Course Overview
Are you interested in becoming a chartered forensic psychologist? If so, you will need a Forensic Psychology Masters.
Our specially-developed blended learning master’s offers the added convenience of being able to complete your studies alongside your current employment.
With a strong applied forensic focus, you will be highly sought after for psychology work in prisons, and related settings, when you graduate.
Forensic psychology training
As a forensic psychologist, you will work directly with offenders on treatment and rehabilitation programmes, and be involved in psychological interventions designed to modify criminal behaviour. You may also be called upon to give evidence to expert audiences, including courts, and parole and mental health boards.
This course covers all the main areas of knowledge, and practical skills you will need to move into this area of work, and, if you are not already in such a position, it will provide guidance on securing a trainee position.
Blended learning
One of the only courses of its kind to be offered as a blended learning master’s, the programme allows 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 over two, fitting in the training more easily alongside your current work.
Focused on prisons
Crucially, in the attendance weeks, you will be based in a forensic setting for two days each week. Bucks New University has strong links with a number of different institutions (based on category and population) such as HMP Bullingdon, HMP Wormwood Scrubs, HMP Woodhill, HMP Grendon and HMYOI Aylesbury. In the course, you will hear from qualified forensic psychologists, prison officers and senior managers, as well as interacting directly with prisoners.
This level of industry insight and contact will be invaluable in securing work and developing your confidence as a practitioner.
Who is it for?
This course is for anyone who has studied psychology at undergraduate level and wishes to specialise in prison work. You might be working as an intervention facilitator in prisons already and want to move your career on. You may also have studied a degree such as criminology or sociology and have hands-on experience you can draw on working in the criminal justice system.
Course Details
The course covers all the core areas of forensic psychology, with a particular focus on applying theory, content and knowledge to prison settings. You will study research methods and develop practical skills in psychological interventions and working with different client groups.
As well as transferable skills such as teamwork, numeracy and presentation skills, you will be introduced to the requirements and benefits of interventions, evaluating their results, communicating psychological knowledge and conducting research.
The full MSc Applied Forensic Psychology takes three years to complete, and can dedicate the last year to your dissertation, however you can choose to study over two years.
Specialist equipment
We have invested in state-of-the-art technology to ensure you get experience of using the latest systems and software employed in forensic environments, including our virtual reality suite and eye-tracking technology. You will use these regularly while role-playing forensic scenarios and assessing different interventions.
Tailored assessments
We use a mix of assessments to mirror the modes of communication expected of graduates in this field. For example, you will complete risk assessments, professional case reports and a presentation to an expert audience.
You will also learn to measure intervention effectiveness and facilitate interventions, using mock scenarios and role plays, as well as working directly with prisoners.
What are the course entry requirements?
Students on this course typically have achieved a 2:1 degree in any undergraduate psychology degree programme or have the equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience.
Course Modules
Modules
- Police Psychology & the Investigative Process
- The Legal & Criminal Justice Context
- Professional Practice Skills & Ethics
- Assessment & Management
- Vulnerable Groups in Forensic Settings
- Professional Practice Issues in Forensic Psychology
- The Journey of Change - Forensic Focus
- Applied Forensic Research Skills
- Postgraduate Forensic Dissertation
Fees
How much does it cost
Part Time Home and EU, Academic Year 2020-2021: £2,700 per year
Part Time Home and EU, Academic Year 2021-2022: £2,750 per year
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?
Contact our Enquiries Team:
0330 123 2023
advice@bucks.ac.uk
How do I apply?
For application details please visit bucks.ac.uk/applying-to-bucks
