Overview
This course, part of a suite of courses in the field of forensic psychology at Coventry University, which also includes MSc Forensic Psychology, and MSc Forensic Psychology and Offender Rehabilitation, is designed to provide you with a thorough grounding in the theory, themes, issues and practical skills we consider to be central to forensic psychology and forensic mental health settings.
In 2017, the National Audit Office estimated that 10% of the prison population in England was receiving treatment for a mental health problem. Further, that 37% of people in prison had reported mental health problems to HM Inspector of Prisons. In this course, you will have the opportunity to study the types of mental health disorders commonly found in prisons, and be taught how to assess and work with individuals in forensic settings, including understanding appropriate treatment programmes and the psychological challenges that can be faced by staff working in the prison service.
The course has been designed to cover the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology's (“DFP”) core curriculum, which includes foundational topics such as the theoretical basis of forensic psychology across a range of settings and risk assessment, as well as focusing on mental health issues in forensic settings. The aim of the course upon successful completion is for you to have gained an understanding of the influence mental health can have on how offenders and victims think, feel and act, as well as the opportunity to consider how our criminal justice system can respond to such individuals.
Our current staff for this course have over 100 years’ worth of combined, varied professional psychological experience, either as British Psychological Society Chartered/Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registered Members themselves, and/or as active researchers.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
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All the support you need, in a top student cityAccreditation & Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
British Psychological Society
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society. As such, the course will continue to fulfil Stage 1 requirements towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist (for students who also have the required Graduate Basis for Chartership).
To be awarded an accredited degree, graduates must achieve the necessary 50% pass mark for all modules contributing to the accredited MSc degree (British Psychological Society Standards for the Accreditation of the Masters Programme in Forensic Psychology and Crime, October 2017). Graduates who do not meet this requirement will exit with a non-accredited award. To achieve the necessary number of credits for all non-accredited awards, graduates must achieve the necessary 40% pass mark for all modules contributing to the award.
Course information
The MSc Forensic Psychology and Mental Health course is primarily for those who wish to continue in a career associated with forensic psychology and specifically work in forensic mental health settings, or with offenders with mental health issues.
Five core mandatory modules will be delivered alongside students on the three aligned MSc courses; MSc Forensic Psychology, MSc Forensic Psychology and Mental Health and MSc Forensic Psychology and Offender Rehabilitation. An additional three mandatory pathway modules will then be delivered solely to students on the MSc Forensic Psychology and Mental Health to specialise the content of each degree and differentiate them from each other. It is therefore important to read all course webpages related to the three pathways and compare the specific topic areas covered, to pick the most appropriate course to apply for.
Top 200
For the 3rd year in a row Coventry University has been ranked one of the top 200 universities in the world to study psychology.
Read news article
Times Higher Education
Course Specification
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Modules
In more detail...
This course focuses on mental health issues in forensic settings, and examines the role of forensic psychologists throughout the criminal justice system, not only in working with offenders in developing and implementing treatment programmes, but in areas such as provision of expert testimony or conducting research into the impact of mental health on aspects of the criminal justice system. The MSc Forensic Psychology and Mental Health course is one of three aligned MSc offerings in Forensic Psychology delivered by Coventry University. The course is designed to cover the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology's (DFP) core curriculum, covering diverse topics such as the theoretical basis of forensic psychology across a range of settings, through all stages of the criminal justice process. However, there is a specific focus on mental health and offenders.
This course also offers coverage of legal approaches that we consider to be relevant to psychology and the inclusion of the Global Professional Development module in Consultancy, which aims to develop skills in leadership and consultancy. ‘The Legal Process’ module is delivered by law lecturers from Coventry Law School, which has taught Law for over 50 years. This provides an opportunity to learn about forensic psychology from a legislative perspective. You will be introduced to the role of experts in the English legal system, as well as the nature and functions of the criminal and civil justice systems and the distinctions between them.
Our teaching and learning is designed to encourage your participation and deepen your understanding of specific subjects. For example, by debating and discussing topics, such as the effectiveness of prison in reducing reoffending behaviour and the ethics associated with risk assessment. Alongside this curriculum, your course will also provide you with an opportunity to develop, what we consider to be, a range of globally relevant practice-based transferable skills including: effective communication and dissemination, criticality, reflection, synthesis, and evaluation of ethical issues.
This course aims to set you on the path to obtaining the relevant skills required to become a Chartered Psychologist. This course can be studied on a full-time basis over the course of one academic year or alternatively, it can be studied online on a part-time basis. If you were to opt to study this course online on a part-time basis, it would be delivered over two academic years and through our online learning system.
Developed with a focus on your future employability, the highly practical nature of the course is intended to help you develop many of the core skills we consider to be necessary for effective practice. Of our previous postgraduate MSc Forensic Psychology students, 89% were in work or continuing their studies within six months of graduation (DLHE 2016/17).
- Coventry University is ranked 16th in the UK for Psychology in the Guardian University Guide 2020.
- According to the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2018, 97% of Psychology students reported that they felt the staff on the MSc Forensic Psychology were enthusiastic about what they were teaching.
- Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Students who successfully complete the Global Professional Development module and meet the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) evidence requirements can gain a Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Management and an Award in Professional Consulting, based on the following units: Strategic Leadership, Strategic Leadership Practice and Tools and Techniques for Effective Consultancy. Completion of this module will enable you to apply for Chartered Manager status via the qualified route, once the other entry criteria have been met.
- We have links with a variety of relevant external organisations, such as Secure Mental Health Services, the National Offender Management Service (“NOMS”), Community Rehabilitation Companies (“CRCs”), Her Majesty’s Prison service, privately operated prisons and the National Crime Agency.
- Our current staff have years of professional psychological experience, either as Chartered/Registered Members themselves or as active researchers. Their recent projects have ranged from understanding multiple-perpetrator rape and police responses to domestic violence.
- Library with Forensic Psychology texts and journals, access to equipment and software such as Biopac and SuperLab, as well as a range of laboratories, including sound-proofed cubicles, a closed-circuit TV observation suite, ‘mock’ prison cells and light and dark multisensory laboratories, all of which are supported by psychology technicians.
The main study themes are:
- Research and research methods: We will cover how to conduct qualitative and quantitative research of relevance to forensic psychology, using a range of techniques and research methods to collect and analyse data and enable evidence-informed practice.
- The legal and criminal justice context for forensic psychology: Aims to develop an understanding of the psychological theories and evidential processes used in the justice system, including the legal framework of the civil and criminal justice systems; processes of investigation; the legal process; the process of detention; working with litigants, appellants, and individuals seeking arbitration and mediation; and interdisciplinary and multi-agency working.
- Interventions: We examine the range of interventions available to forensic psychologists, identifying strengths, weaknesses and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.
- Client groups: We look at the various types of client groups that forensic psychologists work with, such as the different types of offenders, patients and at risk individuals of all ages and both sexes, including children and young people in conflict with the law, as well as professionals, groups and organisations.
- Forensic settings: Aims to develop the knowledge and skills relevant to forensic psychology, understanding issues of organisational culture and systems. These include prisons; secure units; hospitals; mental health; police; courts (including criminal, family and civil); community settings; charities and social enterprise.
- Development and training: We'll teach you how to take responsibility for your own professional development and appreciate the psychological theories and evidence underpinning the development and training of others.
- Advice and consultancy: Explores forensic psychological theories, principles, procedures and evidence when working with organisations on a consultancy basis to contribute to the development of practice, guidance and policy.
For the one-year full-time cohort, teaching and learning follows the traditional campus-based model of delivery, including face to face lectures and the expectation of full attendance during term-time.
For those wishing to take the part-time option, all teaching and learning materials are provided online, over a two-year period. This version of the course provides flexibility and part-time continuing professional development, potentially (but not limited to) practitioners who are already working in forensic psychology settings. Our current staff have experience in delivering high quality online provision and understand how online learning is substantially different when compared with face-to-face courses. Regardless of teaching mode, online content and library access is provided, and there is the opportunity to be part of a learning community in order to discuss topics online with course tutors, as well as access resources, including online journals and ebooks, through the library. Students are encouraged to engage with each other in online forums and share formative learning opportunities together to enhance the experience.
During the course you will study a range of mandatory modules that carry between 10 and 40 credits each, and then complete a 40-credit dissertation. You will be assessed using approaches such as case studies, risk assessment report, video log, reflective practice, literature review, and empirical reports. Some of the assessments have elements linked to real world tasks. We aim to provide guidance on how to tackle each assessment during the course.
For an MSc award, you are required to complete 180 credits, including the 40-credit dissertation. i.e. you must pass all modules on the MSc Forensic Psychology and Mental Health to achieve this qualification. As the course is accredited graduates must achieve the necessary 50% pass mark for all modules contributing to achieve a BPS accredited MSc degree (BPS Standards for the Accreditation of the Masters’ Programme in Forensic Psychology and Crime MSc, October 2017). Graduates who do not meet this requirement will exit with a non-accredited award MSc Forensic Psychology and Mental Health Studies. To achieve the necessary number of credits for all non-accredited awards, graduates must achieve the necessary Coventry University 40% pass mark for all modules contributing to the award.
Upon successfully completing this course, you should be able to demonstrate the following Course Learning Outcomes:
- A comprehensive knowledge and critical understanding of how psychology can be applied to a range of criminal justice, legal, and forensic settings and client groups (including forensic mental health settings).
- Applying psychological knowledge and skills (e.g., critical evaluation) to practice-based scenarios in forensic psychology in mental health settings.
- Reflective and critical understanding of yourselves as future practitioners in forensic mental health settings.
- Transferable and professional skills applicable to a range of forensic practice settings with a particular focus in forensic mental health.
- A critical understanding of psychological research paradigms, research methods, ethical procedures, data analyses, psychological literature evidence and theory.
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles of consultancy and the theories and practices found in leadership.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
International experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
According to the British Psychological Society, the largest single employer of forensic psychologists in the UK is the HM Prison Service. Psychologists can also be found employed in rehabilitation units, secure hospitals, the Social Services, conducting research in University Departments and working in private consultancy.
There are two stages to becoming a practising Forensic Psychologist and Chartered Member of the BPS; requiring a combination of professional education and practice. In the first instance, you need the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), followed by an accredited Masters in Forensic Psychology, such as this course.
The second stage requires a minimum of two years of supervised practice and successful completion of Stage 2 of the BPS Qualification in Forensic Psychology before you are eligible to register with the HCPC and use the title of ‘Forensic Psychologist’.
By studying Forensic Psychology and Mental Health, you should be able to develop knowledge and skills that are relevant across the criminal justice system in a variety of roles, including: crime scene analyst; trainee forensic psychologist; trainee clinical psychologist; behavioural investigative advisor; lecturer in forensic psychology; Home Office, local government or police researcher; police officer; youth offending team worker; offending behaviour programme facilitator, or probation officer.
Where our graduates work
Some of our previous MSc Forensic Psychology graduates have gone on to further study, or into Stage 2 of the BPS Qualification in Forensic Psychology. Other Graduates have gone on to work for HMPPS, including a range of prison settings such as those dedicated to the rehabilitation of sexual offenders.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
