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Psychology (Forensic and Investigative Specialism) (Including a Foundation Year)

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 05/10/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Chester

Course summary

Are you fascinated by the intersection of psychology and the criminal justice system? Our Psychology (Forensic and Investigative Specialism) degree provides an insight into the world of crime and criminality, criminal investigation and profiling, alongside the British Psychological Society (BPS) core curriculum. With a focus on applying psychological principles to real-world cases, you'll gain a unique perspective on criminal behaviour and the justice system.

The University of Chester’s Psychology (Forensic and Investigative Specialism) degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). As such, you can achieve the Graduate Basis for Chartership of this professional body. Our dedicated team, comprised of experienced academics and practitioners, provides expert guidance and support. Our facilities, including labs equipped with eye trackers, Dynavision, biopacs, cold pressor, VR technology and FaceGen software, offer a hands-on learning experience.

You'll have the opportunity to engage in specialised project work, learn from guest speakers and gain practical experience through hands-on modules. You can join our student-led Psychology society for social and academic events and explore study abroad options to broaden your horizons and pursue areas of study of your choice. You'll be well-prepared for a rewarding career in law enforcement, criminal profiling, rehabilitation or research.

Modules

For the latest example of curriculum availability on this degree programme please refer to the University of Chester's Website.

Assessment method

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that students are exposed to the different types of task they might encounter in the workplace. Assessment methods may include essays, research reports, reflective reports, presentations and multiple choice examinations. Other assessments such as case studies, portfolios and blogs allow students to demonstrate their competencies in these areas and to develop their skills in writing for both academic and non-academic audiences.

Professional bodies

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

  • British Psychological Society

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

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

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
C817
Institution code:
C55
Campus name:
Chester
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 72 points

A level

72 points overall, including grade D in A Level

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMP - MPP

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall

Scottish Higher - CCDD

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H4, H4, H4, H4, H4

T Level - P

T Level with a Pass grade and D or E on the core

A GCSE grade C/4 (or above) in Mathematics and English is required.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.
If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

The University of Chester is committed to supporting and encouraging students from a wide range of backgrounds and our Admissions policy forms part of our commitment to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed have the opportunity to do so. We recognise that not all students have access to the same levels of education, support, and guidance, therefore, when making admissions decision, we consider a wide range of factors to identify merit, rather than academic attainment alone.

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

55 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

85 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

University of Chester is currently reviewing the Foundation Year fees due to the new Government legislation on university tuition fees.

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