Part time (2 years)
Course overview
Are you planning to pursue a career as a forensic psychologist? Would you like to learn from expert psychologists with specialist skills and experience working in prisons, including with young offenders and vulnerable prisoners?
Examine the role of psychologists in legal settings and develop your understanding of crime, criminal behaviour and the assessment and rehabilitation of offenders.
Our MSc Forensic Psychology course is specifically designed to meet the criteria of the British Psychological Society (BPS) as the first stage of becoming a forensic psychologist.
This specialist programme is aimed at students who hold a BPS-accredited Psychology degree or professionals working within the Criminal Justice arena looking to secure a forensic psychologist trainee position.
About this course
On this course, you’ll develop a robust understanding of the psychology research on which forensic psychology practice is based.
The course is delivered by a range of staff, including academics with research experience in forensic psychology and practitioner psychologists. They have experience working across a broad range of forensic and forensic mental health settings and by specialist forensic or forensic mental health researchers. The programme team consists of HCPC-registered forensic psychologists and chartered psychologists with the BPS. They will share their experiences to enhance your learning through numerous practice-based clinical examples and research-led teaching.
Following a critical and theoretical introduction to forensic psychology and the development and context of research in forensic psychology and its application, you’ll explore the practice of forensic psychology including the role of the forensic psychologist.
The team will help you develop your understanding of approaches and techniques used when working with forensic populations as well as research methods needed for psychological enquiry and how to apply these to research projects in forensic settings.
You’ll also complete a supervised piece of research in an area relevant to Forensic Psychology.
This postgraduate degree has a strong applied forensic focus, which offers excellent preparation for your future career in forensic psychology. This could include working in a variety of forensic or community settings, for example, prisons, probation, forensic mental health settings or in an academic setting.
You’ll benefit from our established links within the industry, and you will hear from academics and practitioners who work in professional settings. After engaging with this course, you’ll graduate equipped with the knowledge, practical skills and experience needed to be a trainee forensic psychologist.
Whether or not you're already working in the field, the course will allow you to develop both your theoretical and practical understanding of forensic psychological practice and the confidence to take the next step in your career.
Career progression
The next step is to complete approved applied training, such as the Qualification in Forensic Psychology provided by the BPS. The Prison Service is the largest employer of forensic psychologists, but opportunities also exist in the wider Criminal Justice System, the Home Office, the NHS (in special hospitals and rehabilitation units), the police and social services. Alternatively, graduates may choose to pursue a career in academia and research, including progressing to PhD study.
Why study with us
- Delivered through blended learning, so you can study alongside your current employment. You will only be required to attend campus one week per semester.
- You will be supported by the academic staff through online learning and remote working.
- Learn from academics with forensic research and practice experience and benefit from their contacts within the Criminal Justice sector.
- Develop your skills and network with others in the field of forensic psychology through our conference award scheme which offers the opportunity to receive funding to showcase your research at a national conference.
Modules
You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Forensic Psychology: Context, Theory and Application
This module provides core curriculum content from the BPS, including a critical and theoretical introduction to forensic psychology and the development and context of research in forensic psychology and its application.
Assessment, Formulation and Treatment in Forensic Settings
The academic team will support you to develop an in-depth understanding of theories and practice for psychological assessment and formulation, which will inform risk management and treatment interventions when working with forensic populations.
Professional Development in Forensic Practice
On this module, you’ll explore forensic psychology practice in greater detail. This predominantly involves enhancing your understanding of the role of the forensic psychologist, and developing practical skills. A registered Forensic Psychologist will share their knowledge and experience of reflective practice which is a crucial part of the training process. You will enhance your critical thinking and reflective practice skills and discuss the importance of professional ethics and social justice issues in forensic psychology.
Advanced Research Methods for Practitioner Psychologists
This will provide an introduction to the techniques and research methods needed for psychological enquiry at an advanced level, including systematic reviewing skills and ethical considerations. This module will enable you to apply these research method skills to designing research projects in forensic settings, applying for research ethics approval and collecting and analysing research data.
Applied Research Project
You’ll complete a supervised piece of research work in which you’ll develop your independent research skills and apply them to an area relevant to forensic psychology. Your academic supervisor will support you to design, conduct and analyse your research project to a publishable standard.
Course Structure
Teaching is delivered in three one-week blocks at University in October, January and March, and is supported by online learning. A wide range of teaching and learning approaches are provided including lectures, tutorials, specialist guest speakers, time for self-study and online supervision throughout.
While this course is delivered in a way that is flexible enough to allow you to continue to pursue existing work commitments, it is also possible for you to study on a part-time basis (over two years). You would still be required to attend the three-week on-campus teaching weeks, but only complete one module per semester rather than two. Please see the table below for more information.
Full-time, one year course
| Semester | Module | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (October) | Forensic Psychology: Context, Theory and Application | 10 x sessions delivered on campus plus 30 hours online |
| Assessment, Formulation and Treatment in Forensic Settings | 10 x sessions delivered on campus plus 30 hours online | |
| 2 (January) | Professional Development in Forensic Practice | 10 x sessions delivered on campus plus 30 hours online |
| Advanced Research Methods for PRactitioner Psychologists | 10 x sessions delivered on campus plus 30 hours online | |
| 3 (March) | Applied Research Project |
6 x sessions (7 taught hours) 2 hours face-to-face supervision meetings followed by 10 x 1-2-1 remote supervision meetings |
Part-time, two year course
Year 1
| Semester | Module | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (October) | Forensic Psychology: Context, Theory and Application | 10 x sessions delivered on campus plus 30 hours online |
| 2 (January) | Professional Development in Forensic Practice | 10 x sessions delivered on campus plus 30 hours online |
Year 2
| Semester | Module | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (October) | Assessment, Formulation and Treatment in Forensic Settings | 10 x sessions delivered on campus plus 30 hours online |
| 2 (January) | Advanced Research Methods for PRactitioner Psychologists | 10 x sessions delivered on campus plus 30 hours online |
| 3 (March) | Applied Research Project |
6 x sessions (7 taught hours) 2 hours face-to-face supervision meetings followed by 10 x 1-2-1 remote supervision meetings |
Learning and Teaching
At Leeds Trinity we aim to provide an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.
Our Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy delivers excellence by providing the framework for:
- high quality teaching
- an engaging and inclusive approach to learning, assessment and achievement
- a clear structure through which you progress in your academic studies, your personal development and towards professional-level employment or further study.
We have a strong reputation for developing student employability, supporting your development towards graduate employment, with relevant skills embedded throughout your programme of study.
We endeavour to develop curiosity, confidence, courage, ambition and aspiration in all students through the key themes in our Learning and Teaching Strategy:
- Student Involvement and Engagement
- Inclusion
- Integrated Programme and Assessment Experience
- Digital Literacy and Skills
- Employability and Enterprise
To help you achieve your potential we emphasise learning as a collaborative process, with a range of student-led and real-world activities. This approach ensures that you fully engage in shaping your own learning, developing your critical thinking and reflective skills so that you can identify your own strengths and weaknesses, and use the extensive learning support system we offer to shape your own development.
We believe the secret to great learning and teaching is simple: it is about creating an inclusive learning experience that allows all students to thrive through:
- Personalised support
- Expert lecturers
- Strong connections with employers
- An international outlook
- Understanding how to use tools and technology to support learning and development
Assessment
You will be assessed through a variety of projects and coursework such as:
- Case formulation reports
- Reflective accounts
- Research reports
- Presentations
The type of assessment will vary from module to module, with the focus on helping you to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding of the application of forensic psychology in practice.
Entry Requirements
Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.
The following information is designed to give you a general overview of the qualifications we accept. If you are taking qualifications that are not included below, please contact our Admissions Office who will be happy to advise you.
- Applicants should hold an Honours degree (minimum 2:1) in Psychology (or equivalent, e.g. MSc Psychology (Conversion)) which confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) status with the British Psychological Society (BPS). To check whether your degree gives you eligibility for the GBC, visit the BPS website.
- Ideally, you should have some relevant voluntary or paid experience involving forensic settings or forensic clients, e.g. working with offenders, people at risk of offending or victims or observation of criminal courtroom proceedings.
This course is not available to students on a Student Route Visa.
Fees and finance
Funding
UK Home Students:
For information about our tuition fees please visit our Student Fees and Finance pages.
If you studied your undergraduate degree at Leeds Trinity University, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 50% on the cost of your tuition fees.
Leeds Trinity Alumni Discount
Some Leeds Trinity graduates are eligible for a tuition fee discount on postgraduate courses of up to 50%, excluding PGCE Delivery Partner Model and Lead Partner Model, and Masters by Research courses. You will need to achieve a 2:2 or above in a Leeds Trinity undergraduate course to qualify.
| Postgraduate course | Discount |
|---|---|
| MSc programmes | 50% for graduates with a 1st class honours degree |
| MSc programmes | 35% for graduates with a 2:1 honours degree |
| MSc programmes | 20% for graduates with a 2:2 honours degree |
How to apply
This course is not available to students on a Student Route Visa.
There is no official closing date for applications, but the course will be closed when it is full. We therefore encourage you to make your application as early as possible.
Please ensure you complete the application form in full and supply all the required supporting documentation when you make your initial application. Incomplete applications may be rejected.
If you need advice on your application, please contact our admissions team on 0113 283 7123 (Monday to Thursday, 9.00am to 5.00pm, or Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm) or admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk
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What happens next?
Our admissions team will acknowledge receipt of your application by email. Where applications are submitted but references are still in progress, admissions will wait for the reference(s) to be received and then will process it, and forward to the relevant Programme Leader within five days of receipt of the reference(s).
The Programme Leader will make a decision based on your application. You may be asked to provide a reference to demonstrate your academic and non-academic experiences, or you may be invited to attend an interview. If you are successful and made an offer, the conditions will be outlined in your offer letter.
Applications will be acknowledged within five working days. Applicants will be contacted within 15 working days with a request for additional information, invite to an informal interview or an application decision.
Made an offer?
You should accept or decline your offer by emailing admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk.
If you accept, you'll need to prove you satisfy the conditions outlined in your offer letter.
You may be asked to present the relevant supporting documentation in person to the student information point on campus, if originals are not needed you’ll be contacted and given details of how to provide the supporting documentation.