Psychology

Forensic psychology applies psychological science to questions that arise within legal and criminal justice contexts. It encompasses the assessment and treatment of offenders, the psychological factors that contribute to criminal behaviour, the reliability of eyewitness testimony, the mental health of people in the criminal justice system, and the role of psychological expertise in legal proceedings. The discipline draws on clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, and requires practitioners who can work rigorously with evidence, communicate findings clearly to legal audiences, and understand the ethical responsibilities of applying psychology in high-stakes contexts.

This programme at Nottingham Trent University is described as an MSc, meaning it is a postgraduate masters degree specifically designed for psychology graduates who want to develop the knowledge and skills needed for professional forensic psychology practice. The British Psychological Society accreditation is significant: it means the degree constitutes the first stage in the professional training route required by the BPS to become a Chartered Forensic Psychologist. You will study forensic psychology theory and research, the psychology of crime, clinical and therapeutic work with offenders, professional and ethical practice, and research methods appropriate for forensic contexts.

The programme prepares you for practical work and research within forensic settings.

You will develop skills in psychological assessment, evidence-based intervention design, research methodology, and the communication of complex psychological findings to legal and professional audiences. The ethical dimensions of forensic work, including issues of risk, confidentiality, and professional boundaries, are central to the training.

Graduates from forensic psychology programmes pursue careers within the prison and probation service, secure forensic psychiatric settings, the courts, police psychology, youth offending services, and academic research. The BPS accreditation provides the formal pathway towards supervised professional practice and chartership. Further supervised practice hours are required after the MSc to complete the route to qualification.