BSc (Hons)
Forensic Psychology
Run by one of the UK’s largest forensic psychology research groups
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This is one of only a few undergraduate courses in the country specialising in forensic psychology. You can train in investigative interviewing and deception detection, and cover topics such as eye witness identification and burglar selection strategy.
This course combines hands-on experience of practical investigations with issues and research at the forefront of forensic psychology today.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Be taught by high calibre and actively researching academics at the cutting edge of their field in forensic psychology
- Put your investigative techniques to the test in our Forensic Interviewing Suite
- Do a work placement to gain real-life experience in an area that interests you
What opportunities might it lead to?
We are a dynamic and growing department, which houses the International Centre for Research in Forensic Psychology (ICRFP). We have a very active forensic psychology research group and for those committed to the subject, an MSc in Forensic Psychology. Continuing your studies will ultimately enable you to become a professional forensic psychologist.
Alternatively, it is an excellent stepping stone for developing a career in any area of psychology as well as a range of other employment areas.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
- teaching
- health associated professions
- social welfare
- police work
- probation service work
- research
I like the fact that we are able to study forensic topics throughout the course and not only in the final year as was offered at some universities.
Charlotte Harrison, BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology student 2013
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- C810
- Duration
- 3 years full time, 4 years sandwich with work placement, 6 years part time
- Entry
300 points from 3 A levels or equivalent, with 100 points from a science subject (biology, chemistry, geography, physics, mathematics, psychology or statistics).
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £8,750 p/a*
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man part-time students: £3,000 p/a*
International full-time students: £11,900 p/a*
International part-time students: £5,950 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- sci.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 5550 - Department
- Department of Psychology
Subject:
Psychology
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- The practical work that backs up the theoretical study
- The ability to take part in cutting-edge research
- Friendly lecturers who have worked in the field
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
Year one
You will begin by building a broad understanding of the subject through introductory core units. You’ll also learn analysis and research skills which you will continue to apply throughout the course.
Core units in this year include:
- Forensic Psychology in Context
- The Psychology of Everyday Life
- Exploring Psychology
- Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis for Psychologists
- Applying Psychological Research Methods 1 and 2
Year two
You will develop your knowledge in a number of the specific fields of psychology as well as study a careers unit to improve your employability skills.
Core units in this year include:
- Biological and Cognitive Psychology
- Social and Developmental Psychology
- Individual Differences and Psychometrics
- Employability Skills for Psychologists
- Research Methods and Analysis 1 and 2
Year three
This is the year of your Psychology Research Project and the chance for you to take control of your own learning. You can choose to dedicate your research to an area that you find most stimulating while also focusing your learning through some of the optional units below.
Options to choose from in this year include:
- Psychology of Offending Behaviour
- Psychology of Security
- Psychology of Investigations
- Language and Communication
- Cognitivist and Constructionist Approaches to Disability
- Issues in Clinical and Health Psychology
- Self and Subjectivity
- Exploring Data
- Psychology Work Placement
Teaching and Assessment
We give high priority to integrating our research activities with your teaching programme. This ensures that you learn about the most important and current issues in forensic psychology that effect real-life practice.
Teaching usually takes the form of lectures and small tutorial groups, together with practical sessions in our labs and studios.
How are you assessed?
We assess you in a variety of ways throughout the course. Here’s how:
- written examinations
- practical reports and essays
- poster presentations
- oral presentations
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
Laboratories
Benefit from our range of modern, high quality facilities
Forensic Interviewing Suite
Train in the art of forensic interviewing
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment
Laboratories
You will benefit from our range of modern, high quality facilities. Monitor behaviour using our eye-tracking equipment or test minority influencing scenarios in our Observation Suite. Other labs include:
- Toddler and Infant Laboratory
- Psychophysiology Laboratory
- Digital Analysis and Video Editing Suite
- Psychology of Applied Cognition Laboratory
Forensic Interviewing Suite
Train in the art of forensic interviewing. Use the suite’s state-of-the-art audio and video-recording facilities to uncover your subjects bluff. Or detect deception using our thermal imaging cameras, specifically looking for the blush reflex around the eyes, cheeks and neck.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
The psychology labs help you to learn theoretical applications in a hands-on manner.
Natalie Muchatutu, BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology student 2013
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
Our course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) which provides eligibility for graduate membership of the BPS and the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership - the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. To become a professional forensic psychologist, you will need to undergo further academic training for up to six years.
However, this course is well received by a wide range of graduate employers as it provides you with much sought-after, work-relevant abilities. As well as subject-specific knowledge, you will develop skills in communication, numeracy, teamwork, critical thinking, computing and independent learning – all of which are valued by employers. It is a great springboard to a wide range of people-oriented occupations.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- clinical psychologist
- forensic psychologist
- educational psychologist
- counsellor
- health planning analyst
Career planning
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more