Overview
Explore how psychological knowledge informs criminal investigations and forensic practice, and help to understand offending behaviour on this BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology degree, accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
While a psychology degree covers the mind and behaviour in a wider sense, studying forensic psychology means focusing on the way people think, act and feel in relation to crime and legal issues.
What you'll experience
On this BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology degree course, you’ll:
- Put your investigative techniques to the test in our Forensic Interviewing Suite, which features thermal imaging cameras, eye tracking and virtual reality (VR) technology and advanced digital and video analysis
- Use our motion capture studios, which feature the latest Vicon optical system, to explore the mechanics and perception of human movement
- Have the chance to study abroad or take part in a year-long work placement, boosting your employability prospects after the course
- Learn from forensic psychology practitioners involved in the International Centre for Research in Forensic Psychology, the largest academic research centre for forensic psychology in the UK
- Become eligible to apply for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society (with a 2:2 or higher) – an essential first step to becoming a professional forensic psychologist
Work experience and career planning
Placement year
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the field. A placement year gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you stand out to employers after the course.
You can work for a company or organisation here in the UK or overseas, or you could go independent by setting up and running your own business with other students.
Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.
Potential prison placements
Previous students have completed work placements in medium secure units, youth offending teams and prisons, including:
- HMP Bronzefield
- HMP Ford
- HMP Winchester
Potential placement destinations
Other students have taken placement roles in organisations including:
- Broadmoor High Security Hospital
- Hampshire Constabulary Student Watch
- Catch 22 - a not-for-profit business involved in offender management, rehabilitation and victim services
- Motiv8 - a charity working for safer communities for young people and their families
Study abroad
You’ll also have the chance to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe or Asia, which is a fantastic opportunity to explore a new destination and experience the world as an international student.
Many of our students describe their time spent studying overseas as truly life-changing, as well as an excellent way to stand out to future employers.
Module details
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, in the first 2 years, you'll study 6 modules, each worth 20 credits. In the final year of your degree, you'll study 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Programme assessment
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- tutorial groups
- practical lab and studio sessions
There’s a priority on integrating research into all of our teaching. This ensures you'll learn about the most important and current issues in forensic psychology that effect real-life practice.
You’ll be assessed through:
- written examinations
- practical reports and essays
- poster presentations
- oral presentations
- self-led research project
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
The way you’re assessed may depend on the modules you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:
- Year 1 students: 25% by written exams, 22% by practical exams and 53% by coursework
- Year 2 students: 38% by written exams, 8% by practical exams and 54% by coursework
- Year 3 students: 33% by written exams, 13% by practical exams and 54% by coursework
Student destinations
Forensic psychology is the study of the mind as it relates to legal issues, investigations and criminal behaviour. It includes everything from the moment a crime is committed (before an arrest) through to a criminal investigation and the following legal proceedings, to the monitoring, rehabilitation and release of an offender back into the community.
On this BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology, you'll gain hands-on experience conducting research on forensic topics with developments at the forefront of psychological science. You’ll explore the patterns and behaviours of offenders and victims, build skills in gathering and analysing forensic data, and learn how to present your findings.
When you complete the course with a 2:2 or higher, you'll be eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS), which is an essential first step to becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist. To become Chartered, you'll also need to do further academic training for up to 5 years, including an MSc Forensic Psychology.
As a Chartered Forensic Psychologist, you'll be ready for a career in HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), within the NHS (such as in rehabilitation units and secure hospitals), or within social services, including the police service, young offenders units and the probation service.
What areas can you work in with a forensic psychology degree?
Many graduates go on to do an MSc in Forensic Psychology after the course. You could also start a career in areas such as:
- teaching
- health associated professions
- social welfare
- police work
- probation service
- research
Roles our previous graduates have gone on to include:
- clinical psychologist
- forensic psychologist
- educational psychologist
- counsellor
- health planning analyst
They've taken roles in the following organisations:
- National Probation Service
- Ministry of Defence
- North East London NHS Foundation Trust
