Forensic Psychology MSc
1 Year Full Time | September Start

The module is designed to give you a theoretical and practical knowledge of common and more advanced quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting and analysing data in psychology. A range of methods will be studied, and relevant hardware and software will be used in exercises. The communication of findings according to the most recent conventions and with due regard to the audience will be addressed. The approach is to provide a theoretical background for each technique, so that you are not simply capable of carrying out and reporting analyses, but also capable of reflecting critically on their appropriateness in psychological research and practice.

In this module, you will be able to independently conceptualise, plan and undertake a novel piece of research that contributes to psychological knowledge and understanding. You will critically evaluate current theories and evidence to generate your own research question. You will use the relevant ethical guidelines to design a feasible project plan. You will develop your independent research skills during this module and identify points of collaboration with supervisors, research staff and other potential stakeholders. You will use a variety of relevant skills, techniques, and research methods to implement your study and finally, you will have the opportunity to disseminate your findings in written form.

You will learn about some of the core tasks connected to practising as a forensic psychologist, including training, consultancy, policy development, supervision and expert witness work across a range of settings and with a range of client groups, through drawing upon the latest psychological research and theory. You will learn about the role of forensic psychologists in the private and public sectors and about the importance of self-care. You will also be taught skills in reflective practice and you will have the opportunity to learn about career progression as a forensic psychologist, including the different routes to qualification. This module will have a strong global focus – thus meeting the needs of our international students - by addressing variations in forensic practice throughout the world, for instance, by considering how ethical challenges may vary across different countries and cultures. You will be taught about the qualification routes in different countries/ continents, including Europe and Australasia. For example, you will learn about the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA) and its role in promoting multi and interculturalism in psychology, as well as workforce mobility across Europe and beyond. Lastly, you will be introduced to the benefits of BPS Membership.

Indicative topics may include:
• The work of forensic psychologists in a training and consultancy capacity in different settings - such as prisons and hospitals - across the public and private sector. This will include consideration of how psychologists evaluate the practice of organisations/ staff groups.
• The value of supervision and the role of forensic psychologists in providing and receiving supervision.
• How forensic psychologists play a role in the development, implementation and evaluation of policy in different settings.
• The routes to training as a forensic psychologist, as well as the importance of professional registration and how psychologists train in different settings, such as the prison service and NHS.
• How the role of forensic psychologists is shaped by ethical, legal and practical frameworks and specific considerations when working in private practice, as well as how such frameworks are applied when working with different client groups, such as young people.
• Multi-disciplinary working in forensic contexts and what role forensic psychologists play within a multi-disciplinary team (MDT).
• A focus on professional standards, including the HCPC Standards of Proficiency.
• The theory of reflective practice and how to develop skills in reflective practice.
• Practising as a forensic psychologist internationally.

This module meets the curriculum and core standards specified by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The assessment for this module will require you to draw upon psychological theory and research and to communicate effectively in an engaging and thought-provoking way. This will assist you in developing skills in professional communication.

You will learn how psychology has informed the development of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) in England and Wales and how individuals progress through from investigation to trial. You will also learn about the Civil Court System (CCS). Key concepts throughout each stage of the court system will be explored and critically evaluated, and the role of psychology and theoretical understanding will be applied to help develop knowledge. You will also have the opportunity to compare and contrast practices in England and Wales with others across the globe, therefore introducing you to international perspectives.

Indicative topics may include:
• Consideration of the overall structures of the CCS and CJS and of specific practices in different court-room settings including the criminal court and family court.
• How individuals enter the CJS and how vulnerability can be identified.
• The investigative practices for victims, eyewitnesses, and suspects with critical consideration of the role of psychology in eyewitness testimony and police interviewing.
• Consideration of multi-disciplinary working with Appropriate Adults, Registered Intermediaries, and other allied professionals and how they apply to different client groups, such as young people and those with mental health challenges.
• Relevant legislation and procedures including safeguarding and the client groups to which this applies.
• The trial process and the role of the expert witness in court. This will include teaching on the dissemination styles required from expert witnesses, such as how and why academic writing differs from expert/ professional reports.
• Similarities and differences in the English/ Welsh legal system when compared to other countries.

This module meets the curriculum and core standards specified by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The assessment for this module requires the application of theoretical and research knowledge in the critical consideration of a case study within the role of an expert witness. This is designed to help assist you in developing your communication skills and reflective practice.

You will learn how psychology has informed the development of assessment and treatment approaches in forensic psychology. You will initially be introduced to how risk is defined and why it is such an important concept in the discipline. You will also learn how risk assessment practice has evolved over time from first generation tools to the current fourth generation approach and how it applies to a range of clients/ settings. You will be introduced to a variety of treatment/ intervention approaches for different client groups/ settings, and you will learn about how these are underpinned by the ‘What Works’ and desistance literature.
Indicative topics may include:
• Risk and the importance of risk in forensic psychology.
• The evolution of risk assessment in forensic psychology and how this is underpinned by empirical research.
• Static and dynamic risk factors as applied to different offender client groups including violent and sexually violent offenders, as well ashow some of these factors can differ between men and women.
• Protective factors and why they are now seen as a vital part of a forensic assessment.
• Dynamic risk assessment tools – with a focus on Structured Professional Judgement (SPJ) tools - for different offender client groups such as violent and sexually violent offenders, as well as their evaluation.
• Risk assessment with complex client groups such as firesetters/ arsonists.
• How evidence-based forensic treatment/ intervention has evolved over time.
• Critical consideration of the treatments/ interventions available for different client groups including offenders, patients, at-risk individuals, victims/ survivors, professionals and groups and how these apply in different settings such as prisons and hospitals. t
• Different modes of delivery with respect to treatment/ intervention (i.e. one-to-one and group-based) and how these apply to different client groups/ in different settings.
How interventions/ treatments are evaluated.
This module meets the curriculum and core standards specified by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The assessment for this module requires the application of theoretical and research knowledge as well as working knowledge of a risk assessment tool based on a fictional case study. This is designed to help assist you in developing your practical forensic skills, communication skills and reflective practice.

This module will introduce you to the core psychological theories and research which underpin forensic psychology in relation to different client groups. This will include biological, sociological, psycho-social, cognitive, and developmental perspectives on why people commit crime, as well as those which address victimology and practice within the courtroom. You will learn the importance of critically evaluating theories of crime, their relevance to processes in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) and how they apply to forensic psychology practice in an ethical, legal, and professional manner. The module will also explore public perceptions of criminal behaviour and how this is influenced by the media. Additionally, you will be introduced to the complex relationship between mental health and crime. You will be taught by leading academics and practitioners in the field using contemporary research findings and the most up-to-date theoretical perspectives, as well as understanding the connection between the two. You will be encouraged to critically reflect upon and synthesise information and you will be encouraged to demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as reflective skills.

Indicative topics may include:
• Critical consideration of research and theoretical perspectives applied to different offender client groups including those who commit violent and sexually violent offences and arson.
• Critical consideration of research and theoretical perspectives applied to different mental health client groups, including people presenting with mental illness and characteristics of personality disorder.
• An examination of the complex relationship between mental health and crime from an empirical and theoretical perspective.
• Critical consideration of research and theoretical perspectives on victims/ survivors.
• A focus on how to evaluate empirical research and theoretical perspectives and why this is important for scientist-practitioners.
• Public perceptions on crime.
• Consideration of the importance of understanding research and theory in order to inform clinical practice and decision making (with explicit signposting/ links to the other core forensic modules on this MSc programme).

You will learn how contemporary issues impact upon the Criminal Justice System (CJS). You will be introduced to real-life case studies and how they have influenced practice within forensic psychology considering a range of settings and client groups. You will learn about current topics and challenges that reflect, and relate to, the current societal,political, and practice landscape, which you will consider by applying forensic psychological principles, theory and research to develop understanding and skills in critical evaluation. This module will introduce you to international perspectives by examining current practices and challenges worldwide, and how these have influenced the way the legal systems function in other countries.

Indicative topics may include:
• The role of the police and how they are perceived by the public, drawing on recent high profile news stories such as the Sarah Everard case and other cases of police misconduct.
• Recent changes in sentencing and parole board practice, for example the IPP sentence which has now been abolished.
• Critical consideration of recent political challenges, for instance, issues with prison overcrowding and how psychology could be applied in developing interventions to tackle this.
• The role of technology from an intervention perspective in crime and forensic psychological practice, including AI and virtual reality.
• How psychology can inform support/ interventions for staff working within the CJS and the latest developments from a psychological perspective, such as how to address vicarious trauma.
• Critical consideration of cultural issues and minority groups, including ethnicity, race, religion and the LGBTQ+ community in prison,other forensic settings and the community.Other contemporary emerging challenges pertinent to forensic psychology, including those relating to the civil and family court systems.
• The increasing significance of the third sector in forensic contexts and the role of psychology.
International perspectives on contemporary issues.

This module meets the curriculum and core standards specified by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The assessment for this module requires the application of theoretical and research knowledge of two chosen contemporary issues. This is designed to help assist you in developing your awareness of the most up-to-date topics in a sensitive and ethical manner, as well as your communication skills and reflective practice.