| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Forensic Psychology MSc
Overview
This MSc Forensic Psychology is a Stage 1 qualification for people who aspire to work as forensic psychologists in the UK. It is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is valuable for other job roles, such as in the prison and probation service, secure units, hospitals, mental health services, or the police.
Study Options
- Part-time: 2-3 years
- UK fee: £9,720 (2025/26)
- International fee: £9,720 (2025/26)
- Start date: September
- Location: Online
Course Description
This postgraduate degree is for students holding a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in Psychology, Forensic Psychology, or similar. It will equip you with the academic knowledge and skills you need to work within a forensic context.
What You Will Study
To complete the programme, you must acquire 180 credits. You will need to complete six core 20 credit modules and the Empirical Research Project which is a core 60 credit module.
Core Modules
- Forensic Risk Assessment and Case Formulation
- The Criminal Justice Context of Forensic Psychology
- Advanced Psychological Research Methods in Context
- Clinical and Professional Skills for Practitioner Psychologists
- The Psychology of the Offender and the Victim
- Forensic Settings and Rehabilitative Interventions
How You Will Learn
This course is delivered entirely online, so you can study from anywhere in the world and fit your studies around your existing work or personal commitments. We use a Virtual Learning Environment to deliver this course, which offers you a highly interactive experience.
You will learn through:
- Weekly live sessions delivered by a module tutor
- Pre-recorded videos delivered by members of the academic team
- Dynamic Microsoft Teams spaces
- Guest lectures delivered by industry specialists or alumni
- Your own online study and research
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. You will be taught by our expert academics, who bring a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge to enrich your learning. There will also be Personal Academic Tutors to support your academic and professional development, and a team of online learning advisors who will help you with any non-academic queries.
Assessments
This course is assessed through 100% coursework and all assessments are completed individually. Assessments are applied in nature, and include a range of methods such as essays, oral presentations, case studies, intervention reports, and research project report(s).
Careers
When you have completed this masters degree, you can complete your final stage training to become a registered forensic psychologist through our HCPC approved online PG Diploma in Forensic Psychology Practice (a Stage 2 qualification).
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). However, forensic psychologists can also work in rehabilitation units, private secure hospitals, social services, the police, local and central government, and academia.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to have a British Psychological Society (BPS) recognised undergraduate degree (minimum 2.1) in Psychology (or equivalent) that confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the Society.
Fees and Funding
- Per 20 credits: £1,080
- Modules: 7 (six 20 credit modules and one 60 credit module)
- Cost: £9,720
Other Courses You Might Like
- Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons) (online)
- Forensic Psychology MSc
- Psychology MSc (online)
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This MSc Forensic Psychology is a postgraduate degree designed for students holding a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in Psychology, Forensic Psychology, or similar. It aims to equip students with the academic knowledge and skills necessary to work within a forensic context. The program is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and serves as a Stage 1 qualification for aspiring forensic psychologists in the UK. It is also valuable for other job roles, such as those in the prison and probation service, secure units, hospitals, mental health services, or the police.
Outline:
The program requires students to acquire 180 credits. This involves completing six core 20-credit modules and the Empirical Research Project, a core 60-credit module.
Core Modules:
- Forensic Risk Assessment and Case Formulation: This module focuses on two key elements: Forensic Risk Assessment and Formulation. It also provides an overview of forensic risk assessment practice within the criminal justice system, covering the development of risk assessment tools, their strengths and limitations, and the importance of risk assessment in offender rehabilitation.
- Advanced Psychological Research Methods in Context: This module focuses on advanced psychological research methods, equipping students with the skills to design, conduct, and analyze research relevant to forensic psychology.
Empirical Research Project:
The final assessment is the 60-credit Empirical Research Project. Students conduct a supervised empirical research project, developing project management skills and taking responsibility for managing their project from conception to dissemination. This includes preparing findings for publication in a journal article manuscript and a conference poster.
Assessment:
The program is assessed through 100% coursework, with all assessments completed individually. Assessments are applied in nature and include a range of methods such as essays, oral presentations, case studies, intervention reports, and research project reports. They are designed to ensure students meet the learning outcomes of the course while supporting the development of their professional and employability skills.
Teaching:
The course is delivered entirely online, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world and fit their studies around existing commitments. The Virtual Learning Environment provides a highly interactive experience.
Teaching Methods:
- Weekly live sessions delivered by module tutors, fostering collaboration with tutors and fellow students.
- Dynamic Microsoft Teams spaces for discussions on specific topics.
- Guest lectures by industry specialists or alumni, providing current insights.
- Independent online study and research.
Support:
Careers:
Upon completion of the MSc, students can pursue further training to become a registered forensic psychologist through the HCPC-approved online PG Diploma in Forensic Psychology Practice (a Stage 2 qualification).
Potential Career Paths:
- Registered Forensic Psychologist
- Offender Manager (prison or probation)
- Roles with youth justice boards and youth offending teams
- Offending behaviour programme facilitator
- Social researcher in central or local government
- Policymaker within the criminal justice system
- Criminal intelligence analyst
- Behavioural support mentor in a school
- Mental health recovery worker
- Therapy coordinator
Other:
- The program offers a course taster to provide a glimpse into the online learning experience.
- Students have the opportunity to present their posters at the annual ERP conference.
- Personal Development Planning (PDP) is incorporated into the course, enabling students to reflect on their learning, performance, and career development.
- The University of Derby's Careers and Employment Service provides support to students during their studies and for three years after graduation.
Starting between September 2024 and August 2025. Per 20 credits UK/EU/International Per 20 credits£1,050 Modules7 (six 20 credit modules and one 60 credit module) Cost£9,450
