MSc Forensic Mental Health: Research and Practice

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

The MSc Forensic Mental Health: Research and Practice at Queen Mary University offers advanced training in understanding, assessing, and managing mental health within forensic and clinical contexts. It suits psychology, psychiatry, and criminology graduates aiming for careers in forensic services, research, or clinical practice.

Curriculum Structure:
Students explore core modules such as Forensic Mental Health Research Methods, Psychopathology and Offending Behaviour, and Assessment and Management of Risk. The program integrates evidence-based approaches to understanding criminal behaviour, while the Research Dissertation allows students to apply analytical and methodological skills to a specialist topic in forensic mental health.

Focus areas: "Forensic psychology, mental health research, risk assessment, offender rehabilitation"

Learning outcomes: "Students develop research competence, critical analysis, and practical understanding of mental health issues in forensic and clinical settings."

Professional alignment (accreditation): Designed in line with professional and research standards relevant to forensic mental health and psychological practice.

Reputation (employability rankings): Queen Mary University is ranked among the UK’s leading universities for psychology and health sciences (QS, Guardian).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MSc Psychology: Mental Health Sciences at Queen Mary University of London gain practical skills through clinical research methods training and direct engagement with current mental health research. They utilise specialist facilities, including the William Harvey Heart Centre and behavioural testing labs. The programme's experiential components include:

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

  • Research Project: A substantive independent research project, often clinically-focused and supervised by active mental health researchers.

  • Facilities: Access to the William Harvey Heart Centre for psychophysiological research and dedicated psychology research suites.

  • Digital Tools: Experience with online survey platforms and experiment builders for remote data collection.

  • Institute Links: Engagement with the Wolfson Institute of Population Health and Centre for Psychiatry and Mental Health for seminars and research dissemination.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Forensic Mental Health: Research and Practice at Queen Mary University develop the clinical, research, and leadership skills essential for working safely and effectively with offenders with mental disorders. Typical roles include Forensic Clinician, Mental Health Practitioner, Criminal Justice Researcher, and Forensic Case Manager. The program combines taught modules, reflective practice, and supervised forensic placements, emphasizing a psychosocial approach aligned with current policy:

  • Queen Mary’s Careers and Enterprise team provides tailored support, including interview coaching, CV workshops, and access to employer networks in forensic and mental health sectors.

  • Around 93% of Queen Mary postgraduates secure employment or further study within 15 months, with many in highly skilled roles.

  • Partnerships with the East London NHS Foundation Trust and criminal justice agencies offer practical placement and research opportunities.

  • While not BPS Stage 1 accredited, the program builds essential clinical and research competencies with long-term professional relevance.

  • Graduates typically move into forensic mental health roles, applied research, or further clinical training.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may pursue doctoral-level clinical forensic psychology training, PhD research in forensic mental health, or advanced professional qualifications.

Program Key Stats

£27,250 (Annual cost)
Sept Intake : 30th Jul


No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

2.5
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
100
2:2

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Health Management
  • Policing
  • Education
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology 

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