Forensic Psychology – MSc

Want to study a forensic psychology Master’s in Birmingham? This MSc Forensic Psychology course offers you the chance to learn about some of the most dangerous offenders in society and, their victims.

It will explore, approaches to assisting police with their enquires (investigative psychology), the criminal justice system from a psychological perspective and how to enhance your skills in communication, group work, professionalism and application of IT.

We also aim to improve your research skills and knowledge, through teaching you how to design high-level research projects, conduct statistical analysis, and to evaluate and scientifically report research findings.

The core aim of the course is to prepare students to work with clients and professionals in a range of forensic and forensic-related settings. Equipped with a sound knowledge of key theoretical and applied issues in forensic psychology, you will gain not only a critical appreciation of theoretical and factual concepts, but an awareness of the strengths and limitations of research evidence. The course integrates psychological theory with the development of practical skills and an understanding of professional practice.

What’s covered in the course?

The aims of the programme are to:

• Equip you with a detailed critical understanding of the key theoretical and applied issues in forensic psychology, including investigative psychology procedures, the court system, the development of offending behaviour, the assessment and treatment of offenders, and the effects of offending on victims, and;
• Provide an understanding of forensic psychology techniques and the roles of other criminal justice professionals in the detection, prosecution, assessment and treatment of offenders;
• Enable you to acquire an advanced ability to design research, conduct statistical analysis, and evaluate and scientifically report research in forensic psychology;
• Enhance your skills in communication, group work, professionalism and application of IT so that you can perform at a high level of competence in these areas;
• Satisfy the academic requirements for Master’s-level knowledge as set out by the Division for Forensic Psychology of the British Psychological Society.

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to demonstrate an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the key issues in forensic psychology of relevance to both academics and practitioners.

Graduates of this course are expected to have developed advanced academic, intellectual and professional skills, with the ability to work autonomously and in teams.

Why Choose Us?

• Completion of this MSc course enables you to gain specialist knowledge of dealing with people within the Criminal Justice System, including sex offenders, offenders with personality disorders, victims of crime, the police and probation services.
• You’ll be provided with training in forensic methods primarily from a psychological standpoint, but you’ll also be familiarised with the perspectives of a range of professions involved in the criminal justice system
• We have expert practitioners, such as Professor Michael Brookes OBE, who will support you throughout your study.
• We have expert academics, such as Dr Chrisa Pornari, who can supervise your research project in a wide range of areas, including investigative psychology, jury decision making, interpersonal violence, rape myths and offender cognition.
• With full or part-time options on offer, you can choose whether to study over one year or two.