COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology degree combines the science of psychology with the study of crime and the criminal justice system, helping you understand why people commit offences and how psychological principles can be used to prevent crime and support rehabilitation. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the course covers all five core areas of psychology, including developmental, cognitive, biological, and social psychology, alongside specialist forensic topics such as criminal behaviour, investigative interviewing, risk assessment, and the psychology of criminal trials. Students develop practical skills used by professional forensic psychologists, including psychometric testing, report writing for courts and parole boards, analysing police interviews, presenting expert evidence, and conducting independent research. Modules explore the causes of offending, mental health and psychopathology, counselling foundations, and the influence of social and biological factors on behaviour. Specialist subjects such as the psychology of detection, interrogation techniques, and criminal psychology allow students to apply theory to real-life cases and contemporary issues within policing, prisons, probation, and rehabilitation services. The course emphasises research methods and evidence-based practice, enabling students to critically analyse behaviour and design their own psychological investigations. Teaching is delivered by experienced researchers and practitioners who bring current professional knowledge into the classroom through case studies and practical activities. Graduates gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS, which is the first step toward becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist through postgraduate training. Career opportunities include roles in prisons, probation services, secure hospitals, rehabilitation centres, youth offending teams, victim support services, and the wider criminal justice sector. The transferable skills developed throughout the degree, such as communication, analytical thinking, research, and problem-solving, also open opportunities in education, social services, public sector organisations, and other psychology-related professions.