU/International students
This course is not open to international students who require a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK. If you are an international applicant but do not require a Tier 4 (General) student visa, contact our Admissions Team to find out whether you’re eligible to apply.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. For further information on the structure of the MSc please contact the course leader.
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Applied Forensic Consultancy | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Assessment And Formulation | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Dissertation And Continuing Professional Development | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
Module: Investigative Psychology | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Legal And Criminal Justice | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Offender Treatment And Interventions | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Qualitative Research Methods | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Quantitative Research Methods | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Exam |
Module: Theories Of Criminal Behaviour | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2023/24 is £9,910 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

Postgraduate student loans
Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Psychology courses (PDF, 216.3KB)Legal information
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