MSc in Forensic Psychology

What you'll study Overview The course will cover the assessment and treatment of offenders, risk assessment methods, and treatment of offenders with mental health and personality disorders. There will be a focus on criminal investigations by examining psychological issues in eyewitness identification, investigative interviewing of witnesses and suspects, psychological profiling and detecting deception. You'll also explore legal and criminological concepts relevant to contemporary social issues and organisations. Issues relating to ethics, human rights, professional practice and research will be emphasised to provide a firm grounding for further professional training and practice. By completing this programme you will: Develop your knowledge and understanding of the application of psychology to processes in the criminal and civil justice system (eg investigation, trial, the work of the expert witness). Develop a thorough knowledge of psychological theories and interventions in relation to a range of specific client groups, such as sexual and violent offenders, people with personality disorder and mental health difficulties, juveniles and victims of crime. Be introduced to a range of psychometric instruments used widely within forensic psychology, and develop your skills in interpreting and communicating the outcome of these assessments. Develop the knowledge and skills required to undertake forensic psychological research, including the design, implementation and interpretation of service evaluations, clinical audit, and outcome research within forensic settings. Structure The programme is comprised of 7 core modules and 1 option modules. The core modules are: Assessment and Intervention in Forensic Psychology. Psychology, Crime and Law. Investigative Forensic Psychology. Professional Issues in Psychological Practice. Research Design and Analysis. Statistical Methods. Research Project. You then choose one option module, which may be selected from a range of courses offered in the Department of Psychology, for example: Psychopathology. Addictive Behaviours. Developmental Cognitive Neuropsychology. Social Psychology of Social Problems: Intergroup perspective. Social-Moral Development. Advanced Quantitative Methods. Statistical Data Analysis Project. Download the programme specification for the 2018-19 intake. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.