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Next intake
  • November 2025
  • 6 intakes per year (Jan, March, May, July, Sep, Nov)
Study options
  • 100% online study
  • Part-time
Duration
  • 2 years part-time
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A step towards your future goals.

Forensic Psychology MSc
Whether you want to strengthen your knowledge of forensic psychology practices or build skills relevant to areas such as criminal justice, rehabilitation, law enforcement or research, our Forensic Psychology MSc course could support your development. 

Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc
This course offers the opportunity to deepen your understanding of forensic mental health and its application in contexts such as the criminal justice system. It may also form part of the pathway towards Chartered Forensic Psychologist status with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Please note, further study, training and experience are required to achieve chartered status.

Why study these programmes

Professional accreditation

Upon successful completion of our BPS-accredited online forensic psychology courses, you will be eligible to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). GBC is a key requirement if you wish to progress to further professional doctoral-level training in psychology. Please note, additional qualifications, training and experience are needed to become a Chartered Psychologist.

High-level endorsements

Coventry University and the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) have collaborated on the Project Planning and Ethics module concerning social and ethical responsibility, applicable to all online psychology courses. 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.

Expert teaching staff

Learn from experienced professionals and researchers with strong industry links, including local schools, prison services, and clinical and counselling organisations (staff are subject to change). Teaching is designed to reflect current trends and sector debates, ensuring a relevant and engaging learning experience.

Awards and rankings

Just a few of Coventry University's many accolades.

5 Stars

QS Stars
for Teaching and Employability

QS Stars University Ratings

QS 5 stars logo

Top 100

 

in World for
‘international outlook’

THE World University Rankings 2025

The Higher Education world rankings 2025

Ranked 4th

for Overall Satisfaction

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2025

PTES logo

British Psychological Society (BPS)

Both courses are 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.

The courses are 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.

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.

Why choose Coventry University Online

Coventry University has been awarded 5 QS Stars Overall by QS Stars University Ratings for areas including teaching, employability, global engagement and research. 

Learn from experts

Learn from experts

Gain insights from industry experts and academics. Our courses are designed for today's professional challenges and your career development.

Real-world application

Real-world application

Designed for working professionals, our programmes are built to be practical and innovative. Learn skills you can immediately apply in professional environments.

Build your network

Build your network

Our expert-focused curriculum is shaped by tutors with in-depth knowledge of the field, with a keen focus on building career connections and establishing a network with other students.

Employer's choice

Employer's choice

Tap into Coventry University's alumni network and long history of established employer relationships across major industry sectors.

Designed to support your career development

Designed to support your career development

Learn at a UK university, recognised globally. Have the chance to study alongside other professionals and access industry insight for your current or future roles.

About this programme

Forensic Psychology MSc

Our 100% online Forensic Psychology MSc course could provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge that could be useful in supporting your career development and building connections in this field and across the criminal justice system.

Some of the highlights of our 100% online Forensic Psychology MSc can be found below. You will have the opportunity to:

  • explore psychological theory throughout the criminal justice process, from investigation and punishment to working with forensic clients, assessing risk and managing complex cases
  • study current issues in forensic psychology, evaluate modern practices and develop expertise to drive innovation in the field. Through real-world case studies, you could refine your professional and ethical approaches, preparing for a career in criminal justice, rehabilitation, law enforcement or research
  • 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
  • build on your knowledge and further your understanding of offending behaviour and the multi-agency approach to criminal justice processes
  • develop your research skills in ethics and methodology across forensic settings, mastering quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse, report, interpret and undertake your final independent research project and other assignments.

Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc

This 100% online Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc course aims to help you develop advanced skills and knowledge that could be useful in supporting your career development and building connections in this field and across the criminal justice system.

Some of the highlights of this 100% online Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc course can be found below. You will have the opportunity to:

  • get a comprehensive understanding of mental health disorders, case formulation, professional practice, risk assessment and management, research methodologies, legal frameworks and the criminal justice system
  • 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 mental health settings
  • explore contemporary challenges in forensic psychology through current research methodologies and professional ethical practices
  • build on your knowledge and further your understanding of offending behaviour and the multi-agency approach to criminal justice processes
  • understand 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.

What you will study

Forensic Psychology MSc

  • Offending Behaviour and the Criminal Justice System – 30 credits
  • Project Planning and Ethics – 30 credits
  • Research Methods in Psychology – 30 credits
  • Interventions with Forensic Client Groups – 30 credits
  • Forensic Risk Assessment and Management – 30 credits
  • Independent Research Project – 30 credits

Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc

  • Forensic Mental Health and The Criminal Justice System – 30 credits
  • Professional Practice in Forensic Mental Health – 30 credits
  • Project Planning and Ethics – 30 credits
  • Research Methods in Psychology – 30 credits
  • Forensic Risk Assessment and Management – 30 credits
  • Independent Research Project – 30 credits

Disclaimer

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 will learn

older man with balding head and grey hair looking down and smiling

Study 100% online and get the same qualification, along with many of the same benefits and support as a campus student.

  • Our 100% online courses offer the same high-quality modules as on-campus.

  • Your learning activities are available on-demand through our innovative social learning platform, so that you can learn at the best time and location for you.

  • Enjoy 24/7 access to electronic resources, including thousands of books, e-journals and newspapers.

  • Receive guidance from a tutor who will lead live sessions (recorded for those unable to attend) to support and add depth to your learning.

  • The tutor will be available for further support through email and the learning platform.

Fees and funding

MSc: £10,000 (180 credits)

Our tuition fees are calculated for the entire duration of the programme. You also have the option to pay fees by credit hour, rather than making a full upfront payment. A variety of payment options exist including instalments through the duration of the programme.

Career opportunities

Whether you are looking to step into a leadership role, choose a specialisation, or expand your professional portfolio, these courses could be the right fit for you. Possible career paths:

Assistant psychologist

Prison education

Prison and probation officing

Youth offending

Law enforcement and security services

Support worker in secure settings

Trainee practitioner

Interventions facilitator

Forensic psychologist in prisons

Multiagency worker

 

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.

How to apply