Skip navigation

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

CLOSE

Course Information

Level of Study

Postgraduate

Mode of Study

1 year Full Time

Department

Psychology

Location

City Campus, Northumbria University

City

Newcastle

Start

September 2026

Fees

Fee Information

Modules

Module Information

GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2025 MODERN UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR

Overview

Please note this course is subject to validation. First entry on this course is September 2026. Click the apply now button above to register your interest and be notified when applications open.

The MSc Forensic Psychology course offers an in-depth exploration of the field, blending theoretical foundations with practical application in a criminal justice context.  

You can gain insight from experienced practitioners and researchers, with a focus on psychological aspects of offending behaviour and how the legal system functions. Innovative assessments and reflective practice, enable you to develop critical employability skills. 

Throughout the course you will explore the psychological underpinnings of criminal behaviour with topics including why people commit crime, how people in prison are assessed by psychologists, treatment and interventions for people who commit crime, contemporary issues and challenges within the Criminal Justice System, police investigation and working with vulnerable victims and witnesses in court.

This course will appeal to those aspiring to work in forensic psychology in settings such as prisons and secure hospitals, as well as those interested in working in related disciplines such as the Probation Service, the police and in mental health. 

Please note this course is subject to validation. First entry on this course is September 2026. Click the apply now button above to register your interest and be notified when applications open.

The MSc Forensic Psychology course offers an in-depth exploration of the field, blending theoretical foundations with practical application in a criminal justice context.  

You can gain insight from experienced practitioners and researchers, with a focus on psychological aspects of offending behaviour and how the legal system functions. Innovative assessments and reflective practice, enable you to develop critical employability skills. 

Throughout the course you will explore the psychological underpinnings of criminal behaviour with topics including why people commit crime, how people in prison are assessed by psychologists, treatment and interventions for people who commit crime, contemporary issues and challenges within the Criminal Justice System, police investigation and working with vulnerable victims and witnesses in court.

This course will appeal to those aspiring to work in forensic psychology in settings such as prisons and secure hospitals, as well as those interested in working in related disciplines such as the Probation Service, the police and in mental health. 

Course Information

Level of Study

Postgraduate

Mode of Study

1 year Full Time

Department

Psychology

Location

City Campus, Northumbria University

City

Newcastle

Start

September 2026

Fees

Fee Information

Modules

Module Information

GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2025 MODERN UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR
Entry Requirements Modules Overview Fees, Funding  and Scholarships
Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2026/27

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have: 

A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in Psychology (or MSc equivalent). 

International qualifications: 

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry 

Additional Information: 

Applicants who have completed their degree within the UK are required to provide written proof of GBC/GBR status from their UK University. All applicants who have completed their first degree outside the UK are required to apply to the BPS for consideration of GBC/GBR. Written confirmation of GBC/GBR will be required. Please bear in mind that this process can take a considerable amount of time and relevant applicants should contact the BPS as soon as possible. 

English language requirements: 

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*). 

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2026/27 Entry

Full UK Fee: TBC

Full International Fee: TBC



Scholarships and Discounts

Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options available for UK and International applicants.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

TBC

Modules Overview 2026/27

Modules

Modules specifics will be available to view soon. Please keep checking our website for updated information.

Curriculum synopsis

Throughout this course, you will be introduced to relevant psychological theory, such as theories of criminal behaviour. You will also learn about the key skills and competencies required for working as a practitioner forensic psychologist, including forensic assessment, engaging in reflective practice and consultancy projects. Additionally, you will learn about the legal and investigative process, including what happens within the court room. You will have the opportunity to consider contemporary issues and challenges within the discipline and the Criminal Justice System more broadly, whilst reflecting on how forensic psychology can be applied to identify real world solutions.

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one

Year one

JC7000 -

Academic Language Skills (ALS) for PG Psychology Students (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.

More information

Features and Benefits

  • World-class Facilities: Your learning experience will be enriched by university facilities including our new state of the art research laboratories. 
  • Research Power: Northumbria’s research in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience is ranked 15th in the UK for research power out of 93 submissions (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 28 places from 43rd in 2014. 
  • Top Department: Psychology at Northumbria is ranked Top 35 in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2025. 

Careers & Employability

The MSc Forensic Psychology course is designed to enhance your employability by equipping you with transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, critical evaluation, and time management.

You’ll have opportunities for networking with professionals through external collaborations with experts in the field and access to career guidance.  

Completion of an MSc in Forensic Psychology could be useful for a range of careers within the Criminal Justice System.

We have a fantastic service for students' to use to gain advice and tips on furthering careers and enhancing their employability.

a person using a laptop computer sitting on top of a desk

Careers and Employment Services

Staff

You’ll be taught by leading academics and active researchers in forensic psychology, bringing cutting-edge knowledge to the course.  

The staff’s expertise spans a variety of areas, including His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, the National Health Service and the legal system, ensuring you learn from professionals at the forefront of the discipline. 

Research centre brain, performance pod

Research Centre

Brain, Performance & Nutrition
a bedroom with a bed and desk in a room

The Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research

Facilities

You’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Experimental Psychology Lab, designed for group work and data collection. Research equipment such as EEG, eye-tracking, virtual reality, and motion capture can support your thesis and projects.

Online tools like Blackboard provide additional resources, including lecture captures, interactive workshops, and feedback systems, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive learning environment.  

These facilities help you apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world forensic psychology scenarios. 

experimental psychology lab

Your Learning Spaces

Take a virtual tour →

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints



If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Back to top