COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Forensic Psychology programme provides students with advanced knowledge and practical skills across key areas of forensic psychology, criminal behaviour and the justice system. Core modules include Forensic Risk Assessment and Case Formulation, Advanced Psychological Research Methods in Context, The Psychology of Offending Behaviour and the Victim Experience, Forensic Settings and Rehabilitative Interventions, Professional Skills for Applied Psychology, The Criminal Justice Context of Forensic Psychology and an Empirical Research Project. A central component of the programme is the Forensic Risk Assessment and Case Formulation module, which develops an understanding of two essential areas of professional forensic practice. Students explore forensic case formulation, the process of gathering and integrating information to develop evidence-based explanations of offending behaviour, its causes and contributing factors, with the aim of supporting treatment planning and informed decision making. The module examines the characteristics of effective formulations, methods for evaluating their quality and the challenges involved in applying formulation within forensic environments. Students also study forensic risk assessment, focusing on the evaluation of an individual's likelihood of reoffending and the role this plays within criminal justice processes and offender rehabilitation. The historical development of risk assessment tools is explored alongside contemporary approaches used nationally and internationally, allowing students to critically evaluate the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of different assessment methods and psychometric instruments. The programme also considers the importance of professional judgement and reflective practice when interpreting assessment outcomes and making decisions within complex forensic contexts. Through the study of offending behaviour, victim experiences, rehabilitation and criminal justice systems, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing crime and the role of psychology in supporting public protection and offender management. The Empirical Research Project enables students to apply advanced research methods and analytical skills to an area of personal interest, preparing graduates for professional practice, further training or doctoral research within forensic psychology and related fields.