Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc

Overview

This course, part of a suite of courses in the field of forensic psychology at Coventry University, which also includes MSc Forensic Psychology, and MSc Forensic Psychology and Offender Rehabilitation, is designed to provide you with a thorough grounding in the theory, themes, issues and practical skills we consider to be central to forensic psychology and forensic mental health settings.

The course has been designed to cover the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology's (“DFP”) core curriculum, which includes foundational topics such as the theoretical basis of forensic psychology across a range of settings and risk assessment, as well as focusing on mental health issues in forensic settings. The aim of the course upon successful completion is for you to have gained an understanding of the influence mental health can have on how offenders and victims think, feel and act, as well as the opportunity to consider how our criminal justice system can respond to such individuals.

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society. As such, the course will continue to fulfil Stage 1 requirements towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist (for students who also have the required Graduate Basis for Chartership).

Course information

The MSc Forensic Psychology and Mental Health course is primarily for those who wish to continue in a career associated with forensic psychology and specifically work in forensic mental health settings, or with offenders with mental health issues.

Career prospects

According to the British Psychological Society, the largest single employer of forensic psychologists in the UK is the HM Prison Service. Psychologists can also be found employed in rehabilitation units, secure hospitals, the Social Services, conducting research in University Departments and working in private consultancy.

There are two stages to becoming a practising Forensic Psychologist and Chartered Member of the BPS; requiring a combination of professional education and practice. In the first instance, you need the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), followed by an accredited Masters in Forensic Psychology, such as this course.

The second stage requires a minimum of two years of supervised practice and successful completion of Stage 2 of the BPS Qualification in Forensic Psychology before you are eligible to register with the HCPC and use the title of ‘Forensic Psychologist’.

By studying Forensic Psychology and Mental Health, you should be able to develop knowledge and skills that are relevant across the criminal justice system in a variety of roles, including: crime scene analyst; trainee forensic psychologist; trainee clinical psychologist; behavioural investigative advisor; lecturer in forensic psychology; Home Office, local government or police researcher; police officer; youth offending team worker; offending behaviour programme facilitator, or probation officer.