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Made for inspiring critical thinking.
Recognised for real-world relevance.

Forensic Psychology MSc

Our 100% online Forensic Psychology MSc course, awarded by Coventry University and delivered by Coventry University Online, is designed for leadership roles in forensic psychological practice. It is ideal for those looking to expand their career opportunities in the criminal justice system.

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Intake of interest
  • September 2025
  • 6 intakes per year (Jan, March, May, July, Sep, Nov)
Study options
  • 100% online study
  • Part-time
Duration
  • 2 years part-time

Why choose us

Coventry University has been awarded 5 QS Stars Overall by QS Stars University Ratings for areas including teaching, employability, global engagement and research. We were also ranked the 9th Modern University in the UK by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

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

Ranked 9th

Modern University in the UK

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

The Sunday Times logo

Ranked 4th

for Overall Satisfaction

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2025

PTES logo

Who is this course for?

This BPS-accredited course is best suited to career-ready professionals who are looking to specialise in the essential skills and techniques in forensic psychology.

This course is an excellent choice for those pursuing careers in forensic psychology, the criminal justice system or working towards Chartered Forensic Psychologist status with the BPS.

Whether you're aiming to develop your leadership potential in forensic psychology practices or elsewhere in criminal justice, rehabilitation, law enforcement or research, our Forensic Psychology MSc course could be the right fit for you.

Person holding a sheet of black and white brain MRI scans with multiple cross-sectional images.

Our course is ideal for those who:

  • currently work in a psychology or social sciences role
  • currently work in a non-psychology or social sciences role
  • are looking to start a career in forensic psychology.

For other opportunities in the psychology field, you could consider our related online psychology courses below:

Careers and opportunities

Whether you’re looking to step into a leadership role, specialise in psychology, or expand your professional portfolio, our Forensic Psychology MSc course could be the right fit for you.

Forensic psychology

Prison education

Prison and probation officing

Youth offending

Law enforcement and security services

Further professional study and training

 

The career 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.

Coventry University’s career and employability team, can help support your search for employment in the UK or overseas by tapping our alumni network, industrial contacts, and individual advice (subject to availability).

Course overview

Our 100% online Forensic Psychology MSc course could provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need to expand your career and build 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 explore psychological theory throughout the criminal justice process, from investigation and punishment to working with forensic clients, assessing risk and managing complex cases.
  • You will explore current issues in forensic psychology, evaluate modern practices and develop expertise to drive innovation in the field. Through real-world case studies, you will go on to refine your professional and ethical approaches, preparing for a career in criminal justice, rehabilitation, law enforcement or research.
  • You will 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.
  • You will build on your knowledge and further your understanding of offending behaviour and the multi-agency approach to criminal justice processes.
  • This course 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.
  • You will develop your research skills in ethics and methodology across forensic settings, mastering quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse, report, interpret and write your studies.

Why 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.)
  • Opportunities: boost your employability by applying for voluntary opportunities facilitated through external collaborations with His Majesty’s Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) and charities supporting individuals with criminal convictions.²
  • 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.

Want to study your full forensic psychology master’s on campus? Learn more about our campus-led master's in forensic psychology course here.

To apply to study this course 100% online, click below (UK and International students).

Apply now

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

British Psychological Society (BPS)

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.

British Psychological Society (BPS) logo

Endorsement: 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 badge.

What you will study

Forensic Psychology MSc

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.

Entry requirements

UK and International

To get started with this online postgraduate course, applicants should have a 2:2 undergraduate degree (or 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.

Applicants with a lower class of degree and/or professional experience only will be individually considered and will usually be interviewed prior to being offered a place on the course.

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

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component area. 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.

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How you will learn

Study 100% online and get the same qualification, along with many of the same benefits and support as a campus student. Some of the benefits include access to highly experienced academics, career advisors, writing tutors and wellbeing services.

  • Our 100% online courses offer the same top-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.

Assessment

Your chosen Coventry University Online degree will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

tutorials

formative assignments through software such as Padlets & MForms

summative assignments through software such as Turnitin and Handin

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

Teaching contact hours

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As a part-time online student, you will study and complete assessments for one 30 credit module over 14 weeks, divided into two study blocks. A typical 30 credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study.  This is made up of:

  • guided and facilitated study hours
  • live sessions with your tutor (recorded for those unable to attend) 
  • independent study and assessment preparation.

A module’s first half will focus on studying and working through the structured teaching and learning materials on our online learning platform, with materials designed to promote an active approach to learning.

Your study will be guided with regular opportunities to engage in online discussion forums and to join (optional) live sessions with a tutor. You can expect to spend on average, 10 hours per week on discussion boards. The optional 2 hour live sessions typically take place between 9-5 GMT, and are recorded for students unable to attend. In addition, you will be expected to engage in your own self-guided study to support and provide depth to your learning.

In the second half of the module, you will be expected to review your online learning, continue your own reading and research, and work on your assessment. You should expect this to take around 20 hours per week. You will also have the opportunity to engage with live sessions with your tutor for 2 hours per week. The optional 2-hour live sessions typically take place between 9-5 GMT, and are recorded for students unable to attend.

Assessments are usually submitted in week 14 of a 30-credit module.

Fees and funding

Course fee: £10,000 (180 credit hours)

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.

How to apply

To apply to study this course 100% online, click below. The application process is quick but you will need documentation including previous qualifications and experience.

Apply now

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

Enquire with us