MSc Forensic Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Lincoln

Program Overview

The MSc Forensic Psychology at University of Lincoln is designed to deepen your understanding of criminal behaviour, investigative and courtroom processes, and applied forensic practice. It is ideal for psychology graduates (eligible for GBC) seeking to progress toward Chartered Forensic Psychologist status or applied roles in forensic settings. University of Lincoln+1

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1 (Full-time): Students engage with Advanced Research Methods & Skills and Research Methods and Skills, building expertise in quantitative and qualitative analysis applied to forensic datasets. They study Processes of Investigation & Justice, where they explore police investigative techniques, interviewing, legal frameworks and expert evidence in court.
They also take Understanding Criminal Behaviour, examining theoretical and empirical work on why offenders commit crimes, covering types such as sexual, violent or drug-related offending.

Focus areas (in a string):
“investigative & justice psychology; offender formulation & risk; advanced research methods; working with forensic client groups; applied forensic practice”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“critically apply forensic psychological theory to practice, design and conduct empirical research, assess risk and formulate interventions for diverse offender groups, operate within legal/investigative environments, and prepare for Stage 2 forensic practitioner training.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and fulfills Stage 1 training for Chartered Forensic Psychologist status (for those with GBC).

Reputation (employability rankings):
According to student reviews, the course at Lincoln ranks 19/279 in WUSCA student rankings and 38th in the Complete University Guide subject rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical forensic skills through hands-on research projects and engagement with professional practice. They utilise the School of Psychology's specialist facilities and have access to forensic psychology resources. The programme's experiential components include:

Research Project: A dissertation in forensic psychology
Facilities: Access to psychology research laboratories
Professional Training: Development of risk assessment and case formulation skills
Applied Focus: Training in forensic report writing and intervention techniques
Professional Insights: Teaching from practicing forensic psychologists

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Forensic Psychology at University of Lincoln are prepared for impactful careers in the criminal justice system, including roles such as Trainee Forensic Psychologist, Offender Rehabilitation Specialist, Police Analyst, and Youth Justice Workers. The program emphasizes applied skills in case formulation, understanding offending behavior, and working with diverse client groups including adolescents and forensic mental health populations.

Key employability and progression details:

The University offers tailored support including academic and career mentoring, work placements with police, probation, prisons, and mental health services, plus workshops for professional skills and networking.
Graduate employment data shows a strong rate of jobs or further study within 15 months, with average salaries around £24,000 for psychology graduates, aligned with early-career forensic roles.
Strategic partnerships with criminal justice agencies, NHS trusts, and local authorities provide rich opportunities for practical experience and professional networking.
The MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for Stage 1 training, a prerequisite towards becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist, offering long-term professional recognition.
Graduates report high satisfaction with the course’s blend of theory and practice, skill development in research, ethical decision-making, and applied forensic psychology.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates typically pursue Stage 2 professional doctorate training in forensic psychology or PhD research to advance towards chartered practitioner status and specialist expertise.