Forensic and Criminal Psychology BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Student interviewing an acting criminal in a mock cell

Intrigued by the criminal mind? Explore psychological theories behind criminal behaviour and how psychology can help us understand the criminal justice system and work effectively with offenders and support victims.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

CM82

Start date

September 2026
November 2026
January 2027
March 2027
May 2027
July 2027

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Understand criminal behaviour and discover how psychology has shaped the forensic field. Prepare to work in forensic psychology careers such as interventions and rehabilitation, therapeutic interventions and law enforcement, while enhancing your knowledge of the various stages of the criminal justice system.

Industry-focused: specialist modules delve deeply into forensic psychology, aiming to prepare you for an exciting career in this fascinating field by applying psychological knowledge to real-world case studies and examples of real criminal behaviours.
Modern curriculum: explore contemporary topics like the psychology of cybercrime, offender rehabilitation and international perspectives on crime.
Applied learning: participate in engaging and immersive learning activities in our mock police custody suite and prison cells, and simulated trials in our mock courtroom.⁴

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Professional accreditation¹: successfully completing this course to the required standard of accreditation means you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS), which is necessary for further postgraduate study in psychology (including professional doctorates). See accreditation section for more information.
Career-focused: develop the skills required to embark on a career in forensic psychology, such as working effectively as part of a team, critical analysis and thinking, problem-solving, in addition to being able to communicate with different groups of people and understanding current debates and issues in forensic psychology.
Diverse voices: learn from a multidisciplinary teaching team from diverse backgrounds who aim to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded perspective on forensic psychology. The expert academic staff teaching this course have strong connections with industry professionals, offering you opportunities to engage with them through guest lectures and volunteer experiences.²
Psychology in action: through problem-based learning, you will actively engage in real-world, meaningful projects. Work on complex problems in the realm of forensic psychology, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication. This should showcase your expertise and readiness to make an impact in the world of forensic psychology.
Innovative learning tools and dedicated technicians: access a range of programmes to support your studies, including statistical and research methods software. Our dedicated psychology technicians are also on hand to support you in experiment design, data analysis and use of psychology lab equipment.⁴

Accreditation and professional recognition

The British Psychological Society

This course is accredited¹ by the British Psychological Society (BPS) on an open-ended basis, subject to regular and ongoing review by the BPS. Accreditation by the British Psychological Society means that as a graduate, provided you achieve at least a 2:2, you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.

If the accreditation of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

Forensic and Criminal Psychology BSc (Hons)
Psychology BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Education BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Sport and Exercise BSc (Hons)

Modules

Biological Basis of Behaviour – 30 credits

This module explores the relationship between behaviour and biology, examining how the nervous and other biological systems may help explain topics such as sleep, addiction and behavioural genetics. You will have the opportunity to develop your analytical skills and apply them through problem-based learning approaches within the context of biological psychology, with a focus on strengthening your understanding of quantitative research methods.

Compulsory

The Psychology of Human Interaction – 30 credits

This module focuses on human interaction within both individual and group contexts. You will examine traditional and contemporary social psychology theories that aid in underpinning real-world issues such as aggression and gender identity. Through problem-based learning, this module aims to help you improve your understanding of the complexities of human interaction while developing your qualitative research method skills.

Compulsory

Mental Processes: From Thought to Action – 30 credits

This module offers insight into the complexities of cognitive processes and how our minds function. Explore the core principles of cognitive psychology, including attention, memory and decision-making. Learn how cognitive psychology underpins everyday actions and decisions through quantitative research methods and solution-focused learning.

Compulsory

Development Across the Lifespan – 30 credits

This module gives you the opportunity to explore psychological development across the lifespan, from infancy to older adulthood. You will examine cognitive, emotional and social milestones, considering how developmental psychology can be applied to real-world issues such as education and cognitive decline in later life. You should learn to explore and analyse the dynamic processes that shape human growth and change.

Compulsory

Modules

Science of the Mind – 30 credits

Enhance your knowledge of biological and cognitive psychology, exploring brain function and mental processes and their impact on behaviour. You will study neuroanatomy, experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience and see how they apply to global topics like behavioural disorders. This module aims to use more advanced quantitative research methodologies and analysis to examine these concepts.

Compulsory

Developing Self and Identity in the Social World – 30 credits

This module aims to deepen your understanding of social and developmental psychology, exploring how thoughts, feelings, behaviours, relationships and identity are shaped by social influences and developmental stages. You will examine group dynamics, interpersonal relationships and cultural differences, using qualitative research methods and a problem-based learning approach to help develop your research skills.

Compulsory

Forensic Cyber Psychology – 30 credits

This module focuses on how the digital world evolves and re-shapes society, including criminal behaviours and victimisation. You will be introduced to psychological theories and research explaining cybercrime and its impact. You will also explore contemporary issues, ethical dilemmas, social harms and legal implications of technology’s widespread use, examining how it impacts various contexts, people, and the challenges it presents.

Compulsory

Psychology in Forensic Contexts – 30 credits

Discover how psychology has shaped effective models, frameworks and practical strategies in the forensic field that enhance the ability to understand, support and engage with individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. From policing to court systems and prisons, this module looks at how psychology plays a vital role in navigating and improving these complex environments through solution-focused learning.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They are a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Modules

Project Planning and Ethics in Psychology – 30 credits

You will start your independent research project process, with support from your project supervisor, in this module. You will apply knowledge of research methods and theory to design an independent research project to address an appropriate psychological research question. Learn about ethics across Coventry University (CU Ethics) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) before completing an online Coventry University research ethics application.

Compulsory

Independent Research Project – 30 credits

This module helps you develop skills and behaviours expected in professional settings. You’ll learn to carry out empirical research and write an independent piece on it with support from your project supervisor. You should develop a critical and further enhanced understanding of psychological research methodology.

Compulsory

Forensic Risk and Rehabilitation – 30 credits

This module will introduce you to the world of forensic risk assessment and the multi-agency management of individuals convicted of crimes. Understand key risk factors and psychological theories behind criminal behaviour and learn how to assess and manage risk while working to rehabilitate forensic client groups.

Compulsory

Optional modules

Choose one from the following two:

Forensic Psychopathology – 30 credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of the intricate relationship between mental health and crime from several different psychological perspectives. Explore how psychological theories can help explain mental illness and its connection to criminal behaviour. You will have the opportunity to examine how crime can impact not only those who commit it, but also victims, including the mental health challenges they may face as a result.
Aggression, Violence and Serious Offending – 30 credits
This module critically examines key theories behind aggression, violence and serious offending. Learn to understand why someone might commit a serious offence or engage in aggressive and violent behaviours from multiple psychological approaches. Applying your knowledge to authentic case studies and scenarios, you will consider how to support service users and professionals to overcome challenging behaviours.

Availability of optional modules may vary depending on student demand.

Optional

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

Learn through hands-on activities and real-world examples, using the same approaches professionals use in the field. It’s all about helping you build the skills you need to feel confident and prepared for your future career.

Teaching methods may include:

interactive lectures that are normally up to one hour in duration and may be delivered online or face-to-face
seminars involving smaller groups working on problems or holding discussions and debates about issues arising in the lectures
workshops involving a combination of content delivery and group work
working together on projects to help develop critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and creative thinking
simulations, enabling you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

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’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

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 incorporates new and innovative assessment methods aligned with current industry standards, providing you with practical, real-world skills designed to advance your professional readiness and career prospects.

Assessment methods may include:

writing exercises such as essays, reports, policy reviews and briefings
live simulations and reflective journals about them
group and individual presentations
posters and infographics
problem-solving scenarios such as case studies
podcasts, academic posters and vlogs.

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

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC excludes General Studies
GCSE	GCSE maths at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC	DMM
IB Diploma	28 points to include 15 points at Higher level
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma in a Science, Social Science or Health subject to include 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction. Plus GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

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.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 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.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year	Not available
EU	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary 2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £18,300 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

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 permits 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.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above 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.

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. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

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 is taught at Coventry University’s main campus.

Specialist teaching facilities⁴ include light and dark multisensory laboratories, ‘mock’ prison cells, an observation suite, counselling rooms which allows you to experience the application of psychology in different contexts.
Specialist software, such as Gorilla, Opensesame experiment builder, E-Prime, SPSS statistical analysis, Pinnacle Studio and NVIVO to develop your digital fluency.
EEG, eye tracking and Virtual Reality Headsets which allows you to understand and experience the neuro cognitive aspects of human behaviour in different situations.

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 should help you develop valuable skills that employers highly seek, such as strong communication, critical thinking, analytical abilities, and confident presentation and listening skills. These should prepare you for careers in applied psychology, research and beyond.

The course also lays the foundation for further training to become a qualified psychologist in various specialisms, such as occupational, forensic, or social psychology; clinical or counselling psychology focusing on mental wellbeing; health, sport, or neuropsychology for physical wellbeing; or developmental and educational psychology working with children.

Please note that qualifying as a specialist psychologist may involve additional requirements. For more information, please take a look at the BPS Psychology Careers Guide.

On successful completion of the course, you should be a globally and interculturally aware graduate ready to make a dynamic difference in the world. You could find yourself working in the following roles:

Sport psychologist
Exercise psychologist
Performance coach
Behaviour change specialist (e.g., in public health, NHS, behavioural science)
Physical activity programme officer
Athlete development officer
Corporate wellness consultant
Health or wellbeing coach (for the general population or for athletes)
Health promotion specialist (or more specifically, in exercise referral, cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation, obesity and weight management).

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

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How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like 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

International codes:
CASU016

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree 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

ioadmissions@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.

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.

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 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 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.