Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) Membership is considered as the starting point to your career in psychology. Obtaining GBC encompasses many benefits, including access to journals, conferences, and events. You will have the opportunity to enhance your employability through volunteering opportunities and research placements, as well as through the BSc forensic psychology course focus on analysing human behaviour from many psychological perspectives.

  The Positive Psychology modules which run in stages 1 and 3 of this Forensic Psychology course will help you to develop transferable psychological skills and knowledge. These will allow you to solve real-world problems, whilst supporting emotional wellbeing when studying sensitive topics.

  Throughout level 4 of this Forensic Psychology course, you will be introduced to the key themes, theories, and research of psychology.

  At level 5 you will take a closer look at social and developmental issues and theories as well as contemporary topics in Forensic Psychology. These include ethical, legal, and moral dilemmas.

  Level 6 is focused upon a more advanced critical understanding of the specialist topics within forensic psychology, including both research and practice. A core research methods and skills module will run through each year. This will allow you to progressively develop your ability to plan and conduct scientific research independently.

  You will be supported to conduct your own research, work on real-life case studies, and have the opportunity to engage in presentations at relevant professional conferences.

  You will be invited to talks with external forensic psychology experts in both research and practice, across a range of different careers. This will provide you with invaluable ‘insider’ information and enable you to make informed decisions about your future aspirations within forensic psychology.

  View Award Map

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

  • Stage 1
    • Psychology in Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY1001

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces students to applications of psychological knowledge in the real world. It aims to help students acquire knowledge and understanding of theory and research relating to key topics in Applied Psychology and to develop the critical skills necessary to the evaluation of different approaches within Applied Psychology.
    • Introduction to Psychology (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY1003

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with a broad understanding of psychology by introducing four core areas (social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology). Students will develop critical thinking and evaluative skills of psychological material by focusing on theory, empirical research and real-life examples.
    • Investigating Psychology (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY1004

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to promote reflective critical thinking and evaluation skills using a wide variety of psychological materials, and develop student confidence in evaluating and conducting Psychological research.
    • Becoming a Psychologist (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY1006

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide a fundamental introduction to research design, analysis and interpretation in psychology. Students need to understand common methods of investigation, in order to appreciate the source and context of theories and research findings encountered in specific subject areas studied in other psychology modules.
    • Positive Psychology (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY1011

      Status: Compulsory
      This module aims to develop student?s intra-and-inter-personal skills through exploring Positive Psychology theory and application and increasing self-awareness. Throughout the module, you will gain understanding for how these are experienced, how we relate to them, and what psychology has begun to understand about them.
    • Foundations of Forensic Psychology (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY1013

      Status: Compulsory
      Foundations of Forensic Psychology will introduce students to key topics, theories, and historical debates that underpin Forensic Psychology. This module will enable students to examine various aspects of the justice system, from offending behaviour to police investigations, to the role of the courts.
  • Stage 2
    • Research Methods and Statistics (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY2005

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to continue development in research skills established in ?Becoming a Psychologist? (PSY1006). Students will increase psychological competency in preparation for the dissertation via engaging in ethical thinking and enhancing core skills at all levels of the research process
    • Biological and Cognitive Psychology: Mechanisms of the Mind (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY2029

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to build on the introduction to biological and cognitive approaches in psychology provided in Introduction to Psychology (PSY1003). It introduces new and more complex material with a view to developing students' knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of the theories and research applied in these approaches
    • Development and Society (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY2030

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to build on the Social and Developmental Psychology material introduced in the Level 4 module PSY1003 - Introduction to Psychology. This module covers contemporary and critical perspectives related to development across the lifespan within complex social worlds and will be of interest to students wishing to deepen their knowledge of theories, research and methods in Social and Developmental Psychology.
    • Personality & the Fundamentals of Psychology (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY2031

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to build upon material presented at Level 4 by tracing the historical development of Psychology as an academic discipline and exploring key theories and research in personality and individual differences. Special consideration will be given to conceptual issues that continue to generate debate.
    • Forensic Risk Assessment (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY2032

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will equip students with an understanding of different assessment tools and psychometric tests used in psychology to assess an individual?s behaviour, and identify risks, problems, and disorders. Students will engage with opportunities to administer and interpret psychological tests for case studies of violent and nonviolent offenders.
    • Mapping the Landscape of Forensic Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY2033

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to expand knowledge and understanding on the perspective of Forensic Psychology drawing upon theoretical and practical understandings.

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• Entry Requirements

  Typical requirements for Forensic Psychology are:

  • BBC at A Level or,
  • DDM at BTEC Extended Diploma/Cambridge Technical or,
  • M at T Level

  We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

  In addition, you will be expected to have achieved GCSE Maths at Grade C/4 or above. Domestic equivalencies are not accepted, apart from Access applicants who must take 12 credits of Maths Level 2 or 6 credits of Maths Level 3 as part of their Access course. International equivalences will be reviewed on application.

  Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) Entry Requirements

  The standard entry requirements for the Integrated Foundation Year are:

  • DEE at A-Level or,
  • MPP at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
  • Pass (D or E) at T Level

  We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

  For information on how to apply to study with us, please see our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  For information on how to apply to study with us as an International student, please see our How to Apply for International Study page.

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• Fees and Funding

  2024/25 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only. They may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £9,250 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA/BSc rate)
  • International – Full Time: £15,200
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £15,200

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only. They may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £9,250 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA/BSc rate)
  • International – Full Time: £14,750
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £14,750

  For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join our full-time Forensic Psychology course at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  * UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details)

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• Integrated Foundation Year

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• FAQs

  Where do Forensic Psychologists work?

  The main employer of forensic psychologists is HM Prison Service. However, there are several other opportunities for employment such as:

  • Home Office
  • NHS – in special hospitals and rehabilitation units, local forensic services, and secure hospitals
  • Police
  • Social services
  • Universities – in research and lecturing roles
  • Private consultancy

  How will I learn?

  The mode of teaching for this BSc Forensic Psychology is designed to provide as much face-to-face contact for students as possible. However, we also provide flexibility for those students who are unable to work on campus for travel, personal or other reasons.

  • Online and in-person lectures
  • Online and in-person tutorial groups
  • Practical lab and studio sessions

  How will I be assessed?

  • Written examinations
  • Practical reports and essays
  • Poster presentations
  • Oral presentations
  • Self-led research project
  • Online class tests
  • Reflective journals

  Is there the opportunity for research experience?

  You will be given the opportunity to apply for research assistant roles with members of the programme team. This involves collaborations with researchers in Universities across the UK, as well as international collaborations.

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