Program Overview

---

Forensic Psychology, Crime Scene Evidence and Policing

Overview

This is a potential research degree area, subject to the approval of the University. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in this area, please contact PGRS Recruitment.

Abertay’s Division of Psychology and Forensic Sciences has a strong and active role in delivering research degrees, including those in partnership with the NHS, local education authorities, Police Scotland, and the business and digital technology communities.

Abertay is a member of the Scottish Graduate School for Social Sciences, and our psychology researchers collaborate across disciplines with colleagues from our other academic schools. Abertay has expertise in psychophysics and vision science; numeracy, language learning and processing; comparative and evolutionary psychology; forensic and investigative psychology; social psychology and self-other processing; laterality; cognitive neuroscience; and dance and movement perception.

Abertay’s psychology research environment is well resourced with nine dedicated staff, research labs and a suite of experimental cubicles. Laboratories are equipped with High-end PCs and appropriate software (E-prime, Superlab, N-Vivo, Paradigm, SPSS, Observer XT). Hardware of note includes an anechoic chamber, wall-mounted remote controlled CCTV cameras, SMI 3.0 Eye View eye-movement recorder, SMI Eye View X HED Eye-Tracker, GSR, EEG and tCDS, and the BioHarness Telemetry System. Our psychology researchers also have access to a virtual reality laboratory and other digital technologies through cross-school collaborations.

Our research programmes will prepare you for a career as a researcher and an academic, as well as a diverse range of professions outside of academia.

What does a research degree involve?

As a postgraduate research student, you will carry out an original, independent research and/or practice-based project, whilst being guided and supported by a team of expert academic supervisors. As you do this, you will benefit from an extensive programme of researcher development tailored to your background, needs and future ambitions. This will in turn help you develop the skills required to deliver research excellence.

Your progress will be monitored throughout the year and via an annual review. The final assessment is by examination of your submitted thesis and a viva voce (oral examination).

With the help of your supervisors, you will be encouraged to publish your research during and after your studies.

Our research degrees

You have the option of studying an MSc by Research, an MPhil or a PhD.

When deciding which degree is right for you, you should consider the level of commitment required, the duration, cost and your career aspirations.

That being said, our research degrees are flexible. You can begin an MSc by Research or an MPhil and then seek to transfer to a PhD without having to start your project all over again. You can also switch from full-time to part-time study, and vice versa.

MSc by Research

The award of Master of Science by Research (MSc by Research) demonstrates a practical ability to undertake research studies, a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or the application of original thought.

Duration

• Full-time: 12 months (minimum 10 months, maximum 14 months)
• Part-time: 24 months (minimum 20 months, maximum 28 months)

MPhil

The award of Master of Philosophy demonstrates a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or the application of original thought, much of which is at (or informed by) the forefront of your field of study or area of professional practice.

Duration

• Full-time: 24 months (minimum 12 months, maximum 48 months)
• Part-time: 48 months (minimum 24 months, maximum 72 months)

PhD

The award of the Doctor of Philosophy demonstrates that the main focus of your work is your personal contribution to knowledge in your discipline or field, through original research or the original application of existing knowledge.

Duration

• Full-time: 36 months (minimum 24 months, maximum 48 months)
• Part-time: 48 months (minimum 72 months, maximum 96 months)

Fees and funding

The fees you'll pay depend on factors such as your nationality, location and personal circumstances. See the links below and scroll down to find the Postgraduate section.

• Postgraduate student fees - Scottish Students
• Postgraduate student fees - UK Students (outside Scotland)
• Postgraduate student fees - International & EU Students

Your Application

1. Meet the academic entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for all our research degrees is an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) at undergraduate level in an appropriate discipline and/or a Master’s degree. Degree studies must include an independent research component evidenced in the degree transcript, such as dissertation, project, or thesis.

2. Meet the visa and English language requirements

• Visa requirements: If you're not from the European Economic Area (EEA) and/or Switzerland, you may need to apply for a visa.
• English language requirements: We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

3. Check Abertay researcher expertise

You can view academic researcher profiles by searching keywords, names or publications in the Staff Explorer, to ensure that we have appropriate expertise within Abertay to support your research proposal.

4. Secure funding

There are two different routes to studying a research degree at Abertay – you can apply for one of our funded studentships or propose your own area of research.

5. Write your research proposal

This is your opportunity to state your research objectives, to grab the reader’s attention and highlight your suitability for research degree study.

The proposal should be around 6-8 pages in length (including references) and follow the section headings below.

• Title
• Abstract (summary)
• Introduction/background
• Hypotheses, objectives or research question
• Proposed methodology
• How will you disseminate your findings (pathways to impact)
• Ethical considerations
• Summary and conclusions
• References
• About you: briefly describe your relevant experience and how it will help you achieve your objectives, explain why you are an excellent candidate for a research degree, and identify your additional professional development and training needs.

6. Apply online by the relevant deadline

You can start a research degree at Abertay in February, June or October of each year. You can apply to defer from one entry point to another on one occasion, however, subsequent requests must be supported by an additional full application.

Unless otherwise stated, the deadlines for submitting a full application are:

• Applications for February entry by 15 December (if you need a Tier 4 visa then the deadline is 30 November)
• Applications for June entry by 30 April (if you need a Tier 4 visa then the deadline is 31 March)
• Applications for October entry by 31 August (if you need a Tier 4 visa then the deadline is 31 July)