Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  You will be introduced to the key themes, theories, and research of psychology and forensic psychology at level 4. At level 5 you will take a closer look at social and developmental issues and theories, and be introduced to contemporary topics in Forensic Psychology, including 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, allowing 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.

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

  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.

  Stage 1

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Psychology in Practice
  • Investigating Psychology
  • Foundations of forensic psychology
  • Becoming a psychologist
  • Positive Psychology applied in investigating crime

  Stage 2

  • Development & Society
  • Research Methods and Statistics
  • Personality and the fundamentals of psychology
  • Forensic risk assessment
  • Biological and Cognitive Psychology: Mechanisms of the mind
  • Forensic Psychology

  Stage 3

  Core Modules

  • Dissertation – Focused on a forensic topic
  • Forensic Intervention and rehabilitation

  Optional Modules (You will choose three)

  • Clinical approaches to the criminal mind
  • Criminal profiling and behaviour analysis.
  • Pathways into crime and addiction
  • Forensic psychology in practice- placement option
  • Cognitive biases and the law
  • Applying positive psychology

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• Entry Requirements

  BBC at A Level or DDM at BTEC Extended Diploma.

  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.

  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

  2021/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,465 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £6,780 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA/BSc rate)
  • International – Full Time: £13,000
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £13,000

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK and EU – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK and EU – Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module
  • UK and EU – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £6,750 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA/BSc rate)
  • International – Full Time: £12,900
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £12,900

  Additional Costs

  Travel costs to and from placements, and extra costs associated with placements, may be incurred throughout your studies depending on where you are based.

  Scholarships and Bursaries

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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• Postgraduate Opportunities

  Successful completion of this course can lead onto further studies if required.

  • Applied Psychology MSc

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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 this full time degree 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.

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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.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, 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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• Optional Work Placement Year

  You are encouraged to undertake a year-long placement in between Stages Two and Three of study. If you meet the entry criteria, and choose to take up a placement year you will find it an invaluable experience that helps you to apply your learning in your final year and prepares you for your career. We offer a lot of support in helping you to find a placement, which can be in the UK or overseas.

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• Special Features

  Facilities and equipment available:

  • Three dedicated psychology technicians available to support students
  • Six research cubicles
  • Perception lab
  • Observation suite fitted with a one-way mirror, perfect for mock interrogations
  • BioPac MP30, MP36 & MP36r: A tool for measuring EEG, ECG, EDA and Respiration.
  • Bitalino smart wearables: enables anyone to create projects for wearable health tracking.
  • SmartBCI 18-channel wireless EEG: An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a device used to measure the electrical activity of the brain. An EEG tracks and records brain wave patterns.
  • Muse EEG: Muse is a wearable brain sensing headband. The device measures brain activity via 4 electroencephalography sensors.
  • Rubber Hand Illusion: The illusion comes on when the real and fake hands are stroked at the same time and speed for a minute or two.
  • HTC Vive VR Headsets: The HTC Vive is a virtual reality headset developed by HTC and Valve Corporation. The headset uses “room scale” tracking technology, allowing the user to move in 3D space and use motion-tracked handheld controllers to interact with the environment.

  Across the programme, we facilitate independent self-study by providing access to library resources, opportunity to sign up to internal and external workshops as well as skills training events, and the opportunity to apply for small grants to cover academic activities such as conference entry.

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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 programme is designed to provide as much face-to-face contact for students as possible, whilst also providing 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, these involve collaborations with researchers in Universities across the UK, as well as international collaborations.

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Careers and Employability

Once you graduate, you will be eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS). Graduates can apply directly for postgraduate study, in order to work towards becoming a professional forensic psychologist. Graduate employability in Forensic Psychology is very good, graduates can provide vital services in the legal and criminal justice system of a specific area. They can also work in universities, research centers, hospitals, medical examiners’ offices, forensic laboratories, police departments or as independent consultants.