BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology
6 years
Part Time
Tuition: GBP 17,190
Paid Monthly: Pay in Instalment
Intakes: Sept 2026
Deadline: 30 June 2026
Course overview
This Online BSc in Forensic Psychology degree is pending accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as granting eligibility for Graduate Membership of the Society, which is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
Upon completion of this Online Psychology degree, psychology graduates can move on to Stage 2 of forensic psychology training online; a Forensic Psychology Practice Postgraduate Diploma.
All of the major disciplines of psychology will be covered by aspiring forensic psychologists, who will also get a comprehensive grasp of complicated topics like criminal behaviour and the human repercussions of crime. Furthermore, the value of evidence-based practice will be highlighted throughout, students will then investigate actual criminal justice issues and seek out feasible methods to deal with them.
Additionally, optional modules including psychopathy, dealing with forensic offenders, offenders with mental and intellectual impairments, autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, and the use and misuse of psychological theory provide the opportunity to concentrate on specialised topics. giving students the opportunity to apply psychological ideas, research, and methodologies to some of the most pressing issues affecting the criminal justice system today.
Our staff of passionate and knowledgeable instructors, including chartered psychologists, are here to support psychology students every step of the way.
Furthermore, many staff members continue to be actively involved in practice, which helps keep psychology graduates informed about the most recent advancements. Because of their experience in subjects including personality disorders, sex offenders, domestic violence, psychopathy, and the dark triad, the courses will include the most recent research and resources.
BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology
BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology
Accreditation
The Online BSc Forensic Psychology degree by the University of Derby is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
The British Psychological Society was established over a 120 years ago and champions the field of Psychology, Psychologists and the wider professions in the field. With over 65,000 members, the organisation is committed to aiding the field in having a positive impact on both Psychologists, as well as the community and its individuals.
Assessment
This course is assessed through coursework. There will be ongoing assessment in the form of self-assessment, peer review, or feedback directly from the tutor. These aid the students’ learning journey, but do not count towards their grades.
Then there will be an end-of-module assessment for each module. These count towards grades and may include essays, case studies, presentations, and debates.
The final assessment is the independent research project, which is a 40-credit module. For this, students will use the knowledge and skills they have learned so far, to undertake an in-depth investigation into a psychological problem or topic related to their own interests or career ambitions.
Student support and guidance:
There is a wealth of support available at the University of Derby, from a dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learning Advisor, through to:
- Psychology Technicians
- Library
- Health and Wellbeing Centre
- Careers and Employability Service
- IT Support
- Union of Students
Benefits
Professionals who can apply their understanding of forensic psychology to a variety of contexts and scenarios are in greater demand as the field is being utilised more and more to guide practice within the legal system.
This Online MSc in Forensic Psychology is one of very few Online Psychology degrees being offered in the UK, allowing students to study from the location of their preference, at the time of their choosing. Additionally, unlike several other forensic psychology courses, this Online Masters in Forensic Psychology begins teaching students specialist modules from day one.
Moreover, numerous criminal and community justice organisations, such as the police, probation services, jails, juvenile justice, courts, and victim support groups, are also closely associated with us. This could give students the opportunity to participate in independent research projects with some of these organisations or possibly hear guest lectures from them.
Career path
An Online Bachelor in Forensic Psychology course can serve as the foundation for a profession as a licensed forensic psychologist. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) are the biggest employers of licensed forensic psychologists. Nevertheless, forensic psychologists can also work in the police, social services, private secure hospitals, rehabilitation centers, municipal and federal government, and academia.
Upon successful graduation from the Online Master in Forensic Psychology course, graduates would have completed their step towards becoming a registered forensic psychologist. If students choose to take this path, they will need to as follows:
- A Stage 1 BPS accredited postgraduate qualification, such as our online MSc Forensic Psychology.
- A Stage 2 HCPC approved qualification. Students would then need to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to become a Registered Forensic Psychologist.
Eligibility
Applicants will also be considered without these formal qualifications providing you have suitable experience in the forensic environment.
In making our decision, we will consider all the information that you include in your application, including your experience and prior learning. We will also want to see that you are enthusiastic and motivated to study Forensic Psychology with us, and that you have can demonstrate the potential to benefit from studying at the university.
English language qualifications
If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:
- IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each module)
- TOEFL: 580 (paper based), 237 (computer based) or 92 (internet based)
- Pearson Test of Academic English: 51
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate: pass
- London Tests of English: level 5
- International GCE O level English Language: Grade C
- International GCSE English or English as a second Language: Grade C
- ASE Proficiency: pass
Core Modules
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Describe and evaluate, key issues, concepts and theories in developmental psychology
- Describe and evaluate, selected psychological phenomena and associated underlying biological processes
Module content
The following are examples of indicative content:
This developmental psychology component of the module may cover concepts, theories, issues and methods in relation to social and cognitive development. Development is examined across the lifespan, including childhood, adolescence and aging. The kinds of topics you may cover will include: prenatal development, perceptual development, Theory of Mind, language development, Attachment, cultural development and atypical development (e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorder).
The biological psychology component of the module may cover core concepts in biological psychology, as well as biological explanations of key behaviours. The kinds of topics you may cover will include: conceptual and historical issues in biopsychology, research methods in biological psychology, biological basis of human and non-human and behaviour, genes, evolution and behaviour, psychopharmacology, stress and emotion, learning and memory, sleep and new developments in neuroscience.
Module learning content
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Understand and evaluate social psychological theory and research and its application to contemporary issues
- Understand and evaluate theory and research in human cognition
Module content
Indicative content:
Social Psychology
- Mass media and Social Psychology
- Self-Identity
- Attribution Theory
- Relationships
- Identity
- Social Influence
- Mainstream vs Critical Social approaches
Cognitive Psychology
- Perception
- Attention
- Human memory
- Thinking and Reasoning
- Language
- Executive Functioning
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Conduct and report psychological research using quantitative methods
- Examine and assess the complexity of measuring individual differences
- Choose, analyse and interpret a variety of quantitative tests in the study of individual differences by using specialist software (eg SPSS, JASP)
Module content
This module will examine how individual differences have been researched in psychology and focus upon the quantitative research methods appropriate to examining this. The following are examples of indicative content:
Individual differences: may include theoretical approaches to individual differences including personality, psychometrics, intelligence, aspects of positive psychology, and physical and mental health. This module may also cover research design in individual differences, including the application of quantitative research to individual differences.
Quantitative methods: This module may include a revision of basic statistical concepts (e.g. inferential statistics, parametric / non-parametric tests, etc.) and statistical techniques, including One-Way ANOVA (Independent and Repeated Measures), Factorial ANOVA (between-subjects, within-subjects, and mixed), Kruskal-Wallis Test, Friedman’s ANOVA, Linear Regression, and Multiple Regression.
Basic scale development and other development: Basic principles of scale development, measures of reliability and validity, wording and item creation, data reduction, reliability analyses (e.g., Cronbach’s Alpha). Also, students should identify and address ethical considerations in an area of individual differences.
Pre-requisite: 4PS512 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology; 4PS520 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology; 4PS533 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Evaluate one area of individual differences and demonstrate the insights a qualitative research methodology brings to this area
- Clearly demonstrate an in-depth understanding of one qualitative research methodology and its application to researching individuals’ lives
- Demonstrate the ability to collect, analyse and interpret qualitative data and produce a qualitative research report
Module content
Indicative content:
- Covers a range of qualitative research methods to support the exploration of individual differences
- Ethics in qualitative research
- Qualitative research theory including ontology and epistemology
- Generating and collecting qualitative data
- Qualitative analysis methods
- Writing qualitative research
- Individual differences
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Evaluate relevant psychological theories and assumptions concerning criminal behaviour and crime control
- Analyse the appropriateness of professional practice and criminal justice policy in light of psychological theories and assumptions
The need to protect the rights of victims has become increasingly important in terms of public opinion and judicial practice. This has given rise to revisions in sentencing and the advent of restorative justice. The rights of victims are now viewed as an integral part of criminal justice.
Whilst societal views and criminal justice responses have impacted upon victims and their status, it is of importance to understand the physical, social, psychological and emotional effects they might face in context of the primary offence. Therefore, both societal and psychological effects will therefore be explored within this module.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically assess the theoretical perspectives of victimology
- Evaluate the range of responses made by the criminal justice system to the victim, including the increasing consideration that is given to their rights
- Consider the psychological effects of being a victim of crime
Informed by your chosen topic and methodology, you will be allocated a suitable supervisor within the academic team. The research project is supported through scheduled sessions in-module and as well as workshops in the aligned Advanced Knowledge Production module (6FP502). However, while Advanced Knowledge Production is designed to ‘scaffold’ you throughout the trimester to support project design, the Independent Research Project module is focused on practical milestones of the project, including applying for ethical approval of the study, managing data collection and condensing analysis into the write up in an academic manner.
Examples of project topics could be:
- Relationships between measured traits, experiences, and / or attitudes
- Social construction of offending stereotypes or crime ‘myths’
- Experiences of working on / interactions during a mock jury
Wider broadcasting of research findings is encouraged.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- With supervisor guidance, acquire ethical approval for an empirically based psychological research project covering topic, design, sample, analysis, implications, with evidence of appropriate participant-facing documents
- Drawing on relevant literature, demonstrate the construction, operationalisation, investigation, and critique of a selected research question(s)
- Identify, justify, and apply an appropriate research methodology and analytic approach, whilst recognising theoretical and practical implications and limitations, and showing an awareness of alternative strategies
- Demonstrate an adequate understanding of analytical strategies (whether quantitative or qualitative) to critically examine collected data and draw sensible conclusions from the findings to support new lines of investigation
- Demonstrate effective planning and project management skills and take responsibility for project learning and ongoing professional and research skills development
Support is offered through a combination of workshops and guidance from your supervisor, and may cover elements such as:
- The ethics approval process
- Information literacy
- Planning and managing a research project
- Writing a literature review
- Discussing and writing up research findings
- Referencing
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically review contemporary literature on psychological theories and research to produce a novel research question(s)
- Design an ethical empirical study to address novel research question(s) using appropriate methodologies
- Demonstrate effective planning and project management skills
Module content may include:
- Ethical considerations applicable to psychological research
- Debates and issues relevant to psychological research, such as formulation of research questions, research design and rationale
- Participant recruitment strategies
- Qualitative and quantitative analytical strategies
- Open Science, Pre-registration, and different ways of presenting and broadcasting research studies
Optional Modules
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically appraise the classification symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Critically evaluate autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) research and theory
Module content
The module examines research and theory on ASD and ADHD and their application in the diagnosis and treatment of ASD and ADHD. Indicative learning content may include:
- Historical background of the study of ASD and ADHD
- The classification, diagnosis and epidemiology of ASD and ADHD, referring to current criteria and diagnostic practice in the UK and abroad
- Symptoms and comorbidity of ASD and ADHD
- Aetiology of ASD and ADHD, which may include genetic/biological influences, cognitive theories
- Behavioural, cognitive, and pharmacological treatments for ASD and ADHD
- Developmental outcomes
You will explore a range of issues within the area of clinical psychology, health and wellbeing and will be introduced to the generic skills required of psychologists working in these areas. The use of psychologically based assessments, interventions and therapies appropriate to specific populations and clinical issues will also be examined.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a clinically relevant issue
- Demonstrate the application of relevant psychological theory to identify and address the psychological needs of a specific clinical population or client
- Critically evaluate the utility of at least one psychologically based intervention or therapy to address a clinically relevant issue
Module content
Indicative content:
- Understanding the generic skill base of psychologists working in clinical contexts
- Exploring relevant issues within the areas of clinical psychology/health and wellbeing
- Applying psychologically based, assessments, interventions and therapies
This module aims to answer these questions by critically analysing the relationship between mental and intellectual disabilities and offending behaviours, as well as critically examining how societal change, legislation, and government policy have impacted on the treatment or imprisonment of offenders with mental and intellectual disabilities. The provisions of the Mental Health Act 2007 will be considered in the context of public safety.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of mental illness and its perceived link to offending,
- Evaluate the different approaches to mental and intellectual disabilities and offending behaviours within the context of theoretical frameworks and empirical research
- Discuss the position of offenders with mental of intellectual disabilities within the criminal justice system and in particular any discrimination they might experience in the context of political, social and economic trends
Please note that this module concentrates on psychopathy as an academic research field.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the psychopathy construct and central debates in the research field
- Critically evaluate the utility of psychopathy within the criminal justice system
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Select, synthesize, and assess appropriate psychological literature to demonstrate scholarly thinking and skills in problem solving, and communication
- Critically evaluate the dual nature of a range of psychological constructs in both offending and nonoffending populations
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the weaponisation of psychological knowledge
The module aims to build understanding of the framework of structured intervention which operates within the probation and prison services, and of the matching of offenders to appropriate interventions. It explains and identifies appropriate theoretical models and concepts for assessment and intervention and their appropriate application to offender management. The module also identifies problems within professional practice and applies problem solving approaches to their resolution and evaluation.
A taught element develops the required knowledge base to explore this topic. There are areas of practical activity (dependent on availability): prison visits and talks with offenders, offender managers, and prison officers. Planning appropriate and proportionate responses to the risks posed by, and needs of, offenders and balancing rights and public protection is considered. The values and ethics that underpin practice frameworks are analysed and decision-making about appropriate and proportionate intervention, balancing rights and risks, is explored. The application of the principles of promoting equality, and valuing diversity and anti-discriminatory practice, in working with offenders is explored.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate theoretical and/or empirically derived knowledge relating to contemporary practice-based issues in the context of working with offenders
- Relate theoretical learnings to knowledge and understanding gained by interacting with practitioners
Course fee
Global:
- Course Fee: GBP 16,290
+VAT if applicable
Fees are determined by where applicants are currently working and residing
GBP is Great British Pounds
Academics
Refaat Kazoun
Philippe Riewer
Ajith Kumar
What our student say
Jenna Leamy
I had a great experience throughout the application and enrolment processes with Stafford Global. My advisor/consultant was extremely helpful, always accessible and efficient in responding to any queries that I had. I was guided through all the steps, which were extremely helpful. Overall, the application process was great!
