Program Overview

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MSc Applied Criminology & Forensic Psychology

Overview

Studying applied criminology and forensic psychology at postgraduate level will allow you to develop a range of enquiring, analytical and practical skills benefitting you as a practitioner or researcher.

Mode of Study:

• Part-time (available as Full-time)

Duration:

• 2 years

Start date:

• Sep

Placement:

• Yes

Study Abroad:

• 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 part-time course with flexibility in the number of taught modules taken in each trimester.
• The dissertation runs over one trimester.
• 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.
• The Work Placement module is flexible.
• We have programme-sourced placements with a wide variety of organisations, however it is also possible to find your own placement or to use your existing work as long a the placement work is different to your usual role.

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 (e.g. social sciences, criminology, psychology, sociology, law, humanities, forensic nursing, policing).
• 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.
• Entry requirements by country

Admissions policies

• We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

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 Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-Taught modules: £970
  • Students from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-40credit Dissertation module: £490
  • Overseas and EU-Taught Modules: £2,262
  • Overseas and EU-Dissertation module: £1,131

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.
• Our Alumni have gone on to work with a range of organisations including Police Scotland, Scottish Prison Service, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies, third (voluntary) sector organisations such as Includem and Sacro, His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, and others have pursued careers in Academia.

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.
• Daily tasks and responsibilities in this role may include:
  • Supporting court proceedings
  • Documentation and system management
  • Case management
  • Conflict resolution

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.
• Daily tasks and responsibilities in this role may include:
  • Presenting ideas and gathering feedback
  • Problem-solving
  • Policy research, development, and analysis
  • Stakeholder engagement and relationship development

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.
• Daily tasks and responsibilities in this role may include:
  • Designing and conducting research, including analysis
  • Consultation and engagement with stakeholders
  • Policy Analysis
  • Report writing