Program Overview

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MSc Applied Criminology & Forensic Psychology

Overview

Develop a deep insight into crime and what causes criminal behaviour by studying this uniquely practical and applied course.

Mode of Study:

• Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

• 1 year

Start date:

• Sep

Placement:

• Yes

Course details

You’ll develop a critical awareness of topics at the forefront of criminology and forensic psychology, as well as the contexts and theories that influence practice in these areas.

What you study

• Compulsory modules:
  • Practical Forensic Psychology
  • Current Topics in Crime
  • Criminal Justice in Practice
  • Advanced Research Skills
  • Dissertation
• Optional modules:
  • Evidence and Investigation
  • Understanding and Responding to Crime
  • Advanced Forensic Psychology
  • International and Comparative Criminology
  • Advice and Consultancy
  • Work Placement

Additional costs

• Students enrolling in the optional Work Placement module are expected to pay for travel costs

Lead academics and short bio

• Faye Skelton:
  • Completed PhD at Lancaster University
  • Worked for over ten years at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) before moving to Edinburgh Napier University in December 2014.
  • Research interests focused on face recognition.

How you’ll be taught

• This is a one year full-time course delivered over three trimesters.
• You’ll learn by a variety of teaching methods including face-to-face lectures, guest lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study.

Assessments

• You will be assessed by a range of applied coursework including policy briefings and reports, risk formulations, individual and group oral presentations, alongside more traditional assessments such as essays and the dissertation.

Work placement

• Through engaging in an optional work placement related to your course you will explore the concepts, debates, policies, initiatives, and funding related to the area in which you’re working.

Modules

• Advanced Forensic Psychology (PSY11103)
• Advanced Research Skills (PSY11102)
• Advice and Consultancy (PSY11108)
• Criminal Justice in Practice (SSC11110)
• Current Topics in Crime (SSC11111)
• Dissertation [40 Credits - 3 Trimesters] (SSC11125)
• Evidence and Investigation (PSY11104)
• International and Comparative Criminology (SSC11113)
• Practical Forensic Psychology (PSY11100)
• Understanding and Responding to Crime (SSC11124)
• Work Placement (PSY11101)

Entry requirements

• The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 (or equivalent) in a related subject.
• We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient relevant work experience within the industry.

English language

• If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

International students

• We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Fees & funding

• The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Students From | 2024/25 | 2025/26
• Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland | £7,280 | £7,650
• Overseas | £16,965 | £19,750

Careers

• By studying Applied Criminology & Forensic Psychology at Edinburgh Napier University, you will open the door to numerous and various career paths within the fields of criminal justice and psychology.

What can you do with a degree in Applied Criminology & Forensic Psychology?

• Case Officer
• Policy Officer
• Researcher

What does a Case Officer do?

• A Case Officer typically handles a variety of responsibilities related to the processing and management of legal cases within the court system.

What does a Policy Officer do?

• Policy Officers play a crucial role in shaping the direction and operations of an organisation by ensuring that policies align with its mission, goals, and legal obligations.

What does a Researcher do?

• Researchers or Research Officers are valuable to a wide range of agencies/organisations, designing and conducting research which underpins services and interventions as well as informing policy.