MSc Forensic Mental Health

The forensic mental health masters degree is ideal if you are currently employed in / or desire to be employed in a forensic mental health setting. The course is designed to equip you with an extensive knowledge of theoretical and practical issues in forensic mental health and a critical awareness of the current philosophical, theoretical and methodological problems, debates and insights that shape the discipline. During the course you'll also gain a critical appreciation of ethical, cultural, and legal issues arising from mental health practice and research.

What you'll study

This Masters degree is ideal if you are currently employed in / or desire to be employed in a forensic, forensic mental health, or mental health setting, for example:

• prisons
• secure hospitals
• Ministry of Justice
• Police Force
• courts.

The course is designed to provide you with a combination of applied and research skills core to work in a forensic mental health setting.

During the course you'll engage in a piece of consultancy for an external organisation working in the areas of mental health or psychological well-being. This afford excellent networking opportunities. Many students also engage in volunteering opportunities to work in these areas facilitated by the University.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed in a variety of ways and on a modular basis through:

• coursework
• essays
• literature reviews
• oral presentations
• professional reports.

You'll also be assessed through your research project / dissertation work and your specialist essay work, which is written up as an academic article suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal.

Your future career in forensic mental health

When you graduate with an MSc Forensic Mental Health you will have the necessary skills to pursue professional careers in a range of mental health, forensic mental health, or forensic settings. You may choose to study this course if you already work in this area and hope to improve your prospects of promotion and career progression.

You may also want to pursue an academic and / or research career in a number of academic disciplines following graduation (by working as a research assistant or associate, for example, or by studying for a PhD). Psychology graduates with BPS GBR status may also be interested in this course if they are considering doctoral study towards a career as a clinical or counselling psychologist.