Forensic Psychology MSc Online

Coventry University

Overview

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), this online course 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. It is part of a suite of courses in the field of forensic psychology at Coventry University, which also includes MSc Forensic Psychology and Mental Health (campus-based and online versions) and MSc Forensic Psychology (campus-based).

Throughout the course you will investigate what makes offenders or their victims think, feel and act in certain ways, and how our criminal justice system can respond to such individuals.

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 assessments associated with forensic psychology.

Course information

The MSc Forensic Psychology course is designed for people who are embarking on, or who wish to continue in, a career associated with forensic psychology in a range of settings (e.g. with victims, offenders or criminal justice professionals), without specialising at this point, or for those who wish to undertake a postgraduate programme before determining their future career trajectory in forensic psychology. Specifically, this course will provide you with an opportunity to obtain a broad overview of the discipline and relevant settings, so that you can develop a future career trajectory based on your experience of the course curriculum and skills development.

You will have an opportunity to study a range of topics associated with forensic psychology, including offending behaviour and the criminal justice system. You will also explore the theories, research and practice related to intervention with diverse client groups, with a specific focus on violence and sexual offending.

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 employed in rehabilitation units, secure hospitals, 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 master’s 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, 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; or probation officer.