MSc Cybersecurity Technology with Placement
The MSc Cybersecurity Technology with Placement program at Canterbury Christ Church Uni...
MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology
Canterbury
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology program at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), United Kingdom, is a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited postgraduate degree designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the application of psychological theory and principles within criminal justice and forensic settings. The program adopts an applied, evidence-based approach, emphasizing the scientist-practitioner model to develop students' knowledge, research skills, and professional practice capabilities. It focuses on understanding, investigating, assessing, and treating offenders and criminality, as well as the legal responses to criminal behavior. The course aims to develop confident, professional, and reflective forensic and investigative psychology practitioners, preparing them for progression towards becoming registered or chartered forensic psychologists or specialized practitioners in the field.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology is structured to provide both theoretical depth and practical application of psychological principles within forensic contexts. Core modules typically include "Forensic Assessment, Treatment and Professional Practice," "Investigative Psychology," "Understanding Criminality and Offending Behaviour," 1 and "Research Methods and Statistics," along with an "Advanced Research Methods and Statistics" module. A significant component is the 60-credit research project, allowing students to conduct an in-depth empirical study in a chosen area of forensic or investigative psychology. The program is delivered through a student-centered approach, involving lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study, encouraging students to engage with broader research literature. Assessments are entirely coursework-based, drawing from a range of methods such as written assignments (e.g., critical reviews, case studies), presentations, and practical assignments, fostering both theoretical understanding and practical skills for forensic settings.
Research Focus: Canterbury Christ Church University, particularly through its School of Psychology and Life Sciences, has a strong research focus that informs the MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology program. Academic staff involved in the program are active researchers with expertise in various areas relevant to forensic and investigative psychology. While specific, detailed research projects on the public-facing university website are not extensively listed, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice and encourages students to engage in their own research for their dissertations, often under the supervision of experts in the field. The university's commitment to the scientist-practitioner model ensures that teaching is informed by current research and that students develop the skills to conduct rigorous psychological inquiry within forensic contexts.
Industry Engagement: The MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology program at CCCU benefits from robust industry engagement, which is central to its applied approach. The university has strong external links with forensic and investigative psychologists, practitioners, and researchers in the field. Professionals from diverse backgrounds within the criminal justice system, such as probation services, prisons, police, and forensic secure units, contribute to enhancing the learning experience through specialized teaching and guest lectures. The program aims to develop key skills for employability, serving as a stepping stone towards a career in forensic and/or investigative psychology. Through practical assignments and an emphasis on "best practice" in accordance with professional frameworks (e.g., BPS and Health and Care Professions Council - HCPC), students are prepared for roles in real-world forensic settings.
Global Perspective: The MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing the universal application of psychological principles to understanding criminality and legal responses. While the program primarily operates within the UK's legal and professional frameworks (e.g., BPS accreditation), the core psychological theories and investigative techniques discussed are applicable across diverse international contexts. The university welcomes a diverse international student body, which enriches classroom discussions with varied cultural and judicial system insights. This prepares graduates to understand the complexities of criminal behavior and justice systems globally, fostering a nuanced understanding of the human experience related to crime and justice on an international scale.
Location
Canterbury
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 15500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 60.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses, enabling students to focus on their studies and make the most of their university experience.
International Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students based on their academic performance and achievements. It provides a significant discount on tuition fees, making it more affordable for high-achieving students from abroad to study at CCCU.
Global Students Scholarship: This scholarship is aimed at supporting international students who demonstrate excellent potential and their studies. It offers a percentage reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Postgraduate International Scholarship: For postgraduate students, CCCU offers specific scholarships that provide financial assistance for those pursuing a master’s or doctoral program. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and provide an opportunity for international students to study in the UK at a reduced cost.
Graduates of the MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology program from Canterbury Christ Church University are exceptionally well-equipped for a variety of impactful careers within the criminal justice system, forensic services, and related fields. This British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited Master's degree provides a robust foundation in applying psychological theory and research to understanding, assessing, and addressing criminal behaviour. The program's emphasis on ethical practice, professional development, and the scientist-practitioner model prepares individuals for challenging yet rewarding roles that contribute to public safety and rehabilitation.
Forensic Psychologist (after further supervised practice and BPS chartership): Working within prisons, probation services, secure hospitals, or forensic units to assess offenders, design and deliver rehabilitation programs, provide expert testimony in court, and conduct research on criminal behaviour and its reduction.
Investigative Psychologist: Collaborating with law enforcement agencies (e.g., police forces) to analyze criminal patterns, develop offender profiles, assist in suspect identification, and provide psychological insights into complex criminal investigations.
Assistant Psychologist (Forensic Settings): Gaining crucial supervised experience in forensic mental health units, prisons, or other secure environments, supporting qualified psychologists in assessments, interventions, and data collection, often as a stepping stone to full professional accreditation.
Offender Manager/Probation Officer: Working with individuals on probation or parole in the community, assessing risk, developing rehabilitation plans, monitoring compliance with court orders, and supporting their reintegration into society.
Crime Analyst/Intelligence Analyst: Utilizing data and statistical methods to identify crime patterns, trends, and hot spots for police forces and other law enforcement agencies, contributing to strategic planning and crime prevention efforts.
Researcher in Criminology/Forensic Psychology: Conducting academic or applied research in universities, research institutes, or government bodies, exploring topics such as the causes of crime, effectiveness of interventions, victimology, or the psychology of legal processes.
Mental Health Practitioner (Forensic Contexts): Working in secure mental health hospitals, psychiatric units, or community mental health teams that deal with individuals who have come into contact with the criminal justice system, providing therapeutic support and risk management.
Youth Justice Worker: Specializing in working with young offenders or young people at risk, within youth offending teams or secure youth facilities, providing support, guidance, and interventions based on an understanding of adolescent development and offending behaviour.
Victim Support Officer/Advocate: Providing psychological support, practical assistance, and advocacy for victims of crime within charitable organizations, police victim support units, or community services, helping them cope with the aftermath of an offence.
Lecturer/Trainer (Criminal Justice/Psychology): Teaching forensic psychology or criminology at colleges or universities, or delivering specialized training to professionals within the police, prison, probation, or social services on topics such as risk assessment, offender behaviour, or investigative interviewing.
