Program Overview

Forensic Psychology Practice Postgraduate Diploma

Overview

The Forensic Psychology Practice Postgraduate Diploma is a unique online program that combines online teaching with practice-based learning and independent study. This program is designed for individuals who hold a British Psychological Society (BPS) recognized postgraduate degree in Forensic Psychology (or similar) that confers Stage 1 eligibility.

Study Options

• Full-time: 2 years
• UK fee: £6,300 (2024/25)
• International fee: £6,300 (2024/25)
• Start dates: September, January, May
• Location: Online

Highlights

• This online program, coupled with 360 days of practice experience within a forensic setting, confers eligibility to apply for Health Care Profession Council (HCPC) registration, to become a registered forensic psychologist.
• All teaching will take place online around your work and other commitments.
• You will still be able to interact and share insights with tutors and other students, through digital cafés and forums.
• You will also receive regular support throughout the program, including through your Clinical Supervisor and your Academic Supervisor, both of whom will be HCPC Registered Forensic Psychologists.

The Final Stage of Your Forensic Psychology Training

This program is unique in that it combines online teaching with practice-based learning and independent study. Once you successfully complete the program, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and, if this is granted, you will be able to practice as a forensic psychologist in the UK.

Supervision

• We will provide you with an Academic Supervisor who will help you meet the academic requirements of the program and support you to apply the academic learning to your practice setting. They will be a HCPC registered Forensic Psychologist.
• You will also need a Clinical Supervisor , who will be based within your workplace or placement setting. They will be a HCPC registered Forensic Psychologist, with at least two years’ experience post-qualification.

Expert Tutors and Strong Industry Links

• You will be taught by a team of enthusiastic and experienced lecturers who are experts in their fields, including chartered psychologists and registered forensic psychologists.
• Our staff are involved in internationally renowned research that is helping to shape understanding and practice across the criminal justice sector.

What You Will Study

• You will need to complete six core 10-credit modules and the two 30-credit modules.
• You can view the study plan for this online course.

Core Modules

• Applied Critical Thinking and Self Reflection
• Consultancy in Forensic Psychology
• Forensic Settings and Rehabilitative Interventions: Short Version
• Teaching and Training Others
• Professional Practice Portfolio
• Professional Practice and Professional Ethical Standards
• Research, Ethical Considerations and Dissemination
• Forensic Case Formulation and Risk Assessment: Short Version

How You Will Learn

• Whilst this is a professional program, it is delivered entirely online so you can study this course virtually, from any location and have the flexibility to fit your studies around your work.
• You will engage in all course materials and live sessions through our virtual learning environment, which is easy to use and offers a highly interactive study experience.

Professional Practice

• You will be required to undertake and evidence a total of 360 days of supervised practice-based work experience to develop competencies in four key areas:
  • Research: 90 days
  • Conducting psychological applications and interventions: 90 days
  • Communicating psychological knowledge and advice to other professionals: 90 days
  • Training other professionals in psychological skills and knowledge: 90 days

Support for Your Learning

• You will get plenty of support, so if you are new to online learning or haven’t studied for a while, you don’t need to worry.
• Alongside our expert academics and your Academic Supervisor, there will also be a team of online learning advisors who will help you with any non-academic queries.

Careers

• Completing this Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology Practice will enable you to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and, if granted, you will be able to practice as a forensic psychologist in the UK.
• The largest employers of registered forensic psychologists in the UK are Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and the National Health Service (NHS).

Entry Requirements

• All eligible applicants will be subject to an interview prior to admissions onto the course.
• Applicants must hold a British Psychological Society (BPS) recognised postgraduate degree in Forensic Psychology (or similar) that confers Stage 1 eligibility (e.g., an MSc Forensic Psychology)
• Applicants need to evidence they have secured a suitable practice placement.

Fees and Funding

• UK/EU fee: £6,300 (2024/25)
• International fee: £6,300 (2024/25)
• Breakdown of fees for academic year 24/25:
  • Cost per 10 credit module: £525
  • Cost per 30 credit module: £1,575
  • Modules: 8 (six 10-credit modules and two 30-credit modules)
  • Cost: £6,300

How to Apply

• To apply for this course, please note the below application deadlines:
  • Intake: May 2025
  • Application deadline: 21 March
• Entry to this course is assessed via a gathered field approach; we review all applications for each intake once the application deadline has passed.
• Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications.
• It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.