Forensic Psychology MSc at Coventry University

The Forensic Psychology MSc will provide you with a thorough grounding in the theory, themes, issues and practical skills central to psychological research into behaviour relevant to crime and forensic settings.

Why Coventry University?

An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.

Course information

The course was designed to cover the BPS Division of Forensic Psychology's (DFP) core curriculum. Many experienced forensic psychology practitioners visit the course to contribute their knowledge. It will give you an opportunity to gain an understanding of how psychology works in a forensic setting.

You will complete the thirteen modules listed. The first five 10-credit modules cover the theoretical basis of forensic psychology across a range of settings, through all stages of the criminal justice process, i.e. from investigation to punishment and through care, and as applied to a broad range of crimes. 

A double (20-credit) module provides an overview of a key aspect of forensic practice, risk assessment and the associated risk management of offenders. This module is delivered in semester 2 and in a four day intensive teaching block in June that provides students with a variety of teaching delivery styles. 

Two further 10-credit modules are particular features of this course and explore the legal process (taught by the Coventry Law School), and practice and application in forensic psychology (involving a number of guest speakers who are practitioners in forensic settings). 

Two modules (30 credits) cover advanced research methods including both quantitative and qualitative methods, and a further 10 credit module focusing on project planning prepares students for the independent research dissertation/project module (40 credits). 

As part of this course you will also study Global Professional Development, a new 10-credit module developed in partnership with the CMI. 

Career prospects

The MSc Forensic Psychology provides career opportunities in a variety of forensic settings, such as the prison, probation and police services, local government and other agencies.

Expected jobs are varied but may include Assistant Forensic Psychologist, Crime Scene Analyst, Prison Psychologist, Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, Researcher, Police Analyst, Police Officer and Probation Officer. 

Where our graduates work

Course alumni have gone on to work in a wide range of settings and roles such as psychological assistants and trainees in a range of settings (including in prisons and mental health settings), probation officers and psychologists within probation, drug support workers, youth offending team staff, police analysts, university lecturers, PhD students, academic researchers and at least one alumnus has set up a new forensic related company.