This course combines online teaching with practice-based learning and independent study.   

Your training will enable you to be both the ‘scientist’ and the ‘practitioner’, and during your studies, you’ll build a range of transferable skills, from critical analysis to practicing forensic psychology according to the professional standards and requirements for registration outlined by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

You’ll develop an advanced understanding and independent judgment of psychological perspectives, theories, policies, and practices relevant to criminal behavior, as well as the psychology of victims/survivors of crime. You’ll also become critically aware of issues at the forefront of forensic psychology, which will encourage your enquiring, analytical, and creative skills. A focus on enhancing and embedding interprofessional learning within related professions, as well as an understanding of the multi-agency relationships between the various professions in offender management, will also be explored.

Study

You’ll spend one day a week studying across three 10-week terms. You’ll spend around half a day each week taking part in online lectures, workshops, and tutorials, with a similar amount of time dedicated to guided independent study.

Practice Placement  

A supervised practice placement is a mandatory requirement (a minimum of 360 days across the two years of the programme).   

The supervisory team will be comprised of a work placement supervisor (clinical supervisor) and a supervisor from the University (academic supervisor). Both of these supervisors will be an HCPC registered Forensic Psychologist with a minimum of two years’ experience. A Personal Tutor will also be allocated whose role will be to provide pastoral support and will encourage your academic development. 

Your placement (which may take place in a maximum of four forensic settings) and your Clinical Supervisor (who will be based within the forensic setting where you will be working) must be identified by you prior to enrolment. 

Career progression 

Once you’ve successfully completed this programme, you‘ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and, if this is granted, you’ll be able to practice as a forensic psychologist in the UK.  

Alternatively, you could go into several other roles within the Criminal Justice System (CJS) and beyond. Examples include Offender manager (prison or probation), Offending behaviour programme facilitator, Behavioural support mentor in a school, Mental health specialist in HNS, Psychotherapy coordinator, Lecturer, Researcher, Police roles (officer or analysist) or as a Trainee lawyer.