MSc Forensic Psychology

The MSc Forensic Psychology at the University of Winchester provides BPS Stage 1 training for students aiming to work in criminal justice, forensic mental health, or applied research. It trains students in both theory (crime, law, intervention) and practical research skills.

Curriculum Structure

In the main year, students study Foundations of Forensic Psychology Practice, where they explore crime theory, offender groups, and reflective practice. They also take The Criminal Justice System & the Legal Framework, learning how laws, courts, and forensic psychologists interact in real-world settings. Through Specialist Skills in Treatment & Interventions, students learn therapeutic approaches (e.g. offender rehabilitation, EMDR, schema therapy), and Investigative Psychology, focusing on interviewing, lie detection, profiling, and eyewitness evidence.

Alongside, Assessment & Consultancy in Forensic Practice teaches risk assessment, report writing, and consultancy work in forensic services. Research Methods in Psychology builds both qualitative and quantitative competencies for designing forensic research. The year finishes with an Empirical Research Project, where students design and conduct a full dissertation-level study in their area of forensic interest.

Focus areas (string):
“Forensic assessment, investigative interviewing, offender intervention, criminological theory, legal psychology, empirical research”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“Ability to critically evaluate crime theories, conduct forensic assessments, apply interventions to offender populations, and design rigorous research in forensic settings.”

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

Reputation (employability rankings):
Winchester’s forensic psychology MSc is recognised for its strong practitioner focus and research training, and graduates often move on to forensic mental health, probation, research roles, or Stage 2 chartered training.