MSc Forensic Psychology

To use the MSc in Forensic Psychology as Stage 1 in the route towards becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist an essential pre-requisite is that you must be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS. This means that you must have a first degree in Psychology from a BPS approved course. However, some individuals without GBC may choose to take the MSc to further their understanding of Forensic Psychology but should be aware that the course could not then be used to work towards Chartership as a Forensic Psychologist.

Desirable pre-requisites are that you should have at least an upper second class degree in psychology, have undertaken a research dissertation relevant to the forensic psychology field and have experience (voluntary or paid) working in this area. However, in certain circumstances if you are unable to meet these requirements, exceptions may be made if you can evidence wider skills, experience or a strong commitment to pursuing studies in forensic psychology. Admission will be based on your application form, CV and an interview with the course team.

Our MSc Forensic Psychology programme offers a clear focus on the clinical and applied aspects of Forensic Psychology practice with emphasis on working with children / adolescents and mentally disordered offenders. In addition, you will learn about significant issues that occur pre-conviction including criminal investigations and interviewing, court processes and evidence. We have structured the course to ensure an integration of theory and practice and emphasise the importance of developing relevant skills and knowledge applicable for practice environments. In order to offer students the most relevant and informed depth and breadth of knowledge, we draw on the expertise of a range of practitioners working in applied forensic psychology across police, health, prison, and community settings.

Our programme covers a range of areas within forensic psychology with a clear emphasis on practice based issues. This includes the police investigative processes, considerations for court and sentencing, the range of client groups, and the assessment and treatment of offenders including; children / adolescents, personality disorder and sexual offenders. An important emphasis is on professional practice related to the understanding, assessment and management of risk. This enables students to learn about various risk assessment tools and develop their understanding of related professional practice issues. Assessment occurs throughout the year and there are a range of practice and academic related assignments in order to develop students personally and professionally for future employment.

The course is structured about seven core modules plus the completion of a research dissertation. The credit system allows students to complete the PGCert (60 credits) or the PGDip (120 credits) or the MSc Forensic Psychology (180 credits). 

Context and Practice (15)

This module sets the scene by covering the psychology of crime and criminal conduct including the context in which crime occurs and the challenges of different offending groups (e.g. women, young offenders, mentally disordered), offending types (e.g. high volume and major crime) and the influence of different factors (e.g. substance misuse, religious beliefs) have on offending behaviour.

Processes of Investigation and Justice (15)

This module covers elements of the investigative and judicial processes in order to create an understanding of criminal justice system prior to disposal into community, prison or hospital settings. Therefore offending behaviour is considered in relation to police investigation (e.g. interviewing, psychological profiling, and credibility assessment) and the legal process (e.g. expert evidence, juries and witnesses). 

Forensic Child Psychology (15)

This module covers forensic issues and mental disorder as they affect children or are perpetrated by children. The focus is on providing an understanding of how critical events result in developmental pathways which lead to emotional and psychological problems related to offending behaviour. The areas discussed include, developmental trauma and attachment, child protection, effects of victimisation, and child / youth offending.

Working with Client Groups (30)

This module has been extended to ensure students have the opportunity to focus on what works with different client groups, undertaking assessments, providing appropriate interventions and measuring outcomes, as well as exploring how victim issues impact on different client groups. The module covers a range of topics including: sexual offending, violence offending, arson, women offenders, acquisitive offences, and drug/alcohol related crime. System and organisational factors are also covered including consultation and project management.

Professional Practice and Risk Assessment (15)

This module focuses on a range of issues related to professional conduct and practice. Students will learn about professional guidelines, producing reports and the preparation and presentation of evidence within the context of undertaking a risk assessment. In particular, this will include currently used risk assessments to provide the opportunity to experience the conduct, preparation and development of practitioner reports (e.g. violence risk assessment using the HCR-20).

Basic Research Methods & Skills (15)

This module covers an introduction to research design and statistics. It provides an overview of basic statistical processes with SPSS being used as the main method of data analysis. The module works towards an understanding of more complex statistical methodologies.

Advanced Research Methods & Skills (15)

This module acts as an alternative module to the Basic Research Methods & Skills module. As such it provides an introduction and overview to research design and statistics. This module focuses specifically on the application of research methods in an applied context. It provides an overview of basic statistical processes with SPSS being used as the main method of data analysis. The module works towards an understanding of more complex statistical methodologies.

Dissertation in Forensic Psychology (60)

In this module students will explore in more detail their interests in a specific area of forensic psychology. In particular, it allows the opportunity to design, develop and present a proposal of their research, prior to conducting, analysing and writing-up a substantial a piece of empirical work. Students are further encouraged to publish their research findings in a peer reviewed journal.

The programme runs from September every year and the next intake is in 2011. The course team and lectures are based at the Brayford campus of Lincoln University and teaching takes place between 10-5 on Monday and Tuesday.

Professor Todd Hogue 
Telephone: +44 (0)1522 837391
thogue@lincoln.ac.uk 

For further information about fees, scholarships and bursaries please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding