1. Cardiff Metropolitan University Llandaff Campus
  2. Program
  3. Masters
  4. MSc Forensic Psychology

MSc Forensic Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Cardiff Metropolitan University Llandaff Campus

Program Overview

The MSc Forensic Psychology at Cardiff Metropolitan University is a 1-year taught master’s preparing graduates for work with offenders, victims, and justice systems. It suits psychology graduates and covers crime theories, assessments, interventions, legal psychology, and a forensic research project.

Curriculum Structure (1-year)

Students study Forensic Psychology: Theory and Practice, critically examining models of offending, rehabilitation, and real-world forensic applications. Assessment in Forensic Psychology trains them in psychometrics, risk tools, and formulation. Interventions in Forensic Psychology focuses on planning and evaluating behaviour-change and therapeutic programmes. They also take Legal Psychology, understanding courts, policing, and applied law-psychology. The year ends with Research Methods in Forensic Psychology and a supervised MSc Dissertation, where students conduct an empirical study in a forensic topic.

Focus areas :
“Forensic theory, psychological assessment, risk formulation, interventions, legal systems, forensic research.”

Learning outcomes :
“Evaluate crime and forensic frameworks, apply forensic assessments, design interventions, work ethically in justice contexts, and conduct empirical forensic research.”

Professional alignment:
Meets Stage-1 training standards for practitioner progression with a strong professional-skills foundation for roles in forensic and justice settings.

Reputation:
Known in Cardiff and the UK for its applied forensic focus and graduate employability into offender, victim, and criminal-justice psychology pathways.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical skills through applied health interventions, research projects, and hands-on training in the University's health and sport science facilities. This experiential learning is central to the programme, with key components including:

  • Applied Research: Conducting real-world health psychology interventions and evaluations.

  • Laboratory Facilities: Access to sport and health science labs for psychophysiological measurement.

  • Software: Training in SPSS for statistical analysis of health data.

  • Professional Development: Curriculum designed to meet British Psychological Society (BPS) Stage 1 training requirements in Health Psychology.

  • Practical Skills: Development of competencies in health assessment, intervention design, and behaviour change strategies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Forensic Psychology at Cardiff Metropolitan University are prepared for roles such as forensic psychologist trainee, criminal profiler, rehabilitation officer, and research assistant:

  • The Careers and Employability Service offers CV workshops, interview coaching, and placement opportunities with His Majesty's Prison and Probation Services (HMPPS) and secure forensic mental health providers in Wales.

  • The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and fulfills Stage 1 training for Chartered Forensic Psychologist status.

  • Graduates benefit from strong industry partnerships enhancing practical experience, and salaries typically range from £25,000 to £35,000 depending on role and experience.

  • Graduation outcomes include advanced skills in forensic assessment, risk evaluation, and legal psychology.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can advance to Stage 2 training to become Chartered Forensic Psychologists or pursue PhD research in forensic psychology and related areas.

Program Key Stats

£17,600 (Annual cost)
Sept Intake : 30th Jul


64 %
No
No

Eligibility Criteria

2.8
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
7.0
83
2:1

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Forensic Psychologist (trainee)
  • Assistant Psychologist in secure settings
  • Prison Offender Manager
  • Probation Officer
  • Researcher in forensic units
  • Police Consultant
  • Victim Support Advisor
  • Youth Justice Specialist
  • Risk Assessment Officer
  • Academic Lecturer
  • Rehabilitation Coordinator

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