Psychology

Psychology with forensic psychology applies the science of human behaviour and mental processes to questions of crime, justice, the legal system and the contexts in which psychological expertise is most directly relevant to social harm and its consequences. Forensic psychology draws on clinical, social, developmental and cognitive psychology to understand offending behaviour, victim experiences, eyewitness testimony, risk assessment, rehabilitation and the psychological dimensions of working within legal and criminal justice institutions.

At London South Bank University you will study for three years full-time, including a year abroad, building the core scientific competencies of psychology alongside a specialist focus on forensic applications. The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society, providing eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is the necessary stepping stone for those who wish to progress to professional psychology qualifications. You will develop skills in research methods, statistical analysis, psychological assessment and the theoretical frameworks that underpin forensic practice, gaining the academic grounding that professional training builds upon.

Graduates work in criminal justice, prison and probation services, youth offending teams, victim support, police intelligence, mental health services, risk assessment, social work and a wide range of organisations concerned with offending and rehabilitation. The BPS accreditation means that graduates who wish to become chartered psychologists can pursue the further postgraduate training required, including conversion to forensic psychology practice through the relevant doctoral or professional qualification route. Many graduates also move into research, policy, social care and community development, where the combination of psychological understanding and forensic awareness is directly relevant to working with individuals and communities affected by crime and social disadvantage.