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

Edinburgh Napier University

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Overview:

Edinburgh Napier University is a modern university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is renowned for its student learning experience and its commitment to innovation and enterprise. The university boasts a diverse student body with over 20,000 students from over 140 countries.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Libraries and Heritage Collections:

Access to extensive library resources and heritage collections.

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options for students.

Student Life:

Opportunities for student engagement through clubs, societies, and events.

Funding:

Bursaries and scholarships to support students financially.

Career Services:

Guidance and support for career development and job searching.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students.

Online Study:

Flexible learning options through online courses.

Short Courses:

Opportunities for professional development through short courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Edinburgh Napier University provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including:

Clubs and Societies:

Joining clubs and societies related to their interests.

Events:

Attending university-organized events and social gatherings.

Sports:

Participating in sports teams and activities.

Student Union:

Engaging with the student union for representation and support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings:

Consistently ranked among the top modern universities in Scotland and the UK.

Student Satisfaction:

High student satisfaction rates, reflecting a positive learning environment.

Research Power:

Strong research output and impact, contributing to knowledge advancement.

International Focus:

Diverse student body and global partnerships, fostering a multicultural environment.

Career-Focused Education:

Programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers.

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Academic Programs:

Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting and Finance

Acting

Biological Sciences

Building and Surveying

Business and Management

Computing

Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology

Design, Photography, and Advertising

Engineering

English, Creative Writing, and Publishing

Film, Journalism, and Media

Health and Social Care

Law

Marketing

Music

Nursing and Midwifery

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Teaching

Tourism, Hospitality, Festival, and Events Management