Forensic Psychology (Taught)

Supporting the requirements of the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology, this course develops a systematic understanding and critical awareness of current issues in the field while exploring core areas such as criminal, investigative and legal psychology; victimology; and forensic assessments and interventions. You gain new insights into the theory and practice of forensic psychology as well as a high level of knowledge of advanced research methods, allowing you to perform complex data analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis.

Note on entry requirements
Applicants need one of the following:
BSc or BA in Psychology with a 2.2 or above
BSc or BA in a closely related discipline (such as health, social or community care) with a 2.2 or above and/or relevant work experience
You are not required to hold Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS) to apply for this MSc.

The BPS require forensic psychologists to hold GBC. Therefore, if you wish to become a forensic psychologist in future and do not have GBC, upon completing this course you will need to undertake a BPS-accredited MSc conversion course to gain GBC.

Course accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). It covers knowledge and key skills relevant to forensic psychology as described by the accreditation standards (BPS, 2019), giving you Stage 1 training towards becoming a registered psychologist.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Access to specialist, industry-standard psychology laboratories and computing environments including a biological and cognitive psychology lab; cognitive neuropsychology lab; VR lab; and a suite of research cubicles with a range of specialist equipment.

• Up-to-the-minute technology, such as a driving simulator to test hazard perception; eye-tracking software; a physiological data-acquisition system; EEG recording equipment; and KAT Walk omnidirectional VR slide mills, plus an extensive range of psychometric instruments.

Industry links
We have links with a range of organisations who have provided training for our MSc students in recent years. These have included Bedfordshire Police; the probation service; victim support; and forensic psychologists from HMPPS.

Student experience
This course equips you with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the discipline alongside core skills, supporting you in progressing to your Stage 2 training where you can develop your practice to become a registered forensic psychologist.
Our staff’s research and practice expertise directly informs their teaching, creating a focus on the real-life application of psychology.
Build your skills working on cutting-edge research projects with our academic staff, through your dissertation research project.
Gain first-hand experience of psychology in action through course contributions from specialist speakers.
Benefit from field trips to relevant locations such as observing real-life court cases from the public gallery at Luton Crown Court.