Forensic and Criminological Psychology MSc (by research)

The MSc (by research) Forensic and Criminological Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). At successful completion, it fulfils Stage I of the BPS professional training in forensic psychology and therefore gives eligibility to enter Stage II of the BPS Diploma or at a later date, apply for the Top up Doctorate in Forensic Psychology at the University of Nottingham*.

*It is expected that those who apply for the MSc programme only will graduate with the MSc qualification at the end of the year.

We only consider applications submitted between 1 October to 31 May. If people apply after 31 May their applications won’t be considered until the following academic year.

Structure

The course provides comprehensive knowledge in theory and evidence based practice with victims and offenders. It consists of six theoretical modules and a research project/dissertation incorporating research methods training equivalent to two 10-credit taught modules.

The course can be completed over one year full-time or two years part time. The teaching is delivered through workshops led by experts and practicing clinicians Tuesday to Thursday each week during term time (36 weeks).

The programme is assessed by means of continuous assessment related to each module.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a BPS accredited 1st or 2nd class honours degree in a psychology programme (single or joint honours) or equivalent conferring eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBCM) of the BPS. Experience in a forensic setting is beneficial but not essential for MSc applications.

Frequently asked questions

The course consists of six theoretical modules and a research project/dissertation incorporating research methods training equivalent to two 10-credit taught modules.

Theories of Criminal Behaviour

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

Forensic Child Psychology

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

Forensic Mental Health

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.

Law and Criminal Justice

Forensic Organisational Psychology

The module provides an introduction to organisational psychology as applied to forensic settings. Its aims are threefold: (i) to enable students to understand organisations (forensic settings) as systems, (ii) to learn how to manage and sustain healthy working life, (iii) to consider any issue affecting their client groups from a multi-level, systems perspective. Included as topics are: 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.

Forensic Practice Interventions

This module considers 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.

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result may change for reasons of, for example, research developments or legislation changes. This list is an example of typical modules we offer, not a definitive list.

Financial support and highly competitive scholarships are available, and we encourage potential applicants to explore all funding possibilities.

Please check the Graduate School for opportunities you may be eligible for in addition to those outlined here.

The University's Careers and Employability Service also provides a useful information service about further studies and sources of funding for graduates.

NB: Please note that scholarship applications cannot be considered until an offer has been made.

Government loans for masters courses

The Government offers postgraduate student loans for students studying a taught or research masters course. Applicants must ordinarily live in England or the EU. Student loans are also available for students from Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

International and EU students

Masters scholarships are available for international students from a wide variety of countries and areas of study. You must already have an offer to study at Nottingham to apply. Please note closing dates to ensure your course application is submitted in good time.

Information and advice on funding your degree, living costs and working while you study is available on our website, as well as country-specific resources.

UK students

Find out more about postgraduate loans.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Learning Beyond Registration (LBR) funding: applicants who will be employed by the NHS in the East Midlands while they are undertaking their studies may be eligible to apply for Learning Beyond Registration (LBR) funding through the East Midlands Healthcare Workforce Deanery. Funding may be available for both full programmes and individual modules.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers* and can offer you a head-start when it comes to your career.

Our Careers and Employability Service offers a range of services including advice sessions, employer events, recruitment fairs and skills workshops – and once you have graduated, you will have access to the service for life.

* The Graduate Market 2013-2016, High Fliers Research

Average starting salary and career progression

In 2015, 93% of postgraduates from the Faculty of Medicine & Health Services who were available for employment had secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £28,925 with the highest being £70,000.*

*Known destinations of full-time home postgraduates 2014/15. Salaries are calculated based on those in full-time paid employment within the UK.