COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Forensic Psychology programme provides a comprehensive combination of theoretical knowledge, professional practice, and advanced research training, preparing students for careers within forensic psychology, criminal justice, offender rehabilitation, victim support, and further professional training. The module Explanations of Crime, Criminal Behaviour and Victimology establishes the theoretical foundation of the programme by examining the philosophical, historical, social, and psychological explanations of crime and victimisation. Students critically evaluate theories relating to adult and juvenile offending, violent crime, sexual offending, and victim experiences while considering the challenges associated with measuring and understanding criminal behaviour. Police, Justice System and Psychology focuses on the operation of the criminal justice system in England and Wales, exploring legal processes, policing practices, sentencing, jury decision-making, expert testimony, and the rights of victims and vulnerable individuals. Students also examine how psychological principles contribute to crime prevention, criminal investigations, and policing practices. Prison, Rehabilitation and Aftercare explores offender management after sentencing, examining prisons, secure hospitals, community rehabilitation programmes, and restorative justice initiatives such as victim-offender mediation. Assessment, Formulation and Treatment of Offenders and Victims introduces key practitioner skills used in forensic settings, including risk assessment, clinical assessment, case formulation, and intervention planning. Students learn how assessment information can be integrated with psychological theories to address criminogenic and clinical needs effectively. Professional Forensic Practice bridges theory and application through experiential learning activities that simulate real forensic practice. Students develop professional, ethical, cultural, and reflective skills while completing risk assessment exercises and reflective practice activities that mirror the responsibilities of forensic psychologists. The research component of the programme is equally significant. Qualitative Research Design and Analysis One develops expertise in qualitative methodologies and the analysis of subjective human experiences, while Advanced Experimentation and Statistics Two introduces advanced quantitative techniques including regression analysis, meta-analysis, multilevel modelling, and statistical analysis using R software. The Mixed Methods module explores how qualitative and quantitative approaches can be integrated to investigate complex forensic issues. The programme culminates in the Forensic Research Project, an independent study supervised by an active researcher, where students conduct original forensic psychology research using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approaches. Together, these modules provide graduates with a strong understanding of crime, justice, offender rehabilitation, victimology, forensic assessment, professional practice, and advanced research methods, creating an excellent foundation for careers in forensic psychology, criminal justice agencies, prisons, probation services, secure healthcare environments, research organisations, and progression towards professional chartership and registration.