Forensic Psychology

Program Overview

Forensic Psychology

BSc (Hons)

Overview

Study a combination of accredited Psychology modules and tailored forensic topics on this Forensic Psychology degree.

Accreditation

This course has been accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This provides Graduate Basis for Registration with the BPS to gain Chartered Psychologist status, provided you achieve a 2.2 overall and pass the final year dissertation.

What does this mean?

• This accreditation ensures graduates meet specific learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical skills, and transferable abilities.
• Gaining Graduate Basis for Registration is the first step towards entry into accredited postgraduate and doctoral programmes and is essential to becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

What you'll learn

Overview

During this Forensic Psychology degree, you'll study people and their motivations, within a biopsychosocial context. You'll learn to design, run, analyse and report an investigative study. You'll also learn critical thinking skills and how to use software specific to the Psychologist.

Course structure

This course is a structured combination of modules from our core Psychology and Criminology courses, along with specialised Forensic Psychology modules.

Year one (Level 4) modules

• Introduction to Psychology (BPS)
• Research Methods in Psychology 1 (BPS)
• Individual Differences - Personality and Intelligence (BPS)
• Introduction to Criminal and Forensic Psychology
• Crime and Disorder in Everyday Life
• Debates in Psychological and Critical Thinking

Year two (Level 5) modules

• Research Methods in Psychology 2 (BPS)
• Cognitive and Developmental Psychology (BPS)
• Biological and Social Psychology (BPS)
• The Psychology of Criminal Investigations
• Criminal Justice: Theory, Policy and Practice
• Psychology and Social Justice
• Clinical Psychology
• Work Placement
• Health: Mind, Body, Society
• Science and Journalism Publishing
• Professional Placement Year

Year three (Level 6) modules

• Dissertation (BPS)
• Contemporary Application of Psychological Science (BPS)
• Advanced Contemporary Topics in Forensic Psychology
• Forensic Mental Health
• Environmental Psychology and Climate Change
• Human Memory
• Psychology of Gender
• Cyberpsychology: Video Games and Social Media
• Psychology of Ageing
• Sexual Health Psychology

Opportunities

Work placements, industry links and internships

Our students have access to corporate-sponsored internship and placement opportunities. These offer experience in areas such as marketing, multimedia and product design, filming and editing, business management, HR, customer services, research and analysis, project management and events.

Research Certificate Scheme

The Research Certificate Scheme aims to connect students with an interest in participating in the research process beyond their research methods/dissertation studies with researchers in the School of Sciences to offer students ‘research experience’ and give them a ‘flavour’ of the different activities that researchers perform.

Facilities and resources

Where the subject is taught

BSc Forensic Psychology is taught at our Newton Park campus.

Resources and specialist software

Teaching resources includes access to psychology-specific journal articles through PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES, as well as EBSCO (online access to over 400 Psychology-related journals).

Laboratory spaces

You will have access to our newly refurbished Psychology laboratory spaces, equipped with specialist equipment for dissertations, staff research, and relevant modules.

Fees

2025 entry

• UK full time: £9,535
• UK part time: £4,768
• International full time: £17,670

Professional Placement Year

During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee.

• UK: £1,905
• International: £3,534

Entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:

• A Level - grades BBB-BCC preferred. If studying Psychology, then a Grade B or higher is required. If Psychology is not an option at your school or college, then another A Level subject will be accepted, but a keen interest in psychology will need to be described in your personal statement.
• BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) in a related subject. Applicants will need to show a keen interest in psychology in the personal statement.
• T Levels – grade Merit preferred in a relevant subject.
• International Baccalaureate - a minimum of 32 points are required. Applicants will need to show a keen interest in psychology in the personal statement.
• Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher). Applicants will need to show a keen interest in psychology in the personal statement.

Related courses

• Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Business Psychology
• Criminology and Psychology

Key facts

• Award: BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology
• School/s: School of Sciences
• Campus or location: Newton Park
• Course length: Three years full time, or four years with professional placement year. Part time available.
• UCAS codes: Institution Code: B20, Course Code: HH30 or HH31, Campus Code: A,BSU NA

Program Outline

Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons) - Bath Spa University

Degree Overview:

This Forensic Psychology degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and offers a comprehensive study of criminal behavior, focusing on individual motivations and consequences of crime. The program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of forensic psychology, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the field. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, communication, computing, numeracy, teamwork, and independent learning skills, all highly valued by employers. It also offers work placement opportunities to enhance practical experience.

Outline:

• Research Methods in Psychology 1 (BPS): This module focuses on the scientific methods used in psychological research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Individual Differences - Personality and Intelligence (BPS): This module explores individual differences in personality and intelligence, examining various theories and assessment methods.
• Crime and Disorder in Everyday Life: This module examines the social and psychological factors contributing to crime and disorder in society.
• Debates in Psychological and Critical Thinking: This module develops critical thinking skills by engaging students in debates on various psychological topics.

Year Two (Level 5):

• Research Methods in Psychology 2 (BPS): This module builds upon the skills learned in Year One, focusing on advanced research methods and data analysis techniques.
• Cognitive and Developmental Psychology (BPS): This module explores cognitive processes and developmental changes throughout the lifespan, examining theories and research findings.
• Biological and Social Psychology (BPS): This module examines the biological and social influences on behavior, exploring topics such as genetics, neurobiology, and social cognition.
• Criminal Justice: Theory, Policy and Practice: This module examines the theoretical frameworks and practical applications of criminal justice systems, exploring issues such as sentencing, rehabilitation, and policing.
• Psychology and Social Justice: This module explores the intersection of psychology and social justice, examining issues such as discrimination, prejudice, and inequality.
• Clinical Psychology: This module provides an introduction to clinical psychology, covering topics such as mental disorders, assessment, and treatment.
• Work Placement: This module offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in a relevant work setting, applying their knowledge and skills in a real-world context.
• Health: Mind, Body, Society: This module examines the relationship between health, psychology, and society, exploring topics such as stress, well-being, and health disparities.
• Science and Journalism Publishing: This module explores the principles and practices of science communication, focusing on writing and publishing scientific research for a wider audience.

Year Three (Level 6):

• Dissertation 1 - Design and Pre-registration (BPS): This module guides students through the process of designing and pre-registering their dissertation research project, ensuring ethical and methodological rigor.
• Forensic Dissertation - Research Report (BPS): This module focuses on the final stage of the dissertation process, requiring students to write a comprehensive research report based on their findings.
• Contemporary Application of Psychological Science (BPS): This module explores the latest developments and applications of psychological science in various fields, including forensic psychology.
• Advanced Contemporary Topics in Forensic Psychology: This module delves into advanced topics in forensic psychology, examining current research and debates in the field.
• Special Topics in Psychology: This module allows students to explore specific areas of psychology in greater depth, choosing from a range of specialized topics.
• Advanced Topics in Psychology: This module provides students with the opportunity to engage in advanced research and critical analysis of complex psychological issues.

Assessment:

Assessment methods for the Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons) program include:

• Essays: Written assignments that require students to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Debates: Group discussions where students engage in critical analysis and argumentation on specific topics.
• Case Studies: In-depth analyses of real-world scenarios, applying psychological principles to understand and address complex issues.
• Professional Reports: Written reports that require students to synthesize information, analyze data, and present findings in a professional format.
• Group Presentations: Collaborative presentations where students work together to communicate their research or analysis to an audience.
• Workbooks: Structured assignments that require students to complete specific tasks and demonstrate their understanding of key concepts.

Teaching:

The Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons) program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Formal presentations delivered by faculty members, providing students with a comprehensive overview of key concepts and theories.
• Seminars: Small-group discussions where students engage in critical analysis, debate, and application of course material.
• Workshops: Practical sessions where students develop specific skills, such as research methods, data analysis, or presentation techniques.
• Tutorials: One-on-one meetings with faculty members, providing students with personalized guidance and support.

Careers:

Graduates of the Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons) program are well-prepared for a range of careers in the field, including:

• Forensic Psychologist: This role involves applying psychological principles to understand and address criminal behavior, working in various settings such as prisons, courts, and police departments.
• Counselor: Many graduates pursue careers in counseling, providing therapeutic support to individuals and families.
• Clinical Psychologist: Some graduates continue their education to obtain a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, enabling them to work in clinical settings, providing assessment and treatment for mental health issues.
• Probation Officer: This role involves working with offenders in the community, providing supervision, support, and rehabilitation services.
• Management: The skills developed in the program, such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, are highly transferable to management roles in various industries.

Other:

• Global Citizenship: Full-time undergraduate students can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which provides an international dimension to their studies.
• Adobe Creative Campus: Bath Spa University is one of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, providing students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, enhancing their digital skills.
• Professional Placement Year: Students can choose to include a professional placement year in their program, gaining valuable work experience in a relevant field.
• Facilities and Resources: Students have access to a wide range of facilities and resources, including the Commons building, Newton Park library, Virtual Learning Environment, Bath Spa studios, digital facilities, and subject-specific databases and journals.
• Competitions and Awards: The program offers various prizes and awards to recognize academic achievements, effort, and excellence.

| Year | UK full time | UK part time | International full time | |---|---|---|---| | 2024 entry | £9,250 | £4,625 | £16,905 | Professional Placement Year During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. This applies to UK and EU/International students. UK: £1,850 International: £3,381