MSc

Forensic Psychology

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Forensic Psychology at Winchester provides the academic component (Stage 1) of the route to becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist with the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology and Practitioner Forensic Psychologist status with the Health and Care Professions Council. The programme also supports you with the transition towards Stage 2 of the chartership process by incorporating practice-based assessments.

Close-up photo of broken glass

Course overview

The course introduces the context and application of psychology in various forensic settings including the legal and criminal justice system, forensic psychological practice and forensic mental health. You are introduced to the role of a forensic psychologist in practice. The programme focuses on core theoretical models of crime with an emphasis on theoretical, practical and methodological limitations.

When considering applied skills in forensic practice, there is a focus on specialist assessments, core treatments and interventions utilised when working with various client groups in a forensic setting. Client groups include offenders in prison, secure hospitals and the community, as well as offenders on probation and within the legal system (court assessment). You gain the ability to design, conduct, analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological research in a chosen specialised research area.

There is an emphasis on reflective practice skills, and professional and ethical practice in the workplace. There are also opportunities for volunteering in optional forensic practice placements via the university’s volunteering department. Core modules include Foundations of Forensic Psychology Practice, The Criminal Justice System and the Legal Framework, Specialist Skills in Treatment and Interventions, and Investigative Psychology.

You have access to excellent facilities including numerous research cubicles and laboratories equipped for conducting forensic interviews, developmental research, EEG and social observation. There is a strong criminal investigation representation and practitioner focus within the teaching team, and there is a departmental forensic research group which complements the programme.

Forensic Psychology graduates pursue careers in various specialisms within criminal justice pathways, including further training to become Registered Forensic Psychologists. The knowledge and transferable skills acquired can also be useful for a career as a mental health practitioner, crime analyst or researcher.

Find out more about the Department for Psychology

Accreditation

The Forensic Psychology programme at Winchester is accredited through the British Psychological Society (BPS) and provides the academic component (Stage 1) of the route to becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist with full membership of the BPS’s Division of Forensic Psychology. Successful completion of Stage 1 enables graduates to progress to further study such as Stage 2, or Doctorate level training, the standard necessary to become a Registered Forensic Psychologist through the Health and Care Professions Council.

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

On campus, Winchester

Course length

  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time

Apply

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Typical offer

A first or second-class honours degree

Fees

From £9,775 pa

Course features

  • Complete Stage 1 of the BPS chartership process
  • Study with highly active practitioner Forensic Psychologists and researchers
  • Receive case-based hands-on training in assessment, intervention, and consultation
  • Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

Course details

Work placements

Students have the opportunity to volunteer on optional forensic practice-related placements.

Learning and teaching

A diverse range of teaching methods are employed including laboratory classes, lectures, seminars, tutorials and individual project supervision. Students have access to excellent facilities including numerous research cubicles and laboratories equipped for conducting forensic interviews, developmental research, EEG and social observation.

There is a strong criminal investigation representation and practitioner focus within the teaching team, and there is a departmental forensic research group which complements the programme.

Location

Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. A variety of assessment methods are employed including essays, literature reviews, report writing, presentations, and examinations, as well as a quantitative or qualitative empirical project.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

Feedback

We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.

Further information

For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Foundations of Forensic Psychology Practice 20 Credits

Students are introduced to the fundamental theoretical perspectives within the field of Forensic Psychology. The range and focus of the material covered links with some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) recommendations, namely, good health and wellbeing, reduced inequalities and peace justice and strong institutions. Core theories and perspectives about the criminal behaviour of specialist client groups encountered in a forensic setting are discussed. Theoretical understandings of criminal behaviour will be discussed more generally initially. Following this, the focus will be on the theoretical understandings of specific offending behaviours such as sexual offending, violence, fire-setting, terrorism, stalking, and hostage taking. In addition, theoretical perspectives regarding the offending of specialist client groups encountered in a forensic setting will be discussed, for example male, female and adolescent offending, the offending of individuals with mental illness, personality disorders, learning disability and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Core theories of offending will be critically evaluated, in particular their applicability, key methodological and theoretical strengths and limitations. There will also be a focus on discussing theories and perspectives regarding victimology to provide a holistic theoretical background. Students will be expected to demonstrate reflective skills using a reflective log. Suggested topics for reflection will be provided.

The Criminal Justice System and the Legal Framework 20 Credits

This module introduces students to the Criminal Justice System and legal framework. The range and focus of the material covered links with some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) recommendations, namely, good health and wellbeing, reduced inequalities and peace justice and strong institutions. Specifically, students are informed about the role and function of key institutions that form the Criminal Justice System. There is a particular focus on the role of a Forensic Psychologist in practice within these. Students are informed about criminal and civil law, including considerations about cultural aspects (such as a session on case law for refugees and asylum seekers). The applicability of the law to vulnerable populations and the contribution of Forensic Psychology in safeguarding vulnerable individuals are discussed within the module. The law applied within specialist settings such as Mental Health Review Tribunals and Parole Board Hearings is reviewed. Students are invited to consider the key practical and ethical considerations involved in the role of the Forensic Psychologist as an Expert Witness. To encourage reflection and awareness of biases and stereotypes, students are invited to participate in group reflection and self-reflection tasks (using anonymous Padlets and practice diaries). 

Research Methods in Psychology 20 Credits

The module provides a framework for the consideration of research within psychology and spans a wide range of methods and methodologies both quantitative and qualitative. Issues such as validity, reliability, representativeness, sampling, reflexivity and generalisability will be addressed through a variety of different examples of research. Throughout the module students will be encouraged to examine the assumptions underpinning research and its interpretation and to adopt a critical stance to evaluating the methods and analysis they have previously been taught and those they encounter while undertaking this module. Students will also be encouraged to compare research within frameworks (e.g., between correlational, regression and ANOVA designs) and across frameworks (e.g., between experimental designs and focus group interviews), in order to explore different ways of asking questions and the fundamental processes of discovery and knowledge in human and scientific research.

Assessment and Consultancy within Forensic Practice 20 Credits

Assessment and consultancy approaches within forensic psychology practice are introduced. The material covered links with some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) recommendations, namely, good health and wellbeing, reduced inequalities and peace justice and strong institutions. Specifically, assessment of various types of offending behaviour is discussed with particular emphasis on risk and clinical factors. Students are encouraged to critically appraise risk assessment approaches and structured professional judgement tools, whilst exploring different formulation approaches. There is also an emphasis on forensic consultancy practice such as the production of professional reports, training, policy development, organisational interventions, and project management and evaluations. Students are expected to identify key learning points to reflect on regarding the ethical and professional practice challenges of risk assessment, including awareness of biases and heuristics. Students are expected to work co-operatively with peers during practical elements of the module but also demonstrate originality in problem solving skills in their written work. Lastly, students are expected to remain sensitive to differences relevant to the diverse group in contact with the Criminal Justice system (such as honour-based violence explored in violence risk assessment) and develop self-awareness of their own biases and stereotypes.

Specialist Treatment and Interventions 20 Credits

This module introduces the various treatments, interventions and therapy approaches provided to clients within a forensic setting. Material covered links with some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) recommendations, namely, good health and wellbeing, reduced inequalities and peace justice and strong institutions. Specifically, there is coverage of offence focused treatments (e.g., KAIZEN, Schema-Focused Therapy) and forensic psychotherapy (e.g., CAT, CFT) approaches for offenders. In addition, intervention for victims of crime such as Restorative Justice, CFT and EMDR are discussed. Core therapeutic skills are introduced throughout the module, including boundaries, informed consent, and limits to confidentiality. Challenges such as therapeutic relationship ruptures and transference/ countertransference within the forensic contexts are explored. As part of this module, students are encouraged to critically consider and evaluate the various approaches to offending behaviour treatment, considering evidence-based practice. Throughout the module, students are expected to identify and reflect on key learning points from the teaching material. Students will be reminded to remain sensitive to cultural differences (such as a session on building a therapeutic alliance with culturally diverse individuals) in terms of the origins and treatment of mental illness (using specific examples about the boundaries to receiving therapy in BAME communities).

Investigative Psychology 20 Credits

This module will introduce students to the investigative psychology components of forensic psychology in practice. Some material covered links with some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) recommendations, namely, reduced inequalities and peace justice and strong institutions. In particular, students will be informed about the various psychology based techniques utilised during an investigation such as eyewitness testimony, identification methods, and offender profiling. Various interviewing techniques utilised within the process of investigation will be discussed, specifically with vulnerable suspects and victims. The difficulties of techniques utilised within investigations will be reviewed such as false confessions, suggestibility, false allegations, and lie detection/polygraph. The approaches utilised within the process of investigation will be evaluated from a theoretical, methodological and ethical perspective.

Empirical Research Project 60 Credits

This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth and independent empirical study within the field of forensic psychology. Students will demonstrate originality in the development and application of knowledge and research skills gained elsewhere in the programme. They will be required to resolve the complex conceptual, methodological and practical problems that are often encountered by psychological researchers. Completion of a dissertation will demonstrate their comprehensive understanding of all stages in the research process, an ability to deal with complex issues creatively and systematically, and to communicate information in a clear and appropriate fashion. The module will prepare students to undertake future psychological research through the practical experience that they have gained under the supervision of a member of academic staff.

Entry requirements

A first or second-class honours degree

(or recognised equivalent qualification) in Psychology and Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Students who do not fulfil this GBC entry requirement are considered on an individual basis by the programme team.

If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing or equivalent

Selection process

You will be required to attend an interview.

For applicants who are unable to travel to Winchester (such as those who reside outside the UK), an interview may be conducted via Skype at the discretion of the programme team. 

Course enquiries and applications

Send us a message

A first or second-class Honours degree (or recognised equivalent qualification) in Psychology and Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Students who do not fulfil this GBC entry requirement are considered on an individual basis by the programme team.

If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing or equivalent

Selection process

You will be required to attend an interview.

For applicants who are unable to travel to Winchester (such as those who reside outside the UK), an interview may be conducted via Skype at the discretion of the programme team. 

Course enquiries and applications

Send us a message

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk.

Late applications can be accepted throughout the remainder of the application year, for more information see our How to Apply section. 

2025/2026 Course Tuition Fees 

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland

International

Full-time £9,775 £18,300
Part-time £4,888 £9,150
Total £9,775 £18,300

 

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in January / September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,775**.

If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services

Mandatory

Disclosure and Barring Service

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.

CAREER PROSPECTS

The programme provides the first step (Stage 1) towards gaining Chartered Forensic Psychologist status with the BPS.

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Student with careers staff member
"The course is driven by forward-thinking academics and practitioners who offer in-depth insight into Forensic Psychology practice. Links with key professional and academic institutions help develop essential skills, knowledge and confidence." - Brandon May, MSc Forensic Psychology student

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