MSc Applied Forensic Psychology

The MSc Applied Forensic Psychology at Edinburgh Napier University builds both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in forensic settings, covering risk assessment, interviewing, treatment, and consultancy. It suits psychology graduates who aim to work in criminal justice, forensic services, or pursue research in forensic psychology. 

Curriculum structure:
During the one-year full-time course, students begin with Evidence & Investigation, where they explore eyewitness memory, interviewing techniques, and deception in legal contexts. They then study Assessments & Treatments, learning about risk assessment tools, structured professional judgement, and intervention strategies in offender work. In Advanced Research Skills, they deepen both quantitative and qualitative research techniques, while Advanced Research in Psychological Practice supports a dissertation-level investigation of a forensic topic. In the second trimester, Advanced Forensic Psychology delves into neuroethics, biological underpinnings of offending, and the ethics of practice, and Practical Forensic Psychology gives students hands-on risk formulations, interview practice, and mock risk management. Finally, Advice & Consultancy introduces how forensic psychologists consult with legal organisations, present evidence, and provide expert insight. The course culminates in a full dissertation project, which brings together theoretical, practical and research learning. 

Focus areas:
“risk assessment; offender interviewing; forensic intervention; forensic consultancy; advanced research methods”

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to conduct rigorous forensic research, assess and treat offenders, consult with justice agencies, and produce a professional-quality dissertation.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While this MSc provides strong professional and research skills in forensic psychology, it does not by itself confer Chartered Forensic Psychologist status.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Napier’s forensic psychology programme is informed by leading practitioners with real-world experience in prisons and criminal justice, making its graduates highly employable in forensic services, policing, and research.