Forensic and Investigative Psychology

Overview

We adopt an applied approach to teaching and learning with an emphasis on evidence-based practice and a focus on the scientist-practitioner model. The course aims to develop the practical and academic skills you will need to become a confident, professional and reflective practitioner including, critical evaluation, communication (written, oral and non-verbal), reflection and the ability to synthesise knowledge.

Forensic and Investigative Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University is a discipline that involves the application of scientific theory and principles to help in the understanding, investigation, assessment and treatment of offenders and criminality, and legal responses to criminality.

Who is this course for?

This programme is designed for psychology graduates, graduates from relevant disciplines (e.g. policing, criminology, law) and/or professionals (e.g. police, probation officers, prison officers, forensic mental health practitioners, criminologists) working in, or intending to work in forensic settings (e.g. probation services, victim support services, prisons, forensic psychologist in training) and wishing to pursue specialised training in forensic and/or investigative psychology. 

This programme has a strong focus on students gaining key skills for potential employability, including being a stepping stone towards a career in forensic and/or investigative psychology and/or further education. Therefore, upon successful completion of the programme students will have gained a range of valuable specific and transferable professional and academic skills to help them pursue a career within forensic and/or investigative psychology. 

Further education students may consider upon completion of this programme may include: MSc Research, PhD, Doctorate Clinical Psychology; Doctorate Clinical/Forensic Psychology, Stage 2 Qualification in Forensic Psychology* or other postgraduate degrees that may support their career progression.

All about the course

The programme provides a student centred and applied teaching and learning approach to develop your knowledge and skills in forensic and investigative psychology, both in relation to professional practice and research. The taught component of this programme is normally delivered over two full days, with students expected to engage self-directed and independent learning throughout the week. 

The programme is comprised of seven core modules including: four ‘content modules’ (20 credits each), two Research Methods and Statistic modules (20 credits each) and one Research Project module (60 credits). 

Your future career

Upon completion of this programme, students may explore opportunities to work within forensic environments, seek employment with forensic mental health services (e.g. NHS, private sector), pursue employment as a probation officer, prison officer, assistant psychologist or police officer roles or further education (e.g. PhD, Doctorate clinical and Forensic Psychology).