Forensic Psychology

This course is designed for those with a particular interest in the psychology of crime and criminal behaviour. Forensic psychology applies psychological knowledge to the criminal justice system. This course covers all core areas of psychology to keep open your career options in psychology, whilst specialist modules provide a deeper dive into the area that drives your passion and ambitions.

This course is accredited and recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Accreditation by the British Psychological Society means that as a graduate, provided you achieve at least a 2:2, you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.

Key course benefits

• Provides a strong foundation for working in the criminal justice system, while BPS accreditation allows for a range of different careers as a psychologist and beyond.

• Prison Engagement - benefit from well-established links with the prison service and charities that work with people in prison.

• Multidisciplinary collaboration. Engage in projects and activities alongside our Criminology students

• Participate in engaging and immersive learning activities with our simulation police custody and prison cell and mock trials in our simulation court room.

• Enjoy a contemporary and global curriculum: Explore contemporary topics like the psychology of cybercrime and offender rehabilitation as well as international perspectives on crime.

• Build a skill set for success. Hone critical thinking, analytic and communication skills ready for the graduate job market with assessments designed to prepare you for the world of work in the criminal justice system and beyond.

• Craft your own path. Specialised forensic psychology modules from year 2, crime related optional modules in year 3 and choice of independent project topic. The course is designed to expose you to a range of psychology disciplines and gives you the flexibility to specialise in forensic psychology, sports and exercise psychology or psychology with counselling after year 1.

• Gain real-world experience with an optional UK work placement or international study/work placement year and our Phoenix+ scheme.

*For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website.

Year One
This course has a common first year. The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Year One Modules
Professional Practice in Psychology
Fundamental concepts in Psychology
Introducing Quantitative Research Methods
Psychology and Popular Culture
Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Introducing Qualitative Research Methods

Year Two
In year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills related to forensic psychology in practice; research methodologies and theoretical underpinnings around contemporary topic areas such as cybercrime, international perspectives on crime, among others. You will also advance in your understanding of research methodologies and experimental research paradigms.

Modules
Perspectives in Forensic Psychology
Psychology of Culture, Gender and Sexuality
Theories and Applications of Cybercrime
Forensic Psychology in context
International Perspectives on Crime
Research Methods and Project Planning

Placement Year
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They are a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,250. For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Final Year
Your final degree year aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. You could also work on a research project in an area of your interest, under the supervision of a research-active member of staff.

Modules
Project Design and Ethics
Independent Research Project
Becoming a Forensic Psychologist

Optional Modules - Choose three modules from the below (two in semester one and one in semester two):

Addictive Behaviours
Child and Educational Psychology
Criminal Behaviour and its Contexts
Aggression and Violent Behaviour
Counselling Psychology
Clinical Neuroscience

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content. For full module details please check the course page on the Coventry University website.