The Doctor of Psychology in Forensic Psychology (DPsych in Forensic Psychology) is a research-based professional doctoral course for practicing forensic psychologists and aims to develop reflective researching practitioners.
This DPsych in Forensic Psychology is a two and a half year part-time research-based programme which allows experienced practicing forensic psychologists the opportunity to further develop their knowledge, understanding, skills, qualities and attributes in a specialist area of forensic psychology. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to engage in a process of continuous reflection on yourself, your practice and your research, which will ensure that you develop as a reflective researching practitioner.
How you're taught
Teaching and Learning
There are no mandatory teaching elements in the course but there will be optional DPsych research workshops provided. These workshops will combine teaching with practical application and consideration of your own research and will enhance and support your learning. Although the workshops and additional training are optional, if placed within your Individual Learning Plan (ILP), you will be expected to attend the workshop during your registration on the course.
Throughout the course you will be supervised by a minimum of two expert supervisors who will be chartered forensic psychologists or experienced forensic academic staff members. Your supervisors will provide academic supervision across the course modules and assessments.
You will be directed to appropriate websites, specialist texts and primary literature by your supervisors and workshop lecturers. You will undertake extensive independent studies without direction from staff as part of your independent learning time. This will involve independent reading in the appropriate topic areas and undertaking applied research projects.
The course team are actively engaged in practice informed applied research and many are members of NTU's Sexual Offences, Crime and Misconduct Research Unit (SOCAMRU).
Psychology at NTU has an established international research reputation and is one of the top risers in the REF 2014 research rankings. The 2014 Assessment also showed:
- 60% of our research outputs were considered to be internationally excellent or world leading in REF 2014
- 100% of our research impact is internationally excellent with 73% described as world leading
- our research impact and output is the highest of any UK psychology department with an equivalent research environment.
Find out more about the SOCAMRU impact case study submitted in REF 2014.
Assessment methods
The DPsych utilises a variety of methods of assessment to capture the researching practitioner focus on the course. The assessments include research projects, a structured evaluation report and a reflective commentary. The thesis portfolio assessment is completed through a Viva Voce examination.
The indicative content of the thesis portfolio may include:
- a structured evaluation of a contemporary topic in forensic psychology
- a disseration based on primary research
- an individual Learning Plan and reflections on progress.
During the course you will be provided with feedback on progress from supervisors, through annual reviews including feedback from an independent staff member.
Course induction
As part of the course induction you will meet your course leader, other members if the cohort and a range of teaching staff. You will also be provided with a course handbook which will include a range of information about studying at NTU.
Careers and employability
Facilities
As a psychology student you will benefit from our dedicated learning environment. We have specialist research laboratories including eye trackers, motion capture labs and an £80,000 EEG system. These facilities support staff research as well as student projects in the exciting areas of human cognition, behavioural neuroscience, human interaction and communication, and human development.
You will also have easy access to fantastic facilities in the Chaucer and Taylor buildings including:
- Lecture theatres and teaching classrooms;
- Open access PCs and secure wireless points;
- Study areas and social spaces;
- Chaucer cafe serving drinks and light snacks;
- Our brand new School of Social Sciences reception, providing you with easy access to our helpful and friendly support staff.
