1 Year On Campus Masters Program
The MSc Applied Criminology & Forensic Psychology at Edinburgh Napier University offers a practical, research-informed education in criminal behaviour, justice systems, and offender assessment. It suits students who want to work in crime-related fields or develop research expertise focused on forensic psychology and criminology.
Curriculum structure:
In the first part of the programme, you explore Practical Forensic Psychology, developing skills in risk assessment and forensic interviewing, while Current Topics in Crime and Criminal Justice in Practice introduce contemporary debates and the workings of courts and prisons. Alongside this, Advanced Research Skills builds your competence in mixed-method design and statistical analysis, and Evidence & Investigation examines the psychologist’s role in legal processes and expert testimony. Later in the year, optional modules such as Advanced Forensic Psychology, International & Comparative Criminology, and Advice & Consultancy let you deepen your expertise in areas like neuroethics and policy development. The programme concludes with a research Dissertation that integrates criminological theory with applied forensic psychology.
Focus areas:
“offender risk; criminal justice institutions; investigative psychology; crime theory; mixed-method research”
Learning outcomes:
You will be able to assess and understand offender psychology, analyse and critique criminal justice policies, apply forensic interviewing and assessment methods, design and conduct high-quality research, and collaborate with criminal justice organisations.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
This MSc does not automatically lead to Chartered Forensic Psychologist status, but it is designed for research and applied roles in criminal justice, policy, or academic settings.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Edinburgh Napier is known for strong practitioner links: its MSc alumni have gone on to work in Police Scotland, the Scottish Prison Service, third-sector organisations, and academia
Students develop practical investigative and forensic skills through hands-on projects using the School of Applied Sciences' specialist facilities. They have access to crime analysis resources and forensic psychology laboratories. The programme's experiential components include:
Applied Research Project: A dissertation in criminology or forensic psychology
Crime Analysis: Training in crime pattern analysis and investigative techniques
Forensic Laboratories: Access to dedicated forensic psychology facilities
Risk Assessment: Development of offender assessment and management skills
Criminal Justice Practice: Preparation for roles in criminal justice and forensic settings
Graduates of Edinburgh Napier University’s MSc Applied Criminology and Forensic Psychology gain rigorous analytical and practical skills prepared for roles such as Forensic Psychologist Trainee, Crime Analyst, Probation Officer, and Academic Researcher:
The university offers career workshops, networking opportunities, and placement support with criminal justice agencies.
Graduates report strong employment rates, with entry-level salaries typically between £24,000 and £38,000.
Partnerships with Police Scotland, Scottish Prison Service, courts, and voluntary organisations provide practical experience and professional links.
The program develops long-term skills for forensic psychology and criminology careers, backed by applied research outcomes.
Graduates complete dissertation projects involving empirical research or systematic reviews contributing to practice and knowledge.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates commonly pursue forensic psychology doctoral training or criminology PhD research.



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