Criminological Psychology

MSc Applied Forensic Psychology

  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: Distance Learning
  • Duration: One Year
  • Start Date: January and September 2024

You can also study this course:

Are you passionate about rehabilitating criminals and reforming criminal behaviour?
Our MSc Forensic Psychology course will not only give you the knowledge and skills you need to practice effectively, but will also turn you into an innovative and creative leader in your chosen specialism. Throughout your time on our course you’ll master eight core competencies which will help develop you into a professional and effective forensic psychologist. 

Why study this subject?

Forensic psychologists work across the criminal justice system, in prison and probation services, secure hospitals, the police forces and the courts. A masters course is a great way to consolidate what you have learned, build upon your studies and gain key skills.

Continuing your studies in the field of forensic psychology is also a great way to gain new perspectives, study a specific subject of interest within the field and further your knowledge on a subject of your choosing. With a blended learning approach, you can potentially also do this while you work.

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and provides you with a widely recognized qualification throughout the country. 

The British Psychological Society accredited logo

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Our specially developed blended learning master’s is designed to offer you the convenience of being able to complete your studies alongside your current employment. You’ll access all your study materials online while also attending three, one-week teaching workshops at our High Wycombe campus.

You can choose to complete the course full-time over one year, or part-time over two. We’ve designed this course to fit in easily with your current work commitments.

We pride ourselves on teaching practical skills wherever and whenever we can, meaning you will always leave us feeling confident and prepared for the future. This will give you a sense of what it’s really like to work in the world of forensic psychology.

What facilities can I use?

Because this course has a blended-learning format, we’ll sign you up to our Virtual Learning Environment which means you’ll have access to lots of online resources wherever you are. 

What will I study?

Our specially-developed blended learning Master’s offers you the opportunity to complete your studies flexibly alongside your current employment through online learning.

After graduation, and you go on to find employment, you may find yourself working with prisoners on treatment and rehabilitation programmes, and become involved in psychological interventions designed to modify criminal behaviour. You may also be called upon to give expert evidence to various audiences, including courts, and parole and mental health boards. 

Within our course, you will develop a skills base which will enable you to practice Forensic Psychology effectively and help prepare you to complete these important tasks. 

Our course will allow you to work through materials online, while also attending three, one-week blocks on campus. You can choose to complete the course full time over a year, or part time, fitting in the training more easily alongside your current work.

Buckinghamshire New University has strong links with a number of different prison establishments (based on category and population). In the course, therefore, your learning content will be informed by information gained from these partnerships and the research conducted by our lecturers. 

How will I be taught and assessed?

A reflective approach to assessment is used throughout the programme, giving you the opportunity to apply theory and research findings to forensic clients and settings.

Assessments are a mix of written assignments in a report format, presentations, simulations, and discussions of a reflective nature. You are encouraged to build on earlier assignments as they progress in order to develop expertise in all areas important to forensic psychologists. 

Your course will culminate in an extended research project that brings together all your learning from across the course.

 

Useful Documents

MSc Applied Forensic Psychology Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

You will have typically have achieved a 2:1 degree in any undergraduate psychology degree programme or have the equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience. Since this is a primarily online course, it does not mean you will be given the right to move to the UK for this course, if you are an international student.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home, Academic Year 2023 - 2024

£8,320 per year

Home, Academic Year 2024 - 2025

£8,400 per year

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing advice@bnu.ac.uk.

What are my career prospects?

By the end of this course, you’ll be well equipped to work in a variety of forensic psychology environments whether that’s in prisons, the probation service or victim work.

You could also specialise in delivering interventions in prisons and other rehabilitation settings.

 

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