Forensic and Investigative Psychology (with a Placement Year)

If you’re interested in crime and investigation and want to explore how psychology can help us to understand criminal behaviour and justice system processes, this course provides an excellent basis for a career in forensic and investigative psychology related areas.

Throughout your studies you will focus on understanding the human mind and behaviour which will help you to explore why different people act the way they do. Your course-specific forensic and investigative psychology modules will study a range of crimes, their precursors and how these might be reflected in criminal behaviour, and how research can inform the investigative process, responses to victims, as well as procedures within the Criminal Justice System and offender rehabilitation. You will also have the opportunity to study option modules that not only look at specific topic areas within psychology, but also modules focused on crime, investigations and criminal justice from different perspectives (e.g., forensic investigation and criminology) that allow you to personalise your learning journey and give you the freedom to focus on what interests you.

We will prepare you for the world of work through our dedicated modules at every year of study that are focused on your personal development, career, and life planning which ensure that you are well prepared for careers in forensic and investigative psychology and a variety of other areas or for postgraduate study. You’ll also get the chance to complete a work placement as part of your studies, which is your opportunity to get real-world experiences in a professional sector, such as the prison service, victim support, offender community support and more.

Taught from our multi-million-pound Science Centre, our facilities include cognitive research cubicles, an observation room, psychology and IT labs, VR equipment and psychophysiological equipment as well as access to simulation suites at the University. You’ll complete group and individual projects, develop your presentation skills and, in specific modules, use techniques such as real-life case study analysis and statement transcript analysis. What’s more, during the course you will get the opportunity to enrich your learning with digital development opportunities and begin to make networks with like-minded students and inspirational guest lectures.