BSc in Forensic Psychology
Kingston University
Key Information
Campus location
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 6 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* UK students: £9,250 per year | international: £15,800 for the first year
Introduction
Why choose this course?
Fascinating and disturbing, criminal behaviour arises from social, biological and cognitive factors. We need to understand these if we're to help create a safer and fairer society.
Forensic psychology looks at the relationships between the brain and criminal behaviour, how social groups interact and how human beings learn and develop. It also examines the treatment of offenders and the impact of crime on the broader community. You'll be able to gain valuable experience with the opportunity for work-based practice or observation.
You'll acquire a broad foundation of knowledge around key theories and ideas of psychological science, critically analyse historic perspectives and contemporary issues, and explore the social nature of crime and deviance. Choosing from a range of option modules, you'll be able to tailor your studies to your own interests and aspirations.
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This is one of the few courses in the UK to offer a specialist forensic psychology qualification.
- This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
- You'll be eligible for Graduate Membership and the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership; this is the first step towards being a chartered psychologist.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which means that you could go on to become a Chartered Psychologist if that is your chosen career path. This is an ongoing accreditation.
Graduates, with a minimum of a 2:2, from this course are eligible to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the BPS. This is a necessary first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. You would then take further training in a specific field of psychology that you want to work in. This could then lead to a career as a Chartered Psychologist in your chosen field, for example, forensic psychology.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
What you will study
Take a look at some of the content and modules that you may have the opportunity to study in our Forensic Psychology course:
Year 1
In your first year, you will acquire a broad foundation of knowledge around key theories and ideas of psychological science. You will begin to critically analyse historic perspectives, and contemporary issues and explore the social nature of crime and deviance. Whilst being introduced to key strategies which are used in psychological research.
Core modules
- Crime, Law and Justice
- Foundations of Psychology
- Introduction to Forensic Psychology
- Psychology Research Methods 1
Year 2
In the second year, you will examine the relationship between brain function and our understanding of cognition and behaviour. You will explore current theory and practice that focuses on the person in psychology. And start to explore mental disorders, antisocial behaviour and criminal offending. Whilst developing experimental research designs and delving further into inferential statistics
Core modules
- Psychology Research Methods 2
- Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
- Social, Individual and Developmental Psychology
- Forensic Mental Health and Criminal Behaviours
Optional year
Study abroad optional year
You have the option to take an additional year to study abroad or to undertake a year-long work placement overseas (or even a mix of both).
Sandwich year
This course has a sandwich year option which takes place between Year 2 and your Final Year. During this sandwich year, you will take a placement within a relevant setting, ensuring you gain essential experience to add to your CV and help you secure a graduate job.
Final year
In your final year, you will be able to choose from a selection of optional modules, which cover a range of topics, this will enable you to tailor your studies to your own interests and aspirations. You will also research a chosen topic for your dissertation.
Core modules
- Psychology Research Project
- The Psychology of Investigations and Cyber-Behaviour
Optional modules
- Transnational Crime
- Neuropsychology and Neuro-rehabilitation
- Human Rights and Political Violence
- Risk and Crime
- The Politics of Crime in the Black Atlantic
- Advanced Issues in the Psychology of Thinking
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
After you graduate
This degree will help you build a career as a forensic psychologist or in a complementary sector, such as the police force, community rehabilitation settings, and/or legal services.