Program Overview

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MSc Forensic Psychology

The MSc Forensic Psychology focuses on case formulation and the applied aspects of forensic psychology, with an emphasis on working with different groups, including children/adolescents, violent or sexual offenders, and those with forensic mental health concerns.

Key Information

• Campus: Brayford Pool
• Start Date: September 2026
• Typical Offer: See More
• Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)

Course Overview

This programme has a clear focus on practice-based topics in forensic psychology. Students are able to conduct a research project alongside academics who are active researchers in their fields. Areas of expertise amongst staff include understanding deception and interviewing skills; investigative and courtroom processes; sexual fantasy and sexual offending; and online sexual exploitation material.

Why Choose Lincoln

• Continuing career support after your course finishes
• A focus on theoretical knowledge, understanding, and practical experience
• Teaching delivered by both academics and practitioners in Forensic Psychology
• Emphasis on the development of professional and research skills
• Complete a research project in a specialist area
• Both full-time and part-time options available

How You Study

Teaching will take the form of direct lectures, small group exercises, and workshop style activities. The programme is usually delivered on Monday and Tuesdays. Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars.

Modules

• Advanced Research Methods and Skills
• Forensic Child Psychology
• MSc Thesis (Forensic Psychology)
• Processes of Investigation and Justice
• Professional Practice and Risk
• Research Methods and Skills
• Understanding Criminal Behaviour
• Working with Client Groups

Module Overview

Each module has a specific focus, such as introducing students to advanced research methods, considering forensic issues and mental disorders in children, or exploring the psychological theories and research relevant to processes in the criminal justice system.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.

Research Areas

Academics across the School of Psychology have a diverse range of interests and many are members of research groups. The areas of interest within the School include:

• Personality disordered offenders
• Occupational stress in prisons
• Investigative procedures
• Courtroom procedures
• Physical violence and violent fantasy
• Sexual violence and sexual fantasy
• Sexual arousal and decision-making
• Sexual behaviour
• Compulsive and impulsive behaviour
• Gambling and criminality
• Addictions
• Homelessness and criminality

Facilities

The School of Psychology is situated within the Sarah Swift Building. The building houses specialist teaching and research spaces, as well as general teaching and learning facilities for the wider University.

British Psychological Society

This programme is accredited with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and for those with BPS Graduate Basis of Chartership (GBC), acts as Stage 1 training towards becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist.

How You Are Assessed

Assessment methods vary for each module and could include coursework (such as a dissertation or essay), written exams, case studies, group work, or presentations.

Career Development

Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. Graduates of this programme may pursue careers in many different forensic settings and roles.

Entry Requirements

• First or upper second class honours degree in psychology.
• To use the MSc in Forensic Psychology as Stage 1 in the route towards becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist, an essential pre-requisite is that you must be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society.
• Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.

Interviews

Students that apply for the programme will, alongside their application, be required to submit a personal statement and an academic reference. All students who meet the entry requirements will be shortlisted based upon their personal statement and academic reference. Shortlisted applicants will be called for interview.

Course Fees

The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from ｣1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees.

Funding Your Study

Postgraduate Funding Options: Find out more about the options available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.