Forensic and Investigative Psychology BSc (Hons)

UCAS code CMV5

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

If you’re fascinated by crime, curious about the criminal mind, and keen to see how psychology can unlock the mysteries behind behaviour and justice, this course is your chance to explore it all. You’ll dive into the world of forensic and investigative psychology, building the skills and knowledge that can open doors to careers in psychology, criminal justice, and beyond.

From day one, you’ll start exploring the human mind and what drives people to act the way they do. Through specialist modules, you’ll look at different types of crime, the factors that may lead to offending, and how research can shape investigations, support victims, evaluate Criminal Justice System procedures, and improve rehabilitation. Alongside this, you can tailor your learning with option modules in areas like criminology and forensic investigation - giving you the flexibility to focus on what excites you most.

We'll make sure you're career ready with dedicated modules each year focused on your personal development, employability and future planning. You’ll also get the chance to put your learning into practice on a work placement, gaining valuable real-world experience in settings such as the prison service, victim support, or offender rehabilitation. These opportunities not only give you insight into the professional world but also help you build the confidence and connections to take your next step.

You’ll be based in our state-of-the-art Science Centre, packed with facilities designed to bring psychology to life. From cognitive research cubicles and observation rooms to VR and psychophysiological equipment, you’ll have access to the latest tools and technologies. You’ll also work in psychology and IT labs, and make use of our simulation suites to explore real-world scenarios. Along the way, you’ll tackle individual and group projects, and have the opportunity to analyse real case studies, practise your presentation skills, and hear from inspiring guest speakers, all while building digital skills and professional networks that will set you apart.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Forensic and Investigative Psychology

Duration

University of Staffordshire undergraduate courses are usually 3 years for full-time study.

Courses which offer other study options have longer durations:

  • Full-time with a placement year, 4 years
  • Full-time with a foundation year, 4 years
  • Part-time, 4-9 years

Course content

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Entry requirements

96 UCAS Tariff Points

  • GCE A Levels- grades CCC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma – grade MMM
  • Access to HE Diploma – Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – grade MMM

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Get country-specific details on entry requirements, fees, scholarships and support services. Choose your country to see how University of Staffordshire can support you from application to arrival.

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Facilities

Science Centre

Our £30 million Science Centre in Stoke-on-Trent contains specialist laboratories with the latest state-of-the-art equipment. Read more

Find out more about our Science Centre Facilities. 

Psychology Observation Suite

The Observation Suite contains an Observation Laboratory setup with a one-way mirror, video cameras and microphones to allow activities to be observed and recorded from the Control Room. Read more

Find out more about our Psychology Observation Suite. 

Psychology Simulation Facilities

Simulation equipment is available throughout the psychology laboratory areas and as stand-alone resources for facilitating research and teaching. Read more

Find out more about our simulation facilities.

Psychology Eye Tracking Cubicles

The Psychology Eye Tracking Cubicles house desktop and portable eye trackers that allow us to track participants’ visual attention during psychology experiments. Read more

Find out more about our eye tracking cubicles.

Psychology Human Sciences Suite

The Psychology Human Sciences Suite has an impressive array of laboratory equipment which includes the Electroencephalography (EEG) Laboratory, the Pain Laboratory, and the Cardiovascular Laboratory. Read more

Find out more about our Human Sciences Suite. 

Psychology Cognitive Cubicles

The Psychology Cognitive Cubicles are a set of small cubicles used to run Psychology based tests on individual participants using specialist software. Read more

Find out more about our Psychology Cognitive Suite.

Careers

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Assessment

Reflecting the different needs of learners, we use a wide range of assessment methods.  These are carefully designed and monitored to enable students to demonstrate the learning outcomes for each module and also to allow elements of choice and co-creation (e.g., Steps to Success career planning assessments and Psychology Project).  Methods range from traditional essays and exams, through to case study analysis, research report writing, critical reviews, group presentations, live briefs, advisory report, presentation pitch and reflective writing.  All modules have formative assessment opportunities and we ensure that students undertake a variety of assessment methods at each level and that they are interesting, challenging and develop skills valued by employers.   

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Fees

For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,535 per year of study £17,085 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 21 September 2026 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

Have you considered?

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021