Forensic Psychology Birmingham City University

Overview

The core aim of the Forensic Psychology course at Birmingham City University is to prepare students to work with clients and professionals in a range of forensic and forensic-related settings. Equipped with a sound knowledge of key theoretical and applied issues in forensic psychology, you will gain not only a critical appreciation of theoretical and factual concepts, but an awareness of the strengths and limitations of research evidence. The course integrates psychological theory with the development of practical skills and an understanding of professional practice.

The aims of the programme are to:

• Equip you with a detailed critical understanding of the key theoretical and applied issues in forensic psychology, including the development of offending behaviour, re-offending, the effects of offending on victims, and the assessment and treatment of offenders;
• Provide training in forensic methods primarily from a psychological standpoint, but also to familiarise you with the perspectives of a range of professions involved in the assessment and treatment of offenders;
• Enable you to acquire an advanced ability to design research, conduct statistical analysis, and evaluate and scientifically report research in forensic psychology;
• Enhance your skills in communication, group work, professionalism and ICT so that you can perform at a high level of competence in these respects;
• Satisfy the academic requirements for Master’s-level knowledge, set out by the Division for Forensic Psychology, British Psychological Society.

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to demonstrate an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the applied issues in forensic psychology.

You’ll also be able to apply a range of academic, intellectual and professional skills to forensic psychology, as well as being able to display significant insight into the application of forensic skills in the assessment and treatment of both offenders and victims.

Graduates of this course are expected to have developed strong academic, intellectual and professional skills, with the ability to work autonomously and in groups

• Completion of this MSc course enables you to gain specialist knowledge of dealing with people within the Criminal Justice System, including sex offenders, offenders with personality disorders, victims of crime, the police and probation services.
• You’ll be provided with training in forensic methods primarily from a psychological standpoint, but you'll also be familiarised with the perspectives of a range of professions involved in the criminal justice system
• We have expert practitioners, such as Professor Michael Brookes OBE, who will support you throughout your study.
• We have expert academics, such as Dr Chrisa Pornari, who can supervise your research project in a wide range of areas, including investigative psychology, jury decision making, interpersonal violence, rape myths and offender cognition.

• With full or part-time options on offer, you can choose whether to study over one year or two.

Enhancing your employability

You will have the opportunity to visit a local prison such as HMP Birmingham, attend court hearings and gain practical experience in one of the University’s mock courtrooms.

We will also assist in identifying work experience opportunities and the Centre for Academic Success offers 1:1 and small group private tutorials in English (including academic writing), study skills, maths, statistics, Word, Excel, programming, networking and project management.