Forensic Psychology MSc

Postgraduate

Female sitting on the bottom of a bunk bed

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)¹, this course combines practical knowledge and ethical skills to prepare you for a rewarding career in forensic psychology practice and research.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CAST031

Start date

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

How to apply

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Course overview

The course offers a thorough grounding in the theoretical and practical knowledge, issues and skills central to forensic psychological practice and the wide-ranging criminal justice settings, such as prison services, national security, academia and research.

Accreditation: accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)¹, completing this course fulfils the BPS Stage 1 requirements, placing you on the path towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist and a full member of the Division of Forensic Psychology.
Modern curriculum: explore psychological theory throughout the criminal justice process, from investigation and punishment to working with forensic clients, assessing risk and managing complex cases.
Career-focused: blend theory with real-world application to gain a deep understanding of the subject and develop a range of practice-based, transferable skills essential for your career.

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

Explore current issues in forensic psychology, evaluate modern practices and develop expertise to drive innovation in the field. Through real-world case studies, refine your professional and ethical approaches, preparing for a career in criminal justice, rehabilitation, law enforcement or research.

Expert staff: learn from our staff who teach the latest knowledge and directly engage with the realities of forensic psychology, ensuring you receive the most up-to-date and relevant education. (Staff are subject to change.)
Industry voices: gain first-hand knowledge from professionals across external organisations, including prison services, police, criminal justice agencies and charities. These experiences should help you develop key professional skills and build industry connections.
Skills development: from effective communication and problem-solving to ethical decision-making, this course equips you to work with diverse forensic client groups and make a real impact in various forensic settings.
Applied learning: our hands-on, active learning model allows you to apply theory to practice through case studies, discussions and skill-building activities, reflecting the challenges faced by forensic psychology professionals.

Accreditation and professional recognition

British Psychological Society

This course is currently accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for the 2025-26 intakes.

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 concerning 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 credential.

What you'll study

During your studies, you will engage with current issues and challenge modern knowledge and practices, aiming to develop your ethical approach as a professional in the forensic psychology arena.

Modules

Offending Behaviour and the Criminal Justice System – 30 credits

Build on your knowledge and further your understanding of offending behaviour and the multi-agency approach to criminal justice processes. Apply differing theoretical perspectives to various types of criminal action and start to acquire the knowledge and skills to provide advice and recommendations to criminal justice professionals.

Compulsory

Project Planning and Ethics – 30 credits

Developed with the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), this module aims to equip you with the skills necessary to undertake your final independent research project, focusing on both qualitative and quantitative research design in your field. Build research competencies and prepare for the rapidly changing world of work. Gain practical experience, ethical insights and the tools to thrive in a dynamic workforce, with RSA digital badging upon successful completion.

Compulsory

Research Methods in Psychology – 30 credits

Master quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse, report, interpret and write your studies. Whether you’re managing numerical datasets or exploring human experiences, this module is designed to equip you with the tools and skills to succeed in psychological research, as well as in applied areas of psychology and beyond.

Compulsory

Interventions with Forensic Client Groups – 30 credits

Develop your professional and ethical understanding of the theories and practice implications related to working with forensic client groups. Acquire critical awareness of the development and implementation of rehabilitative and intervention strategies to reduce offending and promote desistance from criminality.

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 supervision, you have an opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, gaining a deep understanding of ethical, theoretical and methodological complexities. Research and analyse data, then discuss and present your conclusions in a final dissertation. Offering an in-depth, postgraduate-level investigation, this module aims to enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving and research skills, providing a valuable experience for your academic and professional career growth.

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.

I have always been interested in learning about offenders and criminal behaviour, and I thought the course covered this well and in-depth, also helping to apply theory to reality. I enjoyed learning about the different aspects of prison and offending, such as how to conduct risk assessments and how important they are. I also enjoyed the way it was taught - using case studies that heavily reflected real life, for instance.
Hannah Malone, Forensic Psychology MSc, 2023

Hannah Malone selfie in her graduation robes.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
workshops
assessment support sessions
course hour
academic supervision.

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:

vlog presentations
case studies
risk assessments
research project portfolios.

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:

BIOPAC student lab
Electronic Facial Identification Technique (E-FIT)
licensed survey software for research
licensed programmes and software (SPSS, NVivo, Microsoft 365, Adobe etc.)
observation suite and recording/control room: observe behaviours, interactions or experiments in a controlled environment without directly influencing the subjects while 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

This course aims to equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise needed for a career in forensic psychology and criminal justice. It is designed to fulfil Stage 1 requirements for becoming a Chartered Psychologist on successful completion of the course.

In addition to forensic psychology careers, you should develop practical skills applicable to a range of roles within the criminal justice system, including:

prison service – prison education staff, prison officer, police officer, key worker, probation officer, youth offending team
law enforcement and security services – MI5, MI6
academia and research – contributing to forensic psychology studies and innovation.

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work as forensic psychologists, academics and researchers and have secured posts within organisations linked to the criminal justice system, for organisations such as:

HM Prison and Probation Service
Novus – prison education organisation
St Andrew’s Healthcare - a charity that works to inspire hope for those living with complex mental health needs
Aquarius – charity that helps with drugs, alcohol and gambling
Refuge – domestic abuse organisation for women
Metropolitan Police.

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.