The course aims to develop your confidence, professionalism, critically evaluative, communication (written, oral and non-verbal), practical, reflective and synthesising skills. Additionally, the course has a strong emphasis on developing your core psychological knowledge and skills in forensic and investigative research, psychological enquiry, professional practice frameworks and practical application of skills.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, supervisions and directed studies. The precise mode of delivery, and the number of contact hours you will have per week, will vary depending on the modules you take in each semester.

You will be expected to attend the taught sessions and contribute to group activities. Discussions in smaller groups will enable you to develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures. In addition, you will meet with your academic personal tutor.

You will be expected to undertake independent reading and research throughout your course. You will have access to a wide range of library resources (books, journal articles, and media resources), and you will be supported in making good use of these.

All courses are informed by the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy 2015-2022.

Delivery of the MSc Forensic & Investigative Psychology is organised into three Trimesters, with students expected to engage in a range of self-directed and guided independent learning throughout each trimester. The course is comprised of seven core modules including: four ‘content modules’ (20 credits each) including two modules which are normally delivered on alternate weeks across both Trimester 1 and Trimester 2 (Forensic Assessment, Treatment and Professional Practice and Investigative Psychology), in addition to one ‘content module’ in Trimester 1 (Understanding Criminality and Offending Behaviour ) and one Research Methods and Statistics module (20 credits). In Trimester 2 there is also one ‘content’ module (Criminal Justice and the Investigative Process) and one Advanced Research Methods and Statistics module (20 credits). Finally, there is also a year long module (60 credits) Research Project: Forensic/Investigative module, whereby you have an opportunity to identify, conduct and write up your own research in an area you are personally interested.

Full-time students normally attend 2 days per week in Trimesters 1 & 2, and attend a small number of online teaching sessions specific to the year long module, Research Project: Forensic/Investigative in Trimester 3. Therefore, Trimester 3 provides you with the time and support to help you finalise and submit your assessments for this module.

Part-time students normally attend 1 day per week in both Year 1 and Year 2. Teaching sessions in Year 1 will be delivered in Trimester 1 and Trimester 2. Whilst you will not normally have any teaching or assessments in Trimester 3, you are actively encouraged to use this time to begin to identify and prepare for your Research Project: Forensic/Investigative in Year 2. In Year 2, you will attend teaching in Trimester 1 and Trimester 2, in addition to a small number of online teaching sessions in Trimester 3 specific to the year long module, Research Project: Forensic/Investigative. Therefore, Trimester 3 provides you with the time and support to help you finalise and submit your assessments for this module.