Studying Forensic and Investigative Psychology

If you’re interested in crime and investigation and want to explore how psychology can help us to understand criminal behaviour and justice system processes, this course provides an excellent basis for a career in forensic and investigative psychology related areas.

Throughout your studies you will focus on understanding the human mind and behaviour which will help you to explore why different people act the way they do.

Your course-specific forensic and investigative psychology modules will study a range of crimes, their precursors and how these might be reflected in criminal behaviour, and how research can inform our understanding of criminal behaviour, the investigative process, responses to victims, as well as procedures within the Criminal Justice System and offender rehabilitation.  

And we are here to support your journey, and aid you in reaching your goals, every step of the way.

Optional modules include:

At Level 5 and 6, you will also have the opportunity to choose to study a range of option modules that not only look at specific topic areas within psychology, but also modules focused on crime, investigations and criminal justice from different perspectives (e.g., forensic investigation and criminology) that allow you to personalise your learning journey and give you the freedom to focus on what interests you.

At Level 5, examples of these are:

• Offender Management – providing detailed knowledge of contemporary offender management policies and procedures
• People Behaving Badly: The Psychology of Social Issues – focusing on what makes people, organisations and systems behave in antisocial and atypical ways
• Prison and Probation Law and Regulations – covering the law relating to prisoners as adults or young offenders and how this extends to their release into the community
• Psychology Research Assistantship – an opportunity to gain valuable work experience by working with a member of staff on their research projects

And at Level 6 these are:

• Behavioural Medicine – learn about the relationships between behavioural, physiological and psychosocial processes in well-being
• Child Safeguarding - focusing on child safeguarding, child protection and offender management)
• Community Justice – covering the history, philosophies, current practices and policy debates surrounding community justice
• Cybercrime – an introduction to offences, investigation techniques and the use of computers and the internet for criminal intent. Also, the benefits that the computer and internet have provided in criminal investigations
• Cyberpsychology - how we interact with others through, and how our behaviours are influenced by, technology
• Neuropsychological Disorders – covering some of the neuropsychological problems experienced and how psychology can help
• Policing and Society - individual and organisational aspects which may influence policing
• Serial Killers – covering criminological theories on the topic of serial murder

You can also choose to take a placement year, gaining invaluable hands-on experience that will enhance your employability and future career prospects.

Psychologist in training

As a psychologist in training, you'll be supported to build confidence in analysing data, interpreting research findings, and producing scientific reports.

You'll be given the opportunity to explore contemporary issues through engaging modules covering topics such as conspiracy theories, cyberbullying, gang behaviour, and the psychological perspectives on mental health and well-being. Throughout the course you will develop skills to enable you to share information about a wide variety of topics and cases in lots of different ways, building your expertise across the course.

You’ll complete group and individual projects, develop your presentation skills and, in course-specific modules, use techniques such as real-life case study analysis and statement transcript analysis. You will get the opportunity to enrich your learning with digital development opportunities and begin to make networks with like-minded students and inspirational guest lectures.

Through this and through our dedicated modules that are focused on your personal development, career, and life planning you will be prepared for careers in forensic and investigative psychology as well as a variety of other areas or for postgraduate study.
You’ll benefit from access to our state-of-the-art Science Centre, featuring psychology and IT labs, cognitive research cubicles, psychophysiology equipment, augmented reality VR headsets, our driving simulator, as well as simulation and observation suites.

Please take some time to browse the information on this page. I believe it highlights what makes us stand out from other universities, whilst also giving you a clear insight into what to expect during your degree, especially in your first few weeks and throughout your first year.

Studying Forensic and Investigative Psychology can lead to a wide range of jobs, from specialising in a forensic setting to being a family support worker, youth worker or a research assistant. In fact, what our graduates are doing now is one of the hardest questions to answer at an Open Day, simply because they are doing so many different things!

This degree opens up the possibilities of continuing your training to work in a specialist field within Psychology or continue on to postgraduate studies. You will be supported to pursue whatever path you choose, whether that's employment or post-graduate study. At the University of Staffordshire we offer the MSc Health Psychology, Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology and PgDip/MSc Psychotherapeutic Counselling, all of which we can support your transition into.

After completing their undergraduate degree, students have also gone on to study on a wide range of post-graduate courses at the University of Staffordshire including:

• MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice
• MSc Forensic Science
• MSc Applied Research
• MSc Digital Forensic Investigation
• PhDs in Psychology and also in Criminology

As well as many more occupational focused courses such as Teacher Training (PGCE)

And also at other institutions, including:

• MSc Forensic Psychology
• MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology
• MA Intelligence and Security Studies

Whatever you choose to do next, our Career Connect team are here to support you on your chosen career path from the moment you start at University of Staffordshire, with access to a one-to-one success coach who will help you to plan your career journey and identify and provide opportunities to help you.