MSc Applied Forensic Psychology with Placement

You should have a bachelor's honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above. You should have also achieved a good mark in your dissertation, typically a 2:1 mark or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in psychology. Relevant practical experience (ideally in a forensic or clinical setting) will also be an advantage, with some placement providers looking for students with experience.

Your degree must be recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as providing Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC).

If you do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology, we will consider applicants who have successfully completed a BPS accredited Masters conversion degree.

We may make an offer on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

In your application you will need to provide a personal statement (maximum 500 words) which should explain:

(a) why you are interested in studying for an MSc Applied Forensic Psychology with Placement and your subsequent career intentions

(b) how your academic, professional and personal experiences equip you to meet the demands of the course. You should be able to demonstrate previous experience working with a forensic or clinical population or in a related field that demonstrates transferrable skills. This may be voluntary work and can cover a wide range of experiences and organisations. (Please note, however, we cannot comment on the applicability of your experience prior to the submission of your application since we need to consider your application in its entirety).

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more

We’re offering over 350 scholarships worth between £3,000 and £10,000 for high-achieving students joining a full-time taught master’s course in September 2026.

Thanks to the skills and relevant experience you gain, you will be well placed to secure work in NHS forensic services, the criminal justice system, probation and prison services, or voluntary sector organisations.

These posts could include training positions to allow the completion of the British Psychological Society (BPS) Qualification in Forensic Psychology (Stage 2) with the aim of becoming a Chartered Psychologist with the BPS Division of Forensic Psychology and a Health and Care Professions Council Registered Practitioner Forensic Psychologist. 

Successful completion of this course fulfils Stage 1 of the requirements towards Chartered Membership of the Society and full membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology.

Year 1

Semester 1 

Compulsory units

• Advanced research methods for applied psychology
• Assessment and intervention with offenders and victims
• Forensic psychology practice and clinical skills
• Fundamentals in psychology, crime and law

Semester 2

Compulsory units

• Advanced research methods for applied psychology – Continued
• Assessment and intervention with offenders and victims – Continued
• Forensic psychology practice and clinical skills – Continued
• Fundamentals in psychology, crime and law – Continued

Summer

Compulsory units

• Forensic psychology placement

Year 2

Semester 1

Compulsory units

• Forensic psychology dissertation
• Forensic psychology placement

Semester 2

Compulsory units

• Forensic psychology dissertation – Continued