MSc Applied Forensic Psychology

Why study this subject?

With a strong applied forensic focus, you’ll be highly sought after for psychology work in prisons and other related settings once you’ve graduated.

This course covers all the main areas of knowledge and practical skills you’ll need to move into the world of forensic psychology by securing a trainee position. If you already work in the field, you’ll develop both your theoretical and practical understanding in order to become qualified to take the next step confidently in your career.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Our specially developed blended learning master’s offers the convenience of being able to complete your studies alongside your current employment. You’ll access all your study materials online whilst 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 specifically to fit in easily with your current work commitments.

Our teaching department is home to an incredible community of Psychology students who can collaborate with you on projects, providing a rich supply of volunteers when you run your own experiments.

Your learning won’t just take place in a lecture theatre either – you’ll have the chance to learn in labs and seminar rooms, gaining the skills that you’ll need in the next step you take in your career.

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 hands-on approach will give you a sense of what it’s really like to work in the world of forensic psychology.

What's more, we'll always provide you with excellent industry links and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to volunteer in a relevant professional environment too. Our team has built strong links with local organisations who frequently provide opportunities for our students to work with ex-offenders and victims of crime meaning you can get hands-on, practical experience whilst studying with us.

What facilities can I use?

You’ll have the opportunity to use our state-of-the-art observation laboratory to engage in the measurement of psycho-physiological responses using Biopac©. You’ll be able to measure the activity of the cardiovascular system, brain, autonomic nervous system and more.

You’ll also have access to Tobii eye tracking equipment and HTC Vive, a virtual reality software, meaning you can push the boundaries and get creative with your research ideas!

You’ll use these facilities regularly while role-playing forensic scenarios and assessing different interventions.

Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments – you’ll have access to hundreds of specialist books, articles and online journals. Not to mention there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study time.

Because this course has a blended-learning format, we’ll also sign you up to our Virtual Learning Environment which means you’ll have access to lots of online resources wherever you are in the world!

What will I study?

Our specially-developed blended learning Master’s offers the convenience of being able to complete forensic psychology studies alongside your current employment. As a Forensic Psychologist, you may work directly with prisoners on treatment and rehabilitation programmes, and be 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 the programme you will develop an applied theoretical skills base for the practice of Forensic Psychology, with curriculum covering 8 key areas.

One of the few courses of its kind to be offered as a blended learning Master’s, the programme 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, you will hear from qualified Forensic Psychologists, prison officers and senior managers, as well as have interactions directly with prisoners.

In addition, there may be some attendance sessions where the forensic setting will be different, for example a courtroom or police/emergency services setting. This level of industry insight and contact will be invaluable in securing work and developing your confidence as a Forensic Psychology practitioner. 

How will I be taught and assessed?

Across the course of the programme, you’ll learn about police psychology, the legal and criminal justice system, vulnerable groups in forensic settings and the journey of change through a forensic lens.

You’ll learn to measure intervention effectiveness and facilitate interventions using mock scenarios and role plays, as well as working directly with prisoners.

You’ll also work closely with your personal tutor to dive into a subject of particular interest to you through your final dissertation project.

We use a mixture of assessment methods to mirror modes of communication expected of graduates in this field. For example, you’ll complete risk assessments, professional case reports and deliver presentations to an expert audience.