MSc Forensic Psychology

Entry standards

A First or Upper Second class honours degree (or recognised equivalent qualification) in psychology and graduate basis for chartered membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). 

English language requirements

Candidates for whom English is not their first language will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

MSc Forensic Psychology - structure and modules

Module Titles

Compulsory modules:

• Psychology and Criminal Behaviour 
• Aspects of the Investigative Process 
• The Legal Process 
• Research and Practice in Forensic Psychology 
• Treatment and Management of Violence 
• Treatment and Management of Sexual Offenders 
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Dissertation

Module Overview 

Psychology and Criminal Behaviour 

This module introduces you to theories of criminal behaviour, the contexts within which criminal behaviour occurs and the means for managing and evaluating interventions designed to reduce crime and re-offending. 

Aspects of the Investigative Process 

This module introduces you to a range of areas of forensic research that have direct practice implications for police work and the investigation of crime. 

The Legal Process 

This module provides you with an understanding of the processes associated with criminal as well as civil courts and tribunals. A range of issues are addressed, including fitness to stand trial, the role of expert witnesses and the safeguards that exist for the interviewing of children and mentally disabled persons. 

Research and Practice in Forensic Psychology 

This module introduces you to the range of contexts in which forensic psychologists practise, develops communication and teamworking skills, and models a professional and ethical approach to colleagues and potential clients. 

Treatment and Management of Violence 

This module provides you with advanced knowledge and skills in the treatment and management of violence, risk assessment methods, and dealing with violent offenders, as well as an appreciation of the theoretical underpinnings of violent and aggressive behaviour. 

Treatment and Management of Sexual Offenders 

This module provides you with advanced knowledge and skills in the treatment and management of sexual offending, along with an appreciation of a range of sexual offending patterns, risk factors and their interaction with various forms of mental disorder. 

Quantitative Research Methods

In this module, you will develop the skills to conduct and assess quantitative research effectively.

Qualitative Research Methods

This module, you will develop the skills to conduct and assess qualitative research.

Dissertation

The dissertation enables you to conduct a significant piece of applied research. It will develop your skills in research, and allow you to explore a specific topic in depth.

Subject information

Programme Information 

The development of the MSc Forensic Psychology programme relates to current developments within the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP), which highlights the need for recognised knowledge as a basis for achieving the Qualification in Forensic Psychology. The programme therefore covers the whole curriculum required for a BPS-accredited MSc Forensic Psychology programme.

The programme will provide you with advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles of forensic psychology in research and practice and train you in the informed and systematic application of the research-practitioner model involving problem analysis and formulation, intervention, assessment and evaluation.

You will be exposed to the major theoretical formulations and models in the area of forensic psychology in order to provide a conceptual underpinning to inform your approach to research and practice. The programme aims to develop the interpersonal, technical and creative skills required for your effective transition to the workplace and, in addition, will prepare you to conduct research by giving you the appropriate technical skills in design and analytical procedures.

The assignments that we use are not only exams and traditional academic essays but also include more professional formats, such as consultancy reports, that enable you to build important skills for your future career as a forensic psychologist. We deliberately limit student numbers to ensure high standards and to enable us to develop a good relationship with each of our students.

The strong links with Broadmoor Hospital give the University of Surrey programme a distinctive emphasis on the assessment and treatment of the mentally disordered offender. Our links to the University’s School of Law provide a specialist module on the legal process.

Forensic Psychology at Surrey 

We have a long tradition of forensic psychology at Surrey. Professor Lionel Haward, recognised as a founding father of the discipline, was based at the University of Surrey for many years, as was Professor David Canter who pioneered investigative psychology.

The present programme staff work closely with forensic practitioners from all areas of the criminal justice system and the MSc programme has numerous visiting lecturers who are recognised specialists in their field.

Module Summary 

You will take eight compulsory modules, comprising six core forensic modules and two core research methods modules. One module (20 contact hours) provides 15 credits. Each module is assessed via two forms of assessment, for example, essays, short answer examinations, practical work, presentations, case reports, and so on. 

•  Psychology and Criminal Behaviour 
•  Aspects of the Investigative Process
•  The Legal Process 
•  Research and Practice in Forensic Psychology 
•  Treatment and Management of Violence 
•  Treatment and Management of Sexual Offenders 
•  Research Methods and Data Analysis 
•  Research and Professional Skills 
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods

If you are continuing to Masters level, you will also be required to present a dissertation comprising an original piece of empirical research within an area of forensic psychology. The dissertation will be supervised by a member of the academic staff, and must be completed by the end of the Masters programme.

MSc Forensic Psychology - entry standards

Entry standards

A First or Upper Second class honours degree (or recognised equivalent qualification) in psychology and graduate basis for chartered membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). 

English language requirements

Candidates for whom English is not their first language will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

Application procedure

Planned intake

25

Start date

MSc Forensic Psychology - fees and funding

Fees

Forensic Psychology (full time):

UK/EU - £6,400 
Overseas - £14,830

Forensic Psychology (part time):

UK/EU - £3,200 
Overseas - £7,415

www.surrey.ac.uk/pgfees/2012

Funding opportunities

Funding Opportunities

Funding is now linked to continuation funding for a PhD – that is, successful applicants to the Economic and Social Research Council will be given a grant for the MSc year and then further support (subject to satisfactory progress) to enable them to undertake a PhD. 

Occasionally students receive financial support from industry through sponsorship. This would involve students undertaking a piece of research for their dissertation which would be of interest and value to industry or commerce, in return for which they will be given a grant by the commissioning company. In the past this sponsorship has ranged from £500 to £6000. This is mutually beneficial to both the student and sponsor, and allows the student to undertake a ‘real’ piece of research that has practical or policy implications, whilst receiving a sum of money to assist with fees and subsistence costs.

MSc Forensic Psychology - professional context

Professional recognition

Recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for research training and has been accredited by the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP).

Careers

The MSc Forensic Psychology programme at the University of Surrey has an excellent record of graduate employment. Our graduates go on to work in all areas of the criminal justice system. Many go on to work for the prison and probation service, some continue in research posts; we have ex-students working in high and medium secure hospitals and other psychiatric units and also various departments within the Home Office. The MSc programme is looked upon favourably when assessing applications for clinical psychology courses, and a number of our recent students are currently in the process of completing the PsychD Clinical Psychology.

MSc Forensic Psychology - teaching

MSc Forensic Psychology - learning

MSc Forensic Psychology - graduate profile

Student Profile: Emma Bradford

MSc Forensic Psychology

After my psychology degree, I decided that I wanted to specialise in forensic psychology. The University of Surrey was one of the most highly rated universities offering the accredited MSc programme. Surrey boasts one of the highest rates of post-programme employment in the country. Academics aside, I also love the area and think the
campus is beautiful.

Professionals from all types of forensic backgrounds came to talk to us and shared their experiences. Not only was this thoroughly insightful, it provided us with the opportunity to network with potential future employers. On my course, I was part of a close knit group of students who offered each other support, guidance and
friendship, and ultimately made the experience all the more enjoyable.

After conducting my dissertation I became so interested in the topic I was studying that I just couldn’t let it stop there! I had a very good relationship with my supervisor who offered to supervise me through a PhD.

I have developed numerous skills that will be useful after I graduate. The Masters programme is hard work and requires dedication and passion for the subject.

My true passion is to travel and my life as a postgraduate has facilitated this through my attending international conferences. Last year alone I presented my Masters research in Norway, Italy and Puerto Rico. Next year, Orlando!

MSc Forensic Psychology - more

Psychology at Surrey 

The Department of Psychology at the University of Surrey is one of the most active and highly regarded psychology departments in the country. We specialise in applied and policy-oriented teaching and research within a strong theoretical context. The international, interdisciplinary, policy and applied strengths of the Department mean that students’ theoretical and methodological research puts them at the cutting edge of the discipline.

We are one of the highest ranked departments in the country for graduates entering employment and also one of the largest providers of postgraduate training in the UK.

The Department of Psychology at the University of Surrey has been the centre for many cross-national studies and has attracted funding from research councils and local and national government departments, such as ESF, Defra, the MoD, the Home Office, the Environment Agency, the Countryside Agency, Surrey County Council and the EU.

If you choose to study psychology at the University of Surrey, you will be provided with a combination of opportunities that would be hard to match elsewhere. We offer you a degree that provides a thorough grounding in the theories, methods and practice of contemporary psychology. Our programmes lay particular emphasis on the application of psychology to real-world problems, and also consider issues related to professional practice in preparation for your career as a professional psychologist.

The basis of good postgraduate courses is the research activity of staff, the incorporation of current research programmes in teaching material and a reciprocal relationship between theory development and applied research in everyday contemporary issues. We believe in involving all postgraduate students in the research life of the Department through active participation in one of the research groups, by attendance at research seminars and, where possible, an attachment to ongoing research projects. As a student of the Department of Psychology, you will also have access to a number of conferences, seminars and workshops hosted throughout the year.

Applicant Profile 

This programme may suit you if:

• You are currently working within the criminal justice or related forensic fields and wish to engage in continuing professional development at an advanced level
• You are about to graduate and have a special interest in the forensic field
• You are contemplating gaining a professional qualification (e.g. the BPS/DFP Qualification in Forensic Psychology)
• You are considering a change of career direction

You will need some relevant, practical experience in a forensic environment. Previous applicants and students on the programme have gained experience in the following areas: probation service, prison service, police, social services, psychiatric units, regional secure units, young offenders’ institutes, victim support and legal work. In some cases a relevant research post would also be looked on favourably.

You will also need two good academic references, highlighting your suitability for the programme, to support your application.

Becoming a Forensic Psychologist 

We are committed to providing the training that will be your first step in gaining the Qualification in Forensic Psychology but we cannot be responsible for continued supervision once the course is completed. Much of our course is delivered by external speakers who are all working professionally in various areas of Forensic Psychology. It is likely that you will make contacts that will assist you in your future career plans.

MSc Forensic Psychology - apply

• MSc Forensic Psychology - Full-time - starting September 2012
• MSc Forensic Psychology - Part-time - starting September 2012