Triangle

Research overview

The Centre for Forensic and Family Psychology (School of Medicine) in collaboration with the Institute of Mental Health, the MSc/D.Foren.Psy. forensic psychology practitioner programmes aim to develop skills such as assessment, management, intervention, treatment and evaluation.

For further information on the Centre of Forensic and Family Psychology and its staff see: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/cffp/index.aspx

During the MSc (Stage 1), you will attend workshops on research skills, theory and practice at the Jubilee Campus in Nottingham, three days per week. During the Doctorate (State 2), you will apply your knowledge to forensic psychology research and practice while on placement in forensic environments anywhere in the UK and Eire and attend the University of Nottingham for two weeks of block teaching each year (Oct, Jan). On placement you will experience interventions with both victims and offenders in community and secure settings from a range of client groups

These programmes are approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

The D.Foren.Psy. confers eligibility to apply for both HCPC registration and BPS chartered membership, as a forensic psychology practitioner

Course content

Forensic and Criminological Psychology MSc (by Research)

A one year full time or two years part time course which fulfils Stage 1 of BPS professional training in forensic psychology allowing you to enter Stage 2.

Forensic Psychology Top Up D.Foren.Psy (Unique to University of Nottingham)

A two years full time of four years part time fast track doctorate programme for those who have already completed MSc/Stage 1 training at any University in the UK.

Forensic Psychology Full DForenPsy

The three years full time or six years part time MSc/DForenPsy programme combines both Stage 1 and 2 of forensic psychology practitioner training.

The course consists of six theoretical modules and a research project/dissertation incorporating research methods training.

Teaching is delivered through workshops led by experts and practising clinicians Tuesday to Thursday each week during term time on Jubilee Campus (36 weeks).

Professionally Accredited Modules

This module provides an overview of psychological theories associated with crime and offending.

This module covers the theories/mechanism, prevention and interventions of family violence and the cycle of violence.

This module critically examines the relationship between the spectrum of psychological disorders from neurotic disorders to personality disorders and the psychoses - and criminal offending. It will also examine the psychological processes that underlie such a relationship, and developmental precursors of adult criminality.

An introduction to organisational psychology as applied to forensic settings. Its aims are threefold:

  • to enable you to understand organisations (forensic settings) as systems
  • to learn how to manage and sustain healthy working life
  • to consider any issue affecting their client groups from a multi-level, systems perspective.

Topics include: work-related stress, traumatic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, violence at work, discrimination and harassment, leadership, management, white collar crime, multi-agency working, ethics and professional codes of conduct, job search and selection procedures. The module assessment allows each student to develop, in individual discussions with the module convenor and in group presentations, an essay topic of their choice that lends itself to evidence-based, multi-level (individual, group, organisational, community, national) analysis, and that has clear relevance to the work of forensic psychologists.

Study the underlying theoretical bases for therapeutic interventions and then the therapeutic methods actually used clinically. The focus will be on treatments addressing criminogenic needs of different sorts and on the scientific evidence relating to whether these interventions are effective.

This module will provide students with the opportunity to engage in, and learn from, supervised project work in forensic psychology. The emphasis is on applied research and associated methods in a forensic context.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

During the doctorate component, you will apply your knowledge to research and practice while on placement in forensic environments, anywhere in the UK Eire and attend the University of Nottingham for two weeks of block teaching each year (Oct, Jan). On placement you will experience interventions with both victims and offenders in community and secure settings from a range of client groups.

. You will develop skills and competency in four core areas:

  • conducting psychological applications and interventions with victims and offenders
  • case studies, research and evaluation
  • communicating knowledge and information to other professionals and clients
  • training other professionals in psychological skills and methods

At the end of the course, you will submit a ‘practice portfolio’ summarising your forensic practice experience AND an ‘academic research thesis’ on a specific area of forensic psychology.

Download the PDF Flyer on Forensic Psychology Programmes

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2022 entry.

QualificationDForenPsy (Full)DForenPsy (Top Up)MSc (by Research)
Degree

2:1 in psychology (or international equivalent) recognised by the BPS as conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with a minimum grade of 60% overall, plus 60% in final research project.

2:1 in psychology (or international equivalent) recognised by the BPS as conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with a minimum grade of 60% overall, plus 60% in final research project.

2:1 in psychology (or international equivalent) recognised by the BPS as conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with a minimum grade of 60% overall, plus 60% in final research project.

Additional information

You will also need:

  • one clinical and one academic reference from your most recent clinical and academic experiences respectively
  • academic transcript(s)
  • personal statement
  • abstract of your most recent research project
  • at least 50 days on application (75 days at start of course) forensic experience supervised by a registered psychologist

You will also need:

  • an MSc in Forensic/Criminological/Investigative Psychology recognised by the BPS as Stage 1 Training with a minimum grade of 60% overall plus 60% in final research project
  • one clinical and one academic reference from your most recent clinical and academic experiences respectively
  • academic transcript(s)
  • personal statement
  • abstract of your most recent research project
  • at least 75 on application (100 days at start of course) days forensic experience supervised by a registered/chartered psychologist
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate issued within the last 12 months (can be issued by the University)

You will also need:

  • two academic references from your most recent academic experiences
  • academic transcript(s)
  • personal statement
  • abstract of your most recent research project
QualificationDForenPsy (Full)DForenPsy (Top Up)MSc (by Research)
Degree

2:1 in psychology (or international equivalent) recognised by the BPS as conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with a minimum grade of 60% overall, plus 60% in final research project.

2:1 in psychology (or international equivalent) recognised by the BPS as conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with a minimum grade of 60% overall, plus 60% in final research project.

2:1 in psychology (or international equivalent) recognised by the BPS as conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with a minimum grade of 60% overall, plus 60% in final research project.

International and EU equivalents

We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.

For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.

We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.

For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.

We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.

For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.

IELTS7.5 with no less than 7.0 in each element7.5 with no less than 7.0 in each element6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each element
English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Additional information

You will also need:

  • one clinical and one academic reference from your most recent clinical and academic experiences respectively
  • academic transcript(s)
  • personal statement
  • abstract of your most recent research project
  • at least 100 days forensic experience supervised by a registered/chartered forensic psychologist
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate issued within the last 12 months (can be issued by the University)

You will also need:

  • one clinical and one academic reference from your most recent clinical and academic experiences respectively
  • academic transcript(s)
  • personal statement
  • abstract of your most recent research project
  • at least 100 days forensic experience supervised by a registered/chartered forensic psychologist
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate issued within the last 12 months (can be issued by the University)
  • a masters in Forensic/Criminological/Investigative Psychology recognised by the BPS as conferring GBCM with a minimum grade of 60% overall plus 60% in final research project

You will also need:

  • two academic references from your most recent academic experiences
  • academic transcript(s)
  • personal statement
  • abstract of your most recent research project

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

Applying

We only consider applications submitted between 1 December to 31 May. If you apply after 31 May, your application won’t be considered until the following academic year.

You do not need to write a research proposal or select a supervisor as part of your application. You must include a personal statement of no more than one side of A4 paper.

While a driving licence is not essential, your placement may be difficult to get to on public transport and students find that driving is an advantage.

You do not need to already be working in forensic psychology to apply for this course. We have a range of national placement opportunities. However, those in employment may be able to use their employment as a placement during the supervised practice years (years two and three of full programme, either of the top-up programme years). This is subject to being able to move to different Client Groups and Setting Types.

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

How to apply

Fees

QualificationMSc (By Research)Top Up DForenPsyFull DForenPsy
Home / UKFull time: £11,050, Part time: £6,630Full time: £11,050, Part time: £6,630Full time: £11,050, Part time: £6,630
InternationalFull time: £24,500, Part time: £14,700Full time: £24,500, Part time: £14,700Full time: £24,500, Part time: £14,700

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you will pay international tuition fees in most cases. If you are resident in the UK and have 'settled' or 'pre-settled' status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you will be entitled to 'home' fee status.

Irish students will be charged tuition fees at the same rate as UK students. UK nationals living in the EU, EEA and Switzerland will also continue to be eligible for 'home' fee status at UK universities until 31 December 2027.

For further guidance, check our information for applicants from the EU.

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, such as printing, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or access to more specific titles.

Funding

We have some scholarships that you can apply for if you study either of the DForenPsy courses.

These are usually fee payment scholarships that vary in nature but are dependent on the placement providing these.

There is no guarantee of any scholarship and if you are awarded a scholarship it is usually only for the duration that you are working with the awarding placement, such as half-year fees or one year for a double placement.

We do not currently have any scholarships that would fund the fees of an individual to complete the whole course.

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Support

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services, including:

  • academic and disability support
  • childcare services
  • counselling service
  • faith support
  • financial support
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • visa and immigration advice
  • welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

  • international students
  • black and minority ethnic students
  • students who identify as women
  • students with disabilities
  • LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

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Where you will learn

Jubilee Campus

Jubilee Campus has eco-friendly buildings, alongside green spaces, wildlife and a lake. 

This campus is home to our business, education and computer science schools, as well as a sports centre and student accommodation.

You can walk to University Park Campus in around 20 minutes or catch a free hopper bus. Nottingham city centre is 20 minutes away by public bus.

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

90.3% of postgraduates from the School of Medicine secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £38,889.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

BPS and HCPC

All of our Forensic Psychology courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and confer eligibility to apply for BPS chartered membership.

The DForenPsy courses are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and confer eligibility for HCPC registration.

Research Excellence Framework

We are ranked 8th in the UK for research power (2014). The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system used by UK higher education funding bodies to assess research quality in universities.

  • More than 97% of research at Nottingham is recognised internationally
  • More than 80% of our research is ranked in the highest categories as world-leading or internationally excellent
  • 16 of our 29 subject areas feature in the UK top 10 by research power

This content was last updated on 01 December 2021. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.