Program Overview

Forensic Psychology Practice Doctorate ForenPsyD

The Forensic Psychology Practice Doctorate is a unique program that integrates formal academic teaching with supervised forensic practice. This three-year full-time or four-year part-time course is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to expertly analyze offending behavior and its impact on victims.

Course Overview

The course is structured to integrate formal academic teaching with supervised forensic practice across three years (full-time) or four years (part-time). Students will undertake a total of three 120-day forensic practice placements across the course. For full-time trainees, these are sourced and arranged by the course’s placement team. For part-time trainees, this will be their place of work (subject to confirmation by course staff that the placement setting will meet the requirements stipulated by the BPS for Stage 2 supervised practice).

Course Structure

• The course is divided into three years, with each year focusing on different aspects of forensic psychology.
  • Year 1: Students will attend weekly teaching (every Thursday between October and May) at the University during term time, as well as three lots of block teaching (September, November, & January).
  • Year 2: Students will continue to develop their knowledge and skills in forensic psychology, with a focus on research and practice.
  • Year 3: Students will complete their doctoral-level research project and finalize their training in forensic psychology.

Course Highlights

• The Forensic Psychology Doctorate was the first of its kind in the UK and is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as conferring eligibility to apply for registration on completion.
• The course is unique in that it integrates both practice and academic teaching throughout the duration.
• Applying theory to practice is a key focus on the course, with an emphasis on an evidence-based approach to forensic practice, fully integrating issues of diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Teaching Staff

• Dr. Caroline Oliver: Director of the Forensic Psychology Postgraduate Programmes and a BPS Chartered Psychologist and HCPC Registered Forensic Psychologist.
• Dr. Zoe Stephenson: Associate Professor in Forensic Psychology, with research focusing on risk factors for offending, the process of behavioral change, alternatives to manualized rehabilitation programs, and oral assessment in university students.
• Dr. Melissa Colloff: Associate Professor in Forensic Psychology, conducting research on applied memory and cognition.
• Dr. Artur Brzozowski: Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, with primary research interests focused on the underlying mechanisms of aggressive behavior and self-regulatory mechanisms.

Research Themes

The Forensic Psychology Doctorate focuses on encouraging students to undertake research projects that address contemporary issues and challenges in the field of forensic psychology. Some of the current research areas on the course include:

• Eye-witness testimony/applied memory research
• Child sexual abuse and non-offending guardians
• Prison officer wellbeing
• Adverse childhood experiences
• Policing and investigation of violent crime

Entry Requirements

• A good Honours degree (2:1 or above) in Psychology that confers the GBC (Graduate Basis for Chartership) with the BPS (British Psychological Society).
• Relevant forensic experience, ideally as an assistant psychologist.
• Completion of an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before attending any placement.

Fees and Scholarships

• The tuition fee for the course is £13,500 (full-time).
• A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants.

Application Process

• Applications for 2026 entry will open on 1st December 2025 and will close on Friday 27th February 2026.
• Interviews will take place on the 30th March, 31st March, and 1st April 2026.
• Approximately 30 short-listed candidates are invited to interview, with experts by experience and course staff involved in the interview process.

Career Opportunities

• The course boasts an impressive post-training employment record, with most trainees being offered employment by their placement setting in their final year.
• At the end of the course, students will be eligible to apply for chartered status with the BPS and to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Forensic Psychologist.
• The course will equip students to work for employers such as the NHS, HMPPS, third sector, and private organizations, as a Registered Forensic Psychologist.