BSc (Hons) Psychology (Clinical & Forensic Studies)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Canterbury Christ Church University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Psychology (Clinical & Forensic Studies) at Canterbury Christ Church University is designed for students who want to understand how psychology is applied in mental health, criminal behaviour, and real-world support settings. It is a strong choice if you are interested in people-focused careers where you explore why individuals think, feel, and behave the way they do, especially in complex clinical or forensic situations.

Throughout the degree, you develop a solid grounding in psychological science while gradually applying it to issues such as mental health, offending behaviour, and psychological intervention in practice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you build essential knowledge of psychology through modules such as Brain, Mind and Behaviour, Contemporary Issues in Psychology, and Research in Psychology 1. These modules help you understand how the brain influences behaviour, how psychological theories are formed, and how research in psychology is designed and evaluated.

Year 2

The second year develops your understanding further with modules including Biological and Cognitive Psychology, Social and Developmental Psychology, and Research in Psychology 2. You begin applying psychological concepts to real-life clinical and forensic situations, exploring how behaviour is shaped by cognition, development, and social influence.

Year 3

In your final year, you study more advanced topics such as Clinical and Forensic Psychology applications, Personality and Individual Differences, and a Research Dissertation module. This year focuses on applying psychology to complex real-world problems while also completing an independent research project in your chosen area.

Focus Areas

Clinical psychology, forensic psychology, mental health assessment, criminal behaviour analysis, psychological research methods, cognitive psychology, risk assessment, intervention strategies, applied psychological practice

Learning Outcomes

You will develop a strong understanding of human behaviour in both clinical and forensic contexts, gain advanced research and analytical skills, and learn how psychological theory is applied to real-world challenges. The course also strengthens your critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for both professional practice and postgraduate study in psychology.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, giving you eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. This is an essential step for progressing into accredited professional training in clinical, forensic, and other psychology specialisms.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Canterbury Christ Church University is known for its practical, applied approach to psychology education. The course is designed to support strong employability outcomes by combining academic learning with research experience and real-world application in clinical and forensic contexts.

Graduates typically progress into further study or employment in psychology, healthcare, social care, and criminal justice-related roles after completing their degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the BSc (Hons) Psychology (Clinical & Forensic Studies) at Canterbury Christ Church University gain practical, hands-on experience by applying psychological theory to real clinical, forensic, and research contexts. From the start of the degree, learning is designed to feel applied and relevant, helping you understand how psychology is used in areas such as mental health assessment, criminal behaviour, risk evaluation, and rehabilitation.

You also study in specialist teaching and research environments where you actively develop core psychological skills. These spaces are designed to reflect real professional practice, allowing you to work with modern tools, data, and simulation-based learning that prepare you for future clinical or forensic roles. A strong emphasis is placed on applying theory through experience-based learning:

Use of Hydra immersive simulation technology to take part in realistic clinical and forensic decision-making scenarios in a controlled environment
Access to virtual reality tools, eye-tracking systems, and behavioural observation labs to explore cognition, perception, and decision-making
Practical work in dedicated psychology laboratories for experiments in cognitive, biological, and forensic psychology
Engagement with real-world case studies involving mental health conditions, offending behaviour, and rehabilitation processes
Group projects and collaborative research tasks that develop teamwork, communication, and applied problem-solving skills
Research-led teaching where academic staff share insights from ongoing clinical and forensic psychology studies
Development of independent research skills through structured research training and a final-year dissertation project
Use of Augustine House Library and extensive digital psychology databases to support evidence-based learning and advanced research
Opportunities for optional placements or work experience in clinical, forensic, and support-related settings
Interactive workshops and experimental psychology sessions that replicate real research environments

These learning experiences ensure you graduate with both strong academic knowledge and practical skills, preparing you for further study or careers in clinical, forensic, and applied psychology fields.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc (Hons) Psychology (Clinical & Forensic Studies) at Canterbury Christ Church University move into careers where understanding human behaviour is essential, particularly in mental health services, criminal justice, and support work. The degree gives you strong applied psychology skills that prepare you to work with vulnerable individuals and contribute to real-world decision-making in clinical and forensic settings.

Typical graduate roles include Assistant Psychologist, Mental Health Support Worker, Probation Support Officer, and Forensic Support Worker: these positions involve supporting assessment, rehabilitation, and psychological care within health and justice environments.

Progression from this degree is supported through structured university services and strong professional links:

Dedicated support from the university’s Careers and Enterprise Service, offering CV development, interview preparation, and personalised career planning focused on psychology pathways
Access to placements and volunteering opportunities within NHS services, mental health organisations, charities, and criminal justice settings
Strong links with applied clinical and forensic environments that help students gain relevant real-world experience during their studies
A psychology degree pathway aligned with British Psychological Society requirements, supporting progression into accredited professional psychology training routes
Strong graduate outcomes with many students progressing into employment or further study within 15 months of completing the degree
Long-term value through eligibility for postgraduate training required for becoming a chartered psychologist in clinical, forensic, and related fields

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students often continue into postgraduate study such as MSc Psychology (Conversion), MSc Clinical Psychology, MSc Forensic Psychology, or other specialist mental health programmes. These qualifications can lead to advanced professional training, including doctoral-level study such as the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.