MSc Forensic Psychology
- Course type
- Postgraduate
- Course qualification
- MSc
Course summary
What is the fee?
For all course options, see fees and funding
Where will I study?
School of Health and Society
How long will I study?
One year, Three year
Overview
Get ready for a career in forensic psychology with this British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited course. This course will equip you with valuable professional insight and the skills necessary to progress into a career in forensic psychology. You will develop an awareness of the factors that can lead to criminal behaviour and the ways in which individuals can be supported to change. The course will also cover societal factors and disadvantages that contribute to antisocial behaviour, with a focus on victims, trauma, and mental health.
Building on our expert research and practice in the discipline, you will critically evaluate the current knowledge, theory, and evidence base in forensic psychology, while developing the skills and capabilities relevant to professional practice. The programme will utilise a range of practical techniques and research methods applicable to psychological enquiry. Forensic psychology is a growing field in the UK, offering multiple employment routes.
You will:
- Select a case study to explore in-depth throughout the course.
- Practice hands-on skills, such as interviewing and scoring psychological assessments.
- Hear directly from a range of guest lecturers in forensic psychology and related fields.
- Understand psychological theories central to modern forensic psychology practice.
- Receive support from a highly qualified team of research- and practice-informed psychology staff.
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
You want to be a forensic psychologist.
You want to make a difference in your community.
You are interested in pursuing further research in the forensic field.
You have an interest in working in specific forensic areas, such as sexual violence and victim support.
You have an interest in neurodiversity and mental health as they relate to offending behaviour.
How you learn
Future careers
You will gain practical skills and develop confidence to work in a range of criminal justice and mental health settings. You may want to continue your professional training towards becoming a forensic psychologist and progress into leadership positions within the field.
Some of our graduates go on to complete a doctorate in Forensic Psychology or pursue further training in related fields such as probation or the police.
Career Links
We have links across the criminal justice system. Specifically, Kemple View Priory Hospital works closely with us to offer enrichment opportunities for you alongside their own forensic psychologists and a wider multidisciplinary team.
Priory shares the same ethos as our course, which is that clients are at the centre of all we do, and working in the real world makes a difference.
Modules
This course aims to enable you to develop a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of forensic psychology. You will be supported in pursuing relevant work experience and connecting with our course partners, who are specialists in the field.
The full-time route is structured over 12 months and consists of three 13-week trimesters. In trimesters one and two, you will complete two taught modules in each. In trimester three, you will complete your forensic empirical project under the supervision of one of the course tutors.
The forensic empirical project module will also give you the opportunity to pursue an area of forensic psychology directly related to your own work or interests.
Modules
Psychology of Criminal Behaviour and Investigation – 20 credits
This module will cover the range of contemporary approaches to understanding criminal behaviour within psychology and will also explore the psychology of the criminal justice system. You will look at approaches to investigation from detection to interrogation and conviction.
Research Methods in Psychology – 20 credits
You will develop a critical understanding and a creative and rigorous approach to the process of research. This will prepare you to complete an empirical project in the field of Forensic Psychology.
Psychological Assessment and Applications – 20 credits
This module will explore the psychological factors relevant to offenders in the criminal justice system, focusing on how offenders are assessed, managed, and treated. A range of treatment and intervention approaches, and the evidence for their efficacy, will be covered. The diversity of offenders will also be addressed, as well as ways in which risk assessment helps make sense of their behaviour.
Psychology of the Legal System and Courtroom – 20 credits
This module will examine the psychological aspects of each step of the legal process in the criminal justice system, and the ways in which forensic psychology assists. A range of practical and theoretical models will be covered and applied.
Forensic Empirical Project – 20 credits
You will be provided with the opportunity to pursue research in an area of forensic psychology that directly relates to your own work, interests, or future career aspirations.
We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.
Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.
Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Entry requirements
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
- A 2:1 Psychology degree (BPS Accredited) or
- A 2:2 Psychology degree (BPS Accredited) with work experience in a related healthcare setting will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Please note, for BPS accreditation, students must have a first degree that confers graduate basis for chartered status with the BPS (British Psychological Society)
English Language Requirements
If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.5 with no element below 6.0. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications.
If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.
Alternative entry requirements
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
Fees and funding
2025/26
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Part-time | Part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis. |
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,360 per year |
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £17,520 per year |