Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc

Postgraduate

A student sits on a bunk bed in a mock prison cell in the Alison Gingell Building.

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), this course is designed for those pursuing careers in forensic mental health, the criminal justice system or working towards Chartered Forensic Psychologist status with the BPS.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CAST032

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
July 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

This course provides an in-depth exploration of forensic psychology and mental health. Examine the cultural, gender and sexual contexts that shape forensic settings, and equip yourself with practical skills in risk assessment, case formulation and ethical practice.

Bespoke curriculum: gain a comprehensive understanding of mental health disorders, case formulation, professional practice, risk assessment and management, research methodologies, legal frameworks and the criminal justice system.
Applied learning: engage in critical discussions and immersive learning experiences, using real-world case studies and practitioner-informed scenarios to navigate the complexities of forensic mental health. Develop the skills and knowledge required to work with offenders facing mental health challenges in a range of forensic settings.
Real world issues: explore contemporary challenges in forensic psychology through cutting-edge research methodologies and professional ethical practices. Gain hands-on experience in applied skills essential for working in forensic mental health settings.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Career ready: prepare for a career in forensic settings with direct access to complex mental health environments, supported by academic staff and practitioners actively working with forensic populations. (Staff are subject to change.)
Career-focused assessment: demonstrate your skills and knowledge through wide-ranging assessment methods designed to reflect real-world forensic practice, including risk assessments and case formulations.
Facilities: enhance your learning with modern technology and simulations, gaining hands-on experience in realistic forensic environments such as simulated houses, prison cells, a hyper studio and virtual reality headsets.⁴
Opportunities: boost your employability by applying for voluntary roles and placements in forensic settings, facilitated through external collaborations with His Majesty’s Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) and charities supporting individuals with criminal convictions.²
Learning support: benefit from student-led, interactive teaching resources such as case studies, Padlet and Mentimeter.⁴ Gain direct access to a range of professional services, including employability and career progression, student wellbeing services and support from academic staff.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The British Psychological Society

This course is currently accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

This course is designed to fulfil Stage 1 requirements for becoming a Chartered Psychologist, provided you also possess the required Graduate Basis for Chartership. To be eligible for Chartership, you must also have an accredited undergraduate psychology degree or have completed an accredited conversion course before starting this MSc. For complete details, please visit the BPS website.

Collaborations

Endorsement by the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)

Coventry University and the RSA have collaborated on a module related to social and ethical responsibility. You will be entitled to a 12-month fellowship of the RSA so you can access all RSA resources and platforms during your period of study. Once you have successfully passed the Project Planning and Ethics module, you will receive an RSA digital badge.

What you'll study

Study key areas of forensic psychology and mental health, gaining practical skills in case formulation, risk assessment and reintegration. Develop expertise in ethical practice, research methods, and intervention strategies for diverse populations. Explore offending behaviour and mental health disorders within the criminal justice system, while conducting an independent research project to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts.

Modules

Forensic Mental Health and The Criminal Justice System – 30 credits

Discover how psychology contributes to our understanding of mental health disorders, clinical assessment, and case formulation in forensic settings (such as different types of offenders, patients and at-risk individuals, victims/survivors and individuals across the life span). Explore different types of psychological theories in a real-world context to understand how these theories are applied and used in forensic mental health case formulations. Explore the journey of individuals with mental health illnesses through the criminal justice system, focusing on legal processes, ethics, multi-agency work and professional development. Explore the challenges of working with individuals who have both forensic and mental health needs, alongside legal frameworks and clinical guidelines for forensic practitioners. Reflect on the latest global developments within forensic psychology, including contemporary clinical and legal processes with encouragement to adopt a critical and evaluative approach in your learning.

Compulsory

Professional Practice in Forensic Mental Health – 30 credits

Examine professional and practical issues in forensic mental health, alongside the importance of reflective practice, ethical conduct and practitioner wellbeing. Explore how ethical, legal and organisational factors impact forensic psychologists, particularly those working with individuals with mental health conditions (such as different types of offenders, patients and at-risk individuals, victims/survivors and individuals). Develop skills in case formulation, applying current research and theories, and enhancing reflective practice through student-focused teaching methods. Learn how to manage challenging situations when working with forensic mental health populations, considering issues of culture, gender and sexuality.

Compulsory

Project Planning and Ethics – 30 credits

Developed with the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), gain the skills necessary to undertake your final independent research project, focusing on both qualitative and quantitative research design in your field. In addition to building research competencies, it addresses the evolving nature of work and skills needed with advances in technology and changes in the global economy. Gain practical experience, ethical insights and the tools to thrive in a dynamic workforce, alongside an RSA digital badge on successful completion of this module.

Compulsory

Research Methods in Psychology – 30 credits

Develop expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and equip yourself with the skills to analyse, interpret and present your findings effectively. Whether you're working with numerical data or exploring human experiences, become proficient in essential tools needed to conduct rigorous psychological research and apply these methods across a range of professional settings.

Compulsory

Forensic Risk Assessment and Management – 30 credits

Independent Research Project – 30 credits

Lead independent research on a topic you are passionate about, applying the advanced skills gained throughout your course. With expert supervision, you have an opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, gaining a deep understanding of ethical, theoretical and methodological complexities. Conduct an in-depth, postgraduate-level investigation to enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving and research skills.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
workshops.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

portfolios
risk assessment
case formulations
written documentation.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An undergraduate degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in psychology.

Undergraduate degrees in science or social science may be accepted where at least 50% of your studies is in psychology and you can evidence curriculum study including research methods.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical requirements

An undergraduate degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in psychology.

Undergraduate degrees in science or social science may be accepted where at least 50% of your studies is in psychology and you can evidence curriculum study including research methods.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,350	Not available
EU	£9,350 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

This course will take place at our Coventry University main campus. You will have access to innovative classrooms and facilities which include:

Observation suite and recording/control room
Observe behaviours, interactions or experiments in a controlled environment without directly influencing the subjects, gaining valuable hands-on experience in psychological research methods.
Prison cells
Two furnished cells, one simulating a prison cell, and one simulating a custody cell, allow you to role-play real-life situations and put yourself in the shoes of prisoners and prison/police staff. Prisoner artwork is also on display.
Psychology lab
A suite of rooms with experimental equipment, such as eye tracking and EEG (electroencephalogram) resources, to support neuro-psychological, physiological and biological psychological research for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Our BPS-accredited Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc course equips successful graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in forensic psychology, mental health and the criminal justice system. The course fosters ethical development and serves as a gateway to a rewarding career in forensic psychology.

On successful completion of Stage 1, you may be eligible to progress to Stage 2 training and pursue Chartered Forensic Psychologist status. Beyond forensic psychology practice, you should gain valuable skills for roles within the criminal justice system, including opportunities in the prison service (prison education staff, prison or police officer, key worker, probation officer, youth offending team), law enforcement and security services (MI5, MI6), and academia and research.

Potential roles, development opportunities and work settings include:

assistant psychologist
support worker in secure settings
trainee practitioner
interventions facilitator
forensic psychologist in prisons
appropriate adult during police interviews and providing statements
outreach specialist engaged with individuals with mental health illnesses,
forensic psychologist working in a therapeutic setting (such as with children in care
multiagency worker.

Where our graduates work

Completion of BPS Stage 1 and successful course completion have led to graduate roles including:

further Higher Education to complete BPS Stage 2 training in Forensic Psychology
HM Prison Service
Ministry of Justice
Secure mental hospitals
Victim support charities
Clinical doctorate programmes
Prison Custody Officer
Therapy Assistant
PGDip Forensic Psychology Practice
Domestic Abuse Worker
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
Interventions Facilitator
Forensic Psychologist in Training/Trainee Forensic Psychologist
Qualification in Forensic Psychology (Stage 2).

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

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 current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. 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.