Psychology with Forensic Scene Investigation

Learn to use forensic science and apply forensic psychology to police investigations. Discover how to search and examine crime scenes and how forensic evidence needs to be processed, interpreted, and preserved.

Dig deep into the science behind psychology: the way humans think, feel, and behave. Discover how to examine crime scenes, and how forensic evidence needs to be processed, interpreted, and preserved. This involves field trips to places like the mortuary and bomb disposal sites. You'll also learn how to provide research-based evidence which may be used in the criminal justice system. In the final year you can apply your forensic knowledge in a mock courtroom scenario.

You’ll cover topics such as:

• Crime scene examination and management.

• Interpretation, presentation and preservation of evidence.

• Apply biometric information in human identification.

• Applying memory research from crime scene to court.

• Understanding the language of the judicial system.

The perfect mix of psychology, criminal investigation and forensic science

Psychology is both an experimental and observational science. This means you will observe and measure human behaviour, undertake literature research, and develop, test, and evaluate theories. This culminates in conducting your own supervised research project in your final year, which is one of the cornerstones of your degree. You’ll graduate with a thorough understanding of this fascinating world.

This Psychology with Forensic Scene Investigation degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and its core areas follow the curriculum set out by the BPS. This accreditation is essential if you want to become a Chartered Psychologist and means successful graduates can apply for further professional psychology training.

Psychology degrees here at Abertay are flexible. You can switch to BSc Psychology or another ‘Psychology with’ pathway if you develop an interest in a particular topic later on.

Our BSc (Hons) Psychology course scored an impressive 95% for Overall Student Satisfaction in the 2020 National Student Survey (NSS) and Forensic Science was the top rated modern Scottish department in the 2021 Good University Guide.

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The programme is a mixture of lectures, practical laboratory classes, seminars/tutorials and independent study. The practical laboratory classes offer the chance to learn relevant scientific techniques first hand, and an opportunity to engage in research by designing experiments and collecting and analysing data. You are assessed using a variety of assessment types. These include examinations and class tests, laboratory reports, essays, presentations (both oral and posters), research projects and writing scientific articles and case studies. Assessment is through a range of methods including exams, tests, practical laboratory reports and student presentations.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS