PMFORPSY - MSc Forensic Psychology

The MSc in Forensic Psychology offers a broad curriculum in legal and criminological psychology. It is accredited by the BPS as offering stage 1 of the Diploma in Forensic Psychology and hence is ideally suited to those who wish to work towards Registered Forensic Psychologist Status. In addition to covering the BPS curriculum, the broad range of designate modules offers a large degree of flexibility, allowing students to undertake a programme tailored to their specialist interests. Scheduled teaching consists of lectures, workshops (including those in the dedicated computer laboratories) and seminars (which may take place in small study rooms). The scheduled teaching programme for full time students consists of the equivalent of two full days across the week during the autumn and spring semesters. In addition to formal teaching time, students are expected to devote considerable time outside of this to independent study (under appropriate supervision). This focus on independent (but supported) learning is particularly evident within the dissertation module.

- have acquired a thorough and critical understanding of theories, findings and
methods relevant to the field of forensic psychology;

- have acquired an advanced knowledge of research issues in applied psychology and of different approaches to obtaining and assessing data in relation to Forensic
psychology theory:

- develop a critical understanding of key issues:

Research
All module Learning outcomes related to PY7164
(Advanced Research Methods in Psychology)
All module learning outcomes related to PY7P06
(Forensic Psychology Empirical Project).
Criminological Psychology
All learning outcome relating to PY7001
(Psychology and Criminal Behaviour)
Legal Psychology
Learning outcomes 1 and 2 of PY7005
(Investigation and Prosecution of Crime)
Clinical Practice
Learning outcome 1 of PY7002 (Introduction to
Assessment and Intervention)
Research
All module learning outcomes related to PY7164
(Advanced Research Methods in Psychology)
All module learning outcomes related to PY7P06

The course is assessed through a variety of tasks that allow for the demonstration of academic learning via mechanisms that support employability skills. Thus students are assessed through open book exams, professional reports, reflective accounts, a project proposal, literature review. Some of the designate modules include assessment via group and individual presentations.

Following the submission of each item of coursework, formative as well as summative assessment is provided. This enables students to reflect upon their progress and identify self development targets. Workshops, seminars and supervision sessions (see section 9 above) enable students to explore general ideas, concepts and conclusions, and obtain feedback on these, prior to the submission of assessed work and to explore the differing requirements of material designed to be utilised within different settings.

This course does not have any organised work experience. However the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) produce a helpful leaflet about volunteering within the Criminal Justice System.

http://www.ccjf.org/whatcanido/index.html

As part of the Project module (PY7P06) students are required to submit a project proposal in the Spring Semester. All proposals assessed as being of a “pass” standard (by the supervisor) - that is, as being sufficiently specified and ethically viable - will be submitted to the Ethics Panel for approval. Any student who fails this assessment component will be allowed a re-assessment opportunity. However, students should be aware that they will be required to obtain a pass on this assignment before they can continue with their project. Any student who does not pass the proposal at the first attempt will have their overall project mark capped at 50%.

Normally, a part-time student would be expected to pass

PY7001, PY7002, PY7005, PY7036 and a designate module before progressing to Year 2. However, a student may also progress to Year 2 if they are required to retake one module from Year 1. Where a student is required to retake two or more modules from Year 1, they shall not be able to progress to Year 2 until these modules have been passed. Depending upon the number of modules a student has failed they may be required to leave the course in line with University Regulations.

The course is recognised by the BPS as providing Stage l of the Diploma in Forensic Psychology.

Our graduates go on to work in a variety of settings and with a range of clients (e.g. offenders, victims, police, and probation). As such our graduates have gone on to work as police officers, offender treatment providers, within victim services and in probation departments.

We have graduates that work in the Home Office, HM Prison Service, the NHS, Youth Offending Teams and relevant government departments. Othe students have focused on working with forensic psychiatic residents in secure settings (e.g. Medium or Regional Secure Units).

We have also had a number of our students obtain work with charities (such as NACRO) and go on to do further research.

You should have at least:

• An upper second honours degree in psychology. (However we may also consider a lower second if you have relevant work experience.)
• Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society
• An understanding of the role of a Forensic Psychologist
• Skills and ability to benefit from the course.
• These requirements will be assessed via the application form (which should include a copy of your transcript), interview and references.

If you do not have a psychology degree which confers GBC you are advised to consider applying for the MSc in Criminal Psychology.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.