Forensic Psychology

Psychology is the science of human behaviour and mind. It is concerned with individual psychological processes and the social context of how we think and interact with the world around us. Forensic psychology applies these processes and knowledge to legal domains, helping shape how the police, courts, prisons, and probation services understand and react to victims, witnesses, and offenders.

Forensic psychology practitioners work in wide variety of settings and with groups such as police, legal professionals, victim services, prisons, rehabilitation centres, and mental health. They might carry out risk assessments on offenders and develop treatment plans to aid with rehabilitation, work with children with anti-social behaviour, or explore the impact of crimes such as sexual violence on victims.

Our course covers all core elements of psychological study as required by the British Psychological Society (BPS), from lifespan development, biopsychology, and research methods, to social, critical and individual differences. As well as developing a thorough understanding of key psychological research, theory and principles, you’ll also explore a wide range of topics focusing on theories of crime, victimisation, and psychology in legal contexts; including offender behaviour, eyewitness testimony, jury decision-making, police investigations, and the assessment and treatment of offenders.

This course has been submitted to the British Psychological Society (BPS) for professional accreditation.

Features and benefits

• Teaching expertise - You’re taught by a large and diverse teaching team, with specialist lecturers who cover the whole field of psychology, such as forensic, counselling, clinical, health, and neuroscience.

• Enhanced student support - We strongly believe in enhancing student wellbeing. You’ll have a personal tutor and the programme support tutors will also work closely with you throughout the course.

• Outstanding facilities - You’ll have access to our specialist facilities for psychology demonstration and practice, which includes EEG and fNIRS for brain imaging, and TMS and tDCS for non-invasive brain stimulation. In addition, you will have access to experimental testing laboratories, including software for running and analysing studies in cognitive neuroscience, and systems for eye-tracking and for measuring physiological responses.

• Rise programme - Go beyond your curriculum and engage with Rise and its unique skills-based workshops and projects. Gain additional credits and enhance your CV.

• Study Abroad Year - Immerse yourself in a vibrant culture at one of our partner universities in Spain, Italy, Sweden, Malaysia, USA, Canada or Australia. This opportunity is available after the completion of second year and gives you a global perspective on psychology. Our study abroad scheme offers unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, professional development and lifelong memories.

• Placement Year- The placement year, available after Year Two, offers the chance to gain hands-on work experience in a professional setting, and apply the knowledge gained during your degree to real-world work situations. It not only gives you the opportunity to develop your transferable skills, network and learn about how psychology applies in various settings, but it will also help you to stand out to potential employers in future job applications.