BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology

Our exciting and highly stimulating Forensic Psychology course will equip you for a future career in various roles within the wider criminal justice system.  The course is not solely focussing on individuals and the reasons behind the crime but also examines how the various social and psychological factors have an impact on lives and, in turn, offending behavior. Building from the broad grounding we’ll give you in basic psychology, you’ll specialize in evaluating the dynamic interplay between psychological and social factors that might affect offending behavior, consider the evidence base in the area alongside individual pathways and lived experience. You will also develop a deeper understanding of the processes involved in the Criminal Justice System. A degree in forensic psychology will help you build a career in organizations such as the Prison Service, the Probation, Youth Offending teams, substance use, and secure mental health services.

Year 1

• Thinking Like a Psychologist (Mental Wealth) (Core)
• Introduction to Biological and Social Psychology and Individual Differences (Core)
• Introduction to Cognitive and Developmental Psychology (Core)
• Psychology in Applied Contexts (Core)
• Researching with Small Samples (Core)
• Researching with Larger Samples (Core)

Year 2

• Individual Differences and Diversity (Mental Wealth) (Core)
• Psychological Research Methods (Core)
• Topics in Developmental and Cognitive Psychology (Core)
• Applications of Psychobiological and Social Psychology (Core)
• Work-Based Learning in Psychology (Core)
• The Psychology of Sleep and Dreaming (Optional)
• Research Skills in Cognitive Neuroscience (Optional)
• Introduction to Forensic Psychology (Optional)
• Psychology, Identity, and Society (Optional)
• Developmental Difficulties and Differences (Optional)
• Clinical and Community Psychology (Optional)

Year 3

Core

• Psychology and Social Engagement (Mental Wealth)
• Forensic Psychology Research Project
• The Psychology of Mental Health
• Advanced Forensic Psychology

Option

• Drugs and Addictive Behaviour
• Cyberpsychology
• Psychology
• Advanced Developmental Psychology
• Psychology of Choice
• Cognitive Neuropsychology
• Psychology of Belief
• Psychology of Emotion
• Occupational Psychology
• Counseling Psychology

Employability

The fantastic thing about a psychology degree is that as well as going into professional psychology – the skills and knowledge it gives you means you can work practically anywhere. Our degree and teaching will give you the skills and experience in data management, data analysis, report writing, and critical and creative thinking. These are all skills that are now in the top 10 of modern employer’s requirements for graduates – so the fact you will have these skills and experience means you’re a step ahead and well placed for graduate employment. The forensic psychology program will provide additional skills required for you to progress in this area. Many of our graduates are involved in research or practice in secure settings, forensic mental health services, victim support, and various services that address the needs of populations involved within the criminal justice system such as substance use, sexual offending, domestic violence, and knife crime.