Forensic and Investigative Psychology (Taught)

This BPS Accredited MSc Forensic & Investigative Psychology aims to develop your knowledge of various theories, concepts, research and professional practice skills to support your progression to become a (Registered/Chartered) Forensic Psychologist or forensic/investigative practitioner. The course adopts an applied approach to teaching and learning with an emphasis on the scientist-practitioner model and 'educating the whole person' approach (personally, professionally and academically).

Throughout the course you will develop the practical and academic skills needed to become a confident, professional and reflective forensic & investigative psychology practitioner. This applied approach to learning, combined with specialist teaching from a range of professionals and academics from the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences will enhance your learning experience and support your development of transferable and practical forensic and investigative psychological skills.

This course is designed for psychology graduates working in or intending to work in forensic settings (e.g. probation services, victim support services, prisons, forensic psychologist in training) and wishing to pursue specialised training in forensic and/or investigative psychology.

We also provide you with opportunities to study and/or attend events alongside other MSc students, thereby enhancing your exposure to a diverse range of students and professionals.

Furthermore, you will be able to access the Salomons library, which is one of the best bespoke clinical psychology libraries in the country, with a specific forensic section.

Forensic & Investigative Psychology is a discipline that involves the application of scientific theory and principles to help in the understanding, investigation, assessment, treatment of offenders and criminality, and legal responses to criminality.

By studying with us, you will develop core psychological knowledge and skills in forensic and investigative research and psychological enquiry and develop your awareness of ‘best practice’ approaches in accordance with professional practice frameworks (e.g. British Psychological Society (BPS) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)), thus making you highly attractive to wide range of future potential employers (e.g. probation services, prison service, police, forensic secure units, National Health Service (NHS), third sector agencies).

https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/msc-forensic-and-investigative-psychology?year=september-2026&modeRef=0#courseModules