Crime, Justice and Psychology MSc

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Leicester

Program Overview

The MSc Crime, Justice and Psychology at University of Leicester explores how psychological theory, mental health and law intersect — especially in understanding offending, justice processes, and rehabilitation. It suits students who want to work in criminal justice, forensic psychology, social policy or research. 

Curriculum Structure

In the taught year, students study Criminological Research Methods and Theorising Crime and Deviance, gaining strong methodological grounding plus theoretical insight into what constitutes crime, deviance and social responses.  They then take Mental Disorder, Justice and Crime and Forensic and Legal Psychology, where they explore how mental health, legal responsibility and psychological assessment interact in offending and offender management. Students also complete a Dissertation, designing and conducting an original research project on a topic within crime, psychology, or justice — synthesising theory, data and applied insight. 

Focus areas (string):
“Offending psychology, criminal justice, mental health and law, forensic assessment, crime theory, empirical justice research”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“Critically evaluate crime and mental-health theories; assess psychological and legal aspects of offending; design and conduct applied criminological research; understand justice systems; prepare for roles in forensic, policy, or social research sectors.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The degree bridges psychology, criminology and legal studies — making graduates suitable for careers in policing, probation, forensic services, criminal-justice agencies, or further research / doctoral study. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
Graduates are frequently employed by statutory justice agencies, forensic health services, social-policy organisations and research institutions; about 10% of each cohort proceed to doctoral-level study. 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical clinical skills through simulated patient assessments, case formulation exercises, and hands-on research in the University's psychology laboratories. This applied training is central to preparing for clinical careers, with key experiential components including:

  • Clinical Simulations: Practical training in assessment and formulation using realistic clinical scenarios.

  • Research Project: Conducting an independent empirical dissertation, often with a clinical focus.

  • Laboratories: Access to specialist equipment for cognitive and psychophysiological testing.

  • Software: Training in SPSS for statistical analysis of clinical data.

  • Professional Development: Curriculum designed to strengthen applications for Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) training, with teaching from practicing clinicians.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Crime, Justice and Psychology at University of Leicester develop critical understanding of the links between psychology, mental disorder, crime, and law, positioning them for careers as criminal justice analysts, forensic psychologists (trainees), probation officers, and policy researchers:

  • The university’s Careers and Employability Service offers CV development, interview preparation, and placement support in statutory criminal justice agencies and forensic health settings.

  • Graduates commonly secure roles in police forces, prisons, probation services, national security agencies, and third-sector organisations; starting salaries typically range £25,000–£35,000.

  • Strong partnerships with local criminal justice, forensic health agencies, and government bodies provide authentic work experience and networking.

  • The course enhances graduate employability by integrating psychological theory and applied skills relevant to criminal justice and mental health management.

  • Graduation outcomes highlight skills in research, critical analysis, offender management, and policy appraisal.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue doctoral research or professional training to become Chartered Forensic Psychologists or transition into academic and policy research roles.​

Program Key Stats

£19,400 (annual cost)
Rolling


71 %
No
No

Eligibility Criteria

3
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
82
2:1

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Forensic Psychology Assistant
  • Probation Officer
  • Police Analyst
  • Youth Justice Worker
  • Victim Support Officer
  • Prison Offender Manager
  • Crime Prevention Advisor
  • Researcher in criminal justice
  • Rehabilitation Worker
  • Policy Advisor for justice services
  • Security Consultant

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