MSc Forensic Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Kingston University London

Program Overview

The MSc Forensic Psychology at Kingston University is a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) course that gives students the stage-1 BPS accreditation needed to train further as forensic psychologists. It suits psychology graduates or practitioners who want to work in prisons, forensic mental health, crime analysis or legal settings.

Curriculum Structure

In the taught phase, students take Research Design & Analysis, developing advanced quantitative (e.g. structural equation modelling) and qualitative research skills to design and interpret forensic psychology studies. They also study Applications of Forensic Psychology, learning how to assess and intervene in criminal behaviour, and Investigative & Legal Processes in Forensic Psychology, exploring topics like interviewing, deception, jury decision-making, and expert testimony. The fourth core module, Antisocial Behaviours Across the Lifespan: Treatment & Intervention, deepens understanding of how biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to offending, and how interventions are designed and evaluated.

In the final stage, students complete a Psychology Dissertation, conducting a self-designed empirical study using methods like surveys, interviews, experiments or psychometric tests, and critically analysing their findings in context.

Focus areas (string):
“Forensic assessment, offending behaviour, investigative interviewing, treatment & intervention, legal psychology, research design, lifespan antisocial behaviour”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“In-depth knowledge of forensic psychology settings; ability to design and analyse rigorous research; competence in assessment and intervention with offenders; understanding of legal and investigative processes; eligibility for BPS Stage 2 training”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), fulfilling Stage 1 training for Chartered Forensic Psychologists.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Kingston University has strong employability for its Forensic Psychology graduates, many of whom go on to roles in prisons, probation services, youth offending teams, forensic hospitals, or on to doctoral training.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical skills through simulated clinical scenarios, case formulation exercises, and hands-on research in Kingston's specialist psychology labs. The programme focuses on applying psychological theory to real-world clinical problems, with key experiential components including:

Clinical Simulations: Practical exercises using role-play and case studies to develop assessment and formulation skills.
Research Project: Conducting an independent empirical dissertation, often with a clinical focus.
Laboratories: Access to specialist facilities for cognitive and behavioural testing.
Software: Training in SPSS for statistical analysis and potentially qualitative analysis software.
Professional Development: Curriculum designed to strengthen applications for Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) training or related clinical careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Kingston University’s MSc Forensic Psychology are well prepared for roles including forensic psychologist, assistant psychologist, probation officer, and victim support worker:

The university’s Career Service provides tailored employability support such as CV workshops, interview training, and industry-specific placement opportunities.
Graduates benefit from exemption from Stage 1 of the British Psychological Society (BPS) qualification, with strong prospects for chartered status.
Kingston maintains strong partnerships with forensic hospitals, youth offending teams, and probation services for work placements.
Salaries for graduates vary by sector but are competitive, reflecting the specialist skills acquired.
Graduates gain detailed training in psychological assessment, intervention, and forensic research, supporting diverse employment outcomes.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue Stage 2 BPS supervised practice to become Chartered Forensic Psychologists or advance to PhD research in forensic or clinical psychology for specialized careers.