MSc Applied Forensic Psychology
- Study Mode: Part Time
- Location: Distance Learning
- Duration: Two Years
- Start Date: September 2026
You can also study this course:
Are you passionate about rehabilitating criminals and reforming criminal behaviour?
Our MSc Forensic Psychology course will not only give you the knowledge and skills you need to practice effectively, but will also turn you into an innovative and creative leader in your chosen specialism. Throughout your time on our course you’ll master eight core competencies which will help develop you into a professional and effective forensic psychologist.
This course offers you the perfect opportunity to combine working with study as a distance learning course. We ensure that you can continue working in your full-time role as you study. With this added flexibility you can continue to gain experience and gain qualifications.
The university maintains robust connections with various prison establishments and law related organisations providing students with valuable insights and practical experiences within forensic settings.
Our course maintains its British Psychology Society (BPS) accredited status through high quality course content, allowing you to leave with a recognised qualification that proves you are ready to work in this demanding and competitive field.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
Our specially developed blended learning master’s is designed to offer you the convenience of being able to complete your studies alongside your current employment. You’ll access all your study materials online while also attending three, one-week teaching workshops at our High Wycombe campus.
You can choose to complete the course full-time over one year, or part-time over two. We’ve designed this course to fit in easily with your current work commitments.
We pride ourselves on teaching practical skills wherever and whenever we can, meaning you will always leave us feeling confident and prepared for the future. This will give you a sense of what it’s really like to work in the world of forensic psychology.
What facilities can I use?
Because this course has a blended-learning format, we’ll sign you up to our Virtual Learning Environment which means you’ll have access to lots of online resources wherever you are.
I couldn't have done this course alongside full-time work without the responsiveness of BNU’s teaching staff. Videos were easy to access so I could listen to them at a time and place that suited me, and attendance weeks were a vital reset when I could meet my course tutors and get help with designing my research. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to work in the field of forensic psychology.Po wang MSc Applied Forensic Psychology student
What will I study?
Our specially-developed blended learning Master’s offers you the opportunity to complete your studies flexibly alongside your current employment through online learning.
After graduation, and you go on to find employment, you may find yourself working with prisoners on treatment and rehabilitation programmes, and become involved in psychological interventions designed to modify criminal behaviour. You may also be called upon to give expert evidence to various audiences, including courts, and parole and mental health boards.
Within our course, you will develop a skills base which will enable you to practice Forensic Psychology effectively and help prepare you to complete these important tasks.
Our course will allow 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, fitting in the training more easily alongside your current work.
Buckinghamshire New University has strong links with a number of different prison establishments (based on category and population). In the course, therefore, your learning content will be informed by information gained from these partnerships and the research conducted by our lecturers.
How will I be taught and assessed?
A reflective approach to assessment is used throughout the programme, giving you the opportunity to apply theory and research findings to forensic clients and settings.
Assessments are a mix of written assignments in a report format, presentations, simulations, and discussions of a reflective nature. You are encouraged to build on earlier assignments as they progress in order to develop expertise in all areas important to forensic psychologists.
Your course will culminate in an extended research project that brings together all your learning from across the course.
What are the course entry requirements?
You will typically have achieved a 2:2 degree in any BPS accredited undergraduate psychology degree programme. The Course Team expects an entrant to a Master’s programme to be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC). You must pass the Empirical project in order to be eligible for the GBC.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
What are the tuition fees
Home and EU, Academic Year 2026 - 2027:
- Year one: £3,115
- Year two: £6,170
Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit The Education Hub, on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.
Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.
Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.
Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.
We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.
The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.
What are my career prospects?
By the end of this course, you’ll be well equipped to work in a variety of forensic psychology environments whether that’s in prisons, the probation service or victim work.
You could also specialise in delivering interventions in prisons and other rehabilitation settings.
Course leader
- Associate Lecturer
