Psychology with Forensic and Investigative Psychology BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic and Investigative Psychology at the University of Portsmouth is designed for students who want to understand criminal behaviour and how psychology is used within investigations and the justice system. It is a strong choice for those interested in forensic psychology, criminal profiling, policing, or roles linked to safeguarding and rehabilitation.

You will study how psychological theories explain crime, offenders, victims, and investigative processes, while also developing strong research and analytical skills that are essential for psychology and forensic careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you build a solid foundation in psychology while being introduced to forensic applications. Modules such as Forensic Psychology in Context and Applying Psychological Research Skills help you understand criminal behaviour and how psychologists gather and analyse evidence using scientific methods.

You also study Perspectives in Psychology, which introduces key psychological approaches and theories, along with Professional Skills for Psychology, where you develop communication, teamwork, and academic skills needed for university-level study and future practice.

Year 2

In the second year, the focus shifts more strongly towards crime, investigation, and applied psychology. Modules such as Psychology of Criminal Investigations and Psychology of Offending Behaviour explore how psychological principles are used to understand offenders, support investigations, and assess risk and behaviour patterns.

You also study Social and Developmental Psychology, which looks at how behaviour develops across the lifespan and within social environments, and Biological and Cognitive Psychology, which explains how brain processes influence memory, decision-making, and behaviour relevant to forensic contexts.

Year 3

In your final year, you study advanced forensic topics and complete independent research. Modules such as Trauma, Memory and Law and Vulnerability in Forensic Contexts focus on eyewitness testimony, victim experiences, and how vulnerable individuals are supported within legal and investigative systems.

You also complete a major Psychology Research Project and Work Placement, giving you the chance to carry out your own forensic-focused research while gaining practical experience in professional environments such as criminal justice organisations, support services, or research settings.

Focus Areas

Forensic psychology, criminal behaviour analysis, investigative psychology, trauma and memory, legal psychology, offender rehabilitation, cognitive and biological psychology, vulnerability and safeguarding, psychological research methods, applied investigative practice

Learning Outcomes

You will develop the ability to apply psychological theories to criminal and investigative situations, analyse offender and victim behaviour, evaluate evidence within legal contexts, and design and conduct psychological research. The course also strengthens your critical thinking, ethical awareness, data analysis, and applied skills for forensic and psychology-related careers.

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 if you want to continue towards professional training as a Chartered Forensic Psychologist.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Portsmouth is well known for its strong psychology provision and applied, career-focused teaching approach. The course is designed to support employability through practical learning opportunities, placements, and long-term career guidance.

Graduates typically progress into forensic psychology training routes, criminal justice roles, safeguarding and support services, research positions, or wider psychology and mental health careers, often after postgraduate study and professional training.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic and Investigative Psychology at the University of Portsmouth gain hands-on experience through specialist forensic psychology facilities, applied workshops, and real research projects that reflect how psychology is used in criminal investigations and the justice system. Learning is highly practical, combining lab-based training, investigative simulations, and optional placement opportunities so you can apply psychological theory to real-world forensic contexts.

You will also work with advanced tools used in modern psychological and investigative research, develop skills in analysing behaviour and evidence, and take part in group-based projects and independent research with academic supervision. This ensures you graduate with both scientific and professional experience relevant to forensic and investigative careers:

Forensic Interviewing Suite used for studying interviewing techniques, deception detection, and investigative behaviour
Eye-tracking and virtual reality technology to analyse attention, decision-making, and offender or witness behaviour in simulated environments
Psychophysiology laboratory for measuring brain activity, heart rate, and physiological responses linked to stress, memory, and behaviour
Thermal imaging and digital analysis tools used to explore non-verbal cues and behavioural indicators in forensic contexts
Practical investigative psychology workshops focusing on real case studies, crime scenarios, and offender behaviour analysis
Independent research project in the final year, allowing you to investigate a forensic psychology topic with academic supervision
Optional work placement or sandwich year in organisations such as criminal justice services, support agencies, or research environments
Use of Moodle virtual learning environment for coursework submission, data analysis, and collaborative learning activities
Group projects and seminar discussions focused on applying psychological theory to crime, policing, and legal decision-making
Access to university psychology labs and research support teams for experimental design and data collection training

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic and Investigative Psychology at the University of Portsmouth are well prepared for careers across criminal justice, forensic practice, and wider psychology-related services. Many move into roles where they support investigations, rehabilitation, safeguarding, or mental health services, while others continue into postgraduate training to become Chartered Forensic Psychologists. Typical entry-level roles include assistant psychologist, probation support officer, crime or intelligence analyst, offender rehabilitation worker, and research assistant in psychology or criminal justice settings.

Progression is strongly supported through the university’s career-focused teaching and industry connections, helping students move confidently into work or further specialist study:

Dedicated Careers and Employability Service offering up to five years of support after graduation, including CV guidance, interview preparation, and job search assistance
Opportunities for placements and real-world experience in settings such as prisons, secure hospitals, police services, youth offending teams, and rehabilitation organisations
Strong links with criminal justice and applied psychology organisations, including connections with forensic research centres and professional practice environments
Eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society, which is an essential step toward becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist
Clear progression route into postgraduate study such as MSc Forensic Psychology, which is required for professional practice in the field
Development of transferable skills such as research, data analysis, ethical reasoning, and investigative thinking that are valued across psychology and public service careers

Graduates commonly progress into forensic psychology training pathways, criminal justice and safeguarding roles, mental health and support services, research positions, or further academic study in psychology and related fields.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students typically continue with postgraduate study such as MSc Forensic Psychology or related accredited psychology conversion courses if needed. This is followed by supervised professional training required to become a Chartered Forensic Psychologist, enabling work in specialist forensic, clinical, and justice system environments.