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Program Overview:
This three-year degree blends core psychological theory with forensic applications, offering insight into criminal behavior, the justice system, and psychological assessment in legal contexts. It's ideal for students aiming to pursue careers in forensic psychology, criminal justice, or psychological research.
Curriculum Structure
Year One
Foundational modules include Introduction to Psychology, Criminal Justice System Overview, and Research Methods. Students build essential knowledge in cognitive, developmental, and biological psychology.
Year Two
Focus shifts to Criminal and Forensic Psychology, Psychopathology, Social Psychology, and Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. You’ll explore how psychology is applied in investigative and legal settings.
Year Three
Advanced modules include Offender Profiling, Psychology in Legal Settings, and Violence and Aggression. You’ll also complete a supervised Dissertation on a forensic psychology topic of your choice.
Focus areas:
Criminal behavior, forensic assessment, legal decision-making, mental health and crime, offender rehabilitation, and investigative psychology.
Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be equipped to interpret human behavior through a forensic lens, conduct psychological research, and understand ethical considerations in forensic settings. The course builds critical analysis and scientific inquiry skills.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), providing the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership — a key step toward becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist.
Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Portsmouth is well-regarded for forensic studies, offering opportunities for placements with the police, HM Prison Service, and forensic units to enhance career readiness.
This BPS-accredited degree combines psychology with criminological theory and legal processes, equipping students to understand and influence offender behaviour.
Key practical experiences include:
Hands-on learning in simulated courtrooms, forensic interviewing rooms, and psychology labs
Access to the Forensic Psychology Research Group, engaging with live research in lie detection, offender profiling, and eyewitness testimony
Opportunities to participate in real-world projects and volunteering with prison, probation, and youth offending services
Professional placement year option or short-term internships within criminal justice and mental health sectors
Skills development in psychological assessment, risk management, and rehabilitation planning
Graduates are well-prepared for roles in forensic services, law enforcement, victim support, or psychological research.
Typical roles include:
Assistant Forensic Psychologist, Probation Officer, Behavioural Analyst, Prison Rehabilitation Worker, Research Assistant
Career and academic support includes:
Access to career mentoring, mock assessments, and networking through the university’s strong links with the Ministry of Justice and other agencies
Graduate employability focus with modules that simulate workplace scenarios and decision-making processes
Training in communication and ethical practice, crucial for psychology and criminal justice careers
Further Academic Progression
Many graduates pursue MSc or doctoral studies in Forensic Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Clinical Psychology, often continuing within Portsmouth’s postgraduate network.
UCAS points - 112-120 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent.English Language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.Optional Foundation or Placement year available.TOEFL - 79 with a minimum of 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing.Official academic transcripts and certificates from your previous qualifications (e.g. GCSEs, A‑Levels, or equivalent).English language evidenceA compelling personal statement explaining your interest in psychology and youth studies, any relevant experience (such as volunteering or school work placements), and what you hope to achieve.At least one academic or professional reference, which can be from a teacher or someone who knows your capabilities and experience. Proof of recent academic study (within the last five years) or evidence of readiness for university-level learning—especially if you've been out of education for a while. For international applicants, you will also need a copy of your passport, financial documents (for visa applications), and potentially bank statements or sponsor letters, as part of the student visa process and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Forensic psychologistProbation officer (trainee or assistant)Police investigator or intelligence analystYouth justice worker or offender managerVictim support specialistResearcher in forensic or criminal psychologyClinical psychologist (post‑postgraduate training)Health planning or policy analystTeaching or educational professional in psychology/criminal justice
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University of Portsmouth
