MSc
Forensic Psychology
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Why study MSc Forensic Psychology at Goldsmiths
This MSc provides the academic training required for a career as a forensic psychologist.
- The Masters is ideal if you're interested in training to become a forensic psychologist. It's also a perfect choice if you're already working in the criminal justice or forensic mental health systems and are keen to learn more about the theory and practice behind forensic psychology.
- The programme will introduce you to a range of psychological theories, methods and processes within the context of the legal, criminal and civil justice systems.
- Based at a research-led London university with strong links to forensic services, you’ll be taught by world-class researchers, and experienced practitioners from the NHS, and the prison and probation service.
- The MSc is led by chartered clinical and forensic psychologist Dr Brian McKenzie, and chartered psychologist Dr Adrian Scott, and includes contributions from world-class researchers and practitioners who will teach on the programme and supervise research projects.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Adrian Scott.
Length
1 year full-time, or 2 years part-time
Fees
Home - full-time: £11170
Home - part-time: £5585
International - full-time: £18560
Department
Work experience opportunities
One of the major strengths of the Goldsmiths MSc Forensic Psychology is the strong links we have with local forensic/mental health services. All successful applicants will be provided with details of available work experience opportunities at the beginning of the academic term.
What you'll study
The MSc will cover the assessment and treatment of offenders, risk assessment methods, and treatment of offenders with mental health and personality disorders.
There will be a focus on criminal investigations by examining psychological issues in eyewitness identification, investigative interviewing of witnesses and suspects, psychological profiling and detecting deception.
You'll also explore legal and criminological concepts relevant to contemporary social issues and organisations. Issues relating to ethics, human rights, professional practice and research will be emphasised to provide a firm grounding for further professional training and practice.
By completing this programme you will:
- Develop your knowledge and understanding of the application of psychology to processes in the criminal and civil justice system (eg investigation, trial, the work of the expert witness)
- Develop a thorough knowledge of psychological theories and interventions in relation to a range of specific client groups, such as sexual and violent offenders, people with personality disorder and mental health difficulties, juveniles and victims of crime
- Be introduced to a range of psychometric instruments used widely within forensic psychology, and develop your skills in interpreting and communicating the outcome of these assessments
- Develop the knowledge and skills required to undertake forensic psychological research, including the design, implementation and interpretation of service evaluations, clinical audit, and outcome research within forensic settings
Structure
The programme is comprised of 7 compulsory modules and 1 option module. You can find out more about these on the separate tabs.
Teaching style
You will experience a range of teaching/learning methods. You will attend lectures, tutorials, computer lab classes and workshops.
How you'll be assessed
Modules are assessed through a mixture of extended essays, research design coursework, unseen written examinations, oral presentations, and a dissertation based on a substantive research project.
What our students say
Careers
Graduates of the programme will be well-qualified a wide range careers in:
- The criminal justice system
- The prison and probation service
- NHS and other health services
- Police and voluntary sector organisations
Many of these posts will be training positions to allow the completion of the Stage Two qualification in Forensic Psychology described next.
Professional training
The degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership of the Society and also the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
Entry requirements
You should normally have (or expect to be awarded) the following qualification:
- An undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in psychology or a similar relevant subject
You could, for example, be a Psychology graduate with the BPS Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) interested in working towards a BPS qualification in forensic psychology. Or you could be a practitioner working in the criminal justice and forensic mental health systems who doesn't plan to go on to qualify as a forensic psychologist but who wishes to gain further academic knowledge of the theories and practice of the discipline.
Subject to having GBC accreditation, completion of this Masters course will fulfil the requirements of Stage 1 training to become a Chartered Psychologist. For non GBC candidates the qualification will not be recognised as fulfilling Stage 1 DFP training, but will apply retrospectively if GBC is obtained at a later date.
You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level. We consider all aspects of your application when making a decision and may still be able to offer a place even if your qualifications or grades do not meet the published requirements.
International qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate study.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the PG fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £11170
- Home - part-time: £5585
- International - full-time: £18560
If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Funding opportunities
Explore the Goldsmiths scholarships finder to find out what funding you may be eligible for.
If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan.
Meanwhile our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies.
Paying your fees
Find out about paying your tuition fees.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
How to apply
You apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system.
To complete your application, you will need to have:
- Details of your academic qualifications
- The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference
- Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates
- A personal statement
You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.
Read our guide to applying for a postgraduate degree at Goldsmiths.
When to apply
We accept applications from October for students wanting to start the following September.
There is no set deadline for applications – however, as this is a popular programme, we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.
If you are applying for external funding from one of the Research Councils, make sure you submit your application by the specified deadline and inform us of the timeline for this application.
Selection process
Admission to this programme is by application, qualifications, and interview. Occasionally we will make exceptional candidates an offer of a place on the basis of their application and qualifications alone.
