COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology programme is structured to build a strong foundation in psychological theory, research methods, and the application of psychology to crime, offending, and the criminal justice system. In the first year, students are introduced to core theoretical and scientific perspectives through modules such as Theoretical Perspectives in Forensic Psychology, which explores the historical development of criminological theories and how different schools of thought—including feminist, radical, and integrated approaches—explain criminal behaviour and influence crime control policies. Alongside this, students study core psychological disciplines including biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, as well as historical and critical psychology, helping them understand human behaviour from multiple scientific viewpoints. Research skills are introduced early through Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology, which develops the ability to design, evaluate, and interpret psychological studies, while Skills and Careers in Psychology supports academic development and future employability. In the second year, learning becomes more applied through modules such as Themes in Forensic Psychology, where students critically examine offender profiling, police interviewing, eyewitness testimony, and psychological explanations of criminal behaviour using real case studies. Victimology is also explored, alongside advanced study of biological, developmental, cognitive, and social psychology, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods, strengthening both scientific analysis and applied understanding of behaviour in forensic contexts. In the final year, students develop advanced research and analytical independence through Advanced Knowledge Production, which supports the design and development of their dissertation research project. They then complete an Independent Research Project, demonstrating the ability to conduct original psychological research. Optional modules allow specialisation in areas such as psychopathy, cybercrime, youth justice, substance misuse, intimate partner abuse, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, addictive behaviours, and the psychology of serious and dangerous offenders. Overall, the programme develops strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills while enabling students to apply psychological theory to real-world forensic issues such as crime prevention, offender rehabilitation, criminal profiling, and victim support, preparing graduates for careers in forensic psychology, criminal justice, mental health services, and research-based roles.