Why choose this course?

Why choose this course?

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). It draws on Kingston University's established expertise in psychology and criminology.

You will have the opportunity to undertake a minimum 15-week work placement. This will be in one of a number of settings applicable to forensic psychology, including high, medium and low security hospitals, children's homes and youth offending teams. The placement will enable you to put what you learn into practice and gain valuable transferable skills and relevant experience.

You will be taught by research-active staff with special interests ranging from intimate partner violence, forensic mental health, and detection of deception. You will also benefit from the close links our staff have with forensic settings located in London and the surrounding area.

On successful completion of the course, you may continue your training to become a chartered forensic psychologist, or pursue a career in sectors such as the prison and probation services, crime analysis or education.

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.

What you will study

Forensic psychology is concerned with the psychological issues associated with criminal behaviour and the treatment of those who have committed offences. It refers to the investigation of deception, fraud, crime and the psychological aspects of legal and judicial process.

You will learn how psychology is applied in various forensic settings and be introduced to the role of the forensic psychologist in practice. You will gain knowledge of the legal aspects of forensic psychology, such as considerations for courts and sentencing, and examine the aetiology of criminal behaviour in depth.

After you graduate

Students have gone on to further training in forensic and clinical psychology after having obtained posts as assistant psychologists in forensic settings. Students have also gained employment in a variety of organisations including children's services, charities and other destinations in the criminal justice system.