MSc Forensic Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Northumbria University

Program Overview

The MSc in Forensic Psychology at Northumbria University offers a full-time one-year intensive study of psychological theory, research, and practice within criminal justice settings. It suits students who hold a psychology degree with GBC and are keen to work in forensic or correctional settings, or further their academic research in the field.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1 — You begin by studying foundational modules such as Forensic Psychology Theory (PY7009) and Investigative and Legal Psychology (PY7007), where you explore why individuals commit crime, the psychological factors at work in legal and investigative settings, and how the criminal justice system operates. Next you engage with Assessment and Treatment in Forensic Psychology (PY7008) and Forensic Psychology Practice (PY7006), in which you learn forensic assessment tools, intervention strategies and the professional roles of forensic psychologists in consultation, policy and supervision. You then progress to Qualitative and Quantitative Methods (PY0774), acquiring advanced research-design and data-analysis skills. The year culminates in the MSc Thesis (PY0776), through which you independently design, conduct and report original forensic psychology research under supervision.

Focus areas: “forensic psychology; criminal behaviour theory; investigative & legal psychology; assessment & treatment; research methods; empirical thesis”
Learning outcomes: “develop advanced theoretical knowledge of forensic psychology; apply professional and ethical competence within forensic contexts; design and conduct rigorous empirical research; communicate findings effectively in forensic and academic settings”
Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme follows the curriculum guidelines of the British Psychological Society (BPS) for forensic psychology training and supports progression towards Chartered Forensic Psychologist status when paired with relevant professional registration.
Reputation (employability rankings): Northumbria’s Department of Psychology was ranked 15th in the UK for research power in REF 2021, and the university is placed in the

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical research skills through hands-on laboratory work and a major research project. They have access to Northumbria's state-of-the-art facilities including the Northumbria Sleep Research Laboratory and psychophysiology equipment. The programme's experiential components include:

Research Project: A substantial independent empirical project
Specialist Laboratories: Access to sleep research, eye-tracking, and brain stimulation labs
Software: Training in SPSS, MATLAB, and E-Prime
Technical Equipment: Use of EEG, eye-tracking, and TMS apparatus
Practical Training: Hands-on experience with advanced psychological research methods

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Forensic Psychology at Northumbria University provides graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors influencing criminal behavior and the workings of the criminal justice system. Graduates successfully enter careers as forensic psychologists, criminal justice consultants, victim support officers, and research analysts, equipped with strong analytical and practical skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University services support employability with career coaching, access to forensic psychology placements, workshops on expert witness skills, and networking with legal and criminal justice professionals.
Graduate employment rates are high, with many securing roles within 15 months; typical salaries start from £23,000 and can rise significantly with experience and specialization.
Strong partnerships with His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, NHS trusts, legal authorities, and research institutions provide rich practical experiences.
The MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society, providing Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, essential for further professional training.
Typical roles: Forensic Psychologist, Criminal Justice Consultant, Victim Support Officer, Research Analyst.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may proceed to doctoral clinical or forensic psychology training, PhD research, or advance through specialized psychoanalytic postgraduate programs such as the MA Psychoanalytic Studies