Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice

Why study Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice at Liverpool John Moores University?

• Winner! LJMU's School of Law and Justice Studies voted Law School of the Year (Educate North 2026)

• 96% of students surveyed on this course said teaching staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025)

• Accredited by the British Psychological Society

• An accredited undergraduate psychology programme giving you eligibility for membership of the British Psychological Society on graduation

• Fascinating insight into the criminal mind and the criminal justice system as well as the way psychology is used to understand and manage criminal behaviour

• Diverse range of careers in forensic psychology, the police, probation and prison services, drug and alcohol support, victim and witness support, and youth work

• Established links with employers and agencies allow for excellent networking, volunteering and work experience opportunities

About your course
Completing the professionally-accredited BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice at Liverpool John Moores University will give you vital insights into the criminal mind and criminal justice system, opening up a wide range of exciting career opportunities.

In recent decades the psychological and criminological spheres have become inseparable and this course is designed to reflect this. It is aimed at people who want a BPS recognised psychology degree but who have a keen interest in the sphere of criminal justice and criminal behaviour.

The interdisciplinary approach of this programme allows you to draw links between the two subjects and apply psychological issues to real-life situations so that you get a true understanding of how the human mind works in relation to criminal activity.

Throughout the programme you will study the core foundations of psychology such as developmental, cognitive and social psychology whilst also studying modules such as 'an Introduction to Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice' and criminological theory which aim to develop your understanding of the relationship between the disciplines of psychology and criminal justice. You will also study criminal justice modules every year which will develop your knowledge of the relevant systems, processes and agencies involved in this sphere.

You will study modules specialising in forensic psychology at all three levels of the programme, and in your final year, you will be able to choose from a suite of optional modules which allows you to tailor your studies around your personal academic and vocational interests. Work-related learning and practical experiences are incorporated across the programme allowing you to develop transferable skills that are essential in the workplace.

Please visit the Liverpool John Moores University website for detailed module information.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, usually a combination of exams and coursework.

We acknowledge that all students perform differently depending on how they are assessed, which is why we use a number of different assessment methods and continually develop new ones. They may include:

•group presentations (some pre-recorded and edited by students)
•student-led lectures
•exams (seen/unseen)
•online multiple-choice exams
•essays
•literature reviews
•reports (e.g. writing a mock Pre-Sentence Report on a young offender)

Throughout the assessment process you will have support from your module leaders and personal tutor in addition to written guidelines, hints and tips, plus revision and recap sessions and study support classes.

Your tutors will provide individual feedback on assessments within three weeks, allowing you to quickly identify your successes and the areas where you may need to put in more work.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Psychological Society