MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies
Online United Kingdom
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
GBP 7,770 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* total cost
Key Summary
Introduction
This MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies enables you to gain an advanced understanding of the fascinating area of forensic psychology while enhancing your analytical and communication skills, and your research literacy. Taking a case-based approach where you examine real-life criminal cases you'll learn about a broad range of topics relevant to forensic psychology. You'll develop an understanding of the relationship this field of research has with law enforcement, legal practice, policy, public opinion and the media.
You'll also develop your critical analytical skills and your understanding of the principles driving different research methods. By completing this qualification you'll be able to source, select and review forensic psychological research independently, evaluate its relevance for complex real-life issues/cases, assess its validity and clearly communicate your findings to a range of audiences.
Key features
- Provides professional development for careers where research literacy, analytic and communication skills are valued.
- Experienced tutors and bespoke teaching materials provide an exploration of engaging topic areas and research.
- Relevant for existing professionals or those with an interest in all areas of the UK criminal justice system and civil or social services.
Please note that this masters degree is not accredited by The British Psychological Society and be aware that when studying forensic psychology you will encounter sensitive topics and case details (e.g. relating to murder, rape, child sexual abuse) which may be upsetting.
How long it takes
You will be able to complete this master's qualification within two years by studying one module each year.
Program Outcome
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this master's degree, you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- Key concepts, theories and research methods relevant to forensic psychology, demonstrating a critical and advanced understanding of them
- The complex interrelationship between theory, research, policy and practice in the field of forensic psychology; including professional and everyday applications, and socio-legal processes that define crime
- The role of power, cultural values, and ethics for practices, concepts and assumptions that influence research and professional practice in forensic psychology.
Cognitive skills
On completion of this master's degree, you will be able to:
- Define, critically examine and apply concepts, theories, evidence and research methods in forensic psychology
- Independently select, interpret, evaluate and utilise different types of data, evidence and research, demonstrating a clear awareness of their strengths and weaknesses
- Interrogate forensic psychology at an advanced level, to independently evaluate the relevance and application of evidence, research methods and findings to related policy and practice
- Construct sophisticated, and explicitly reasoned and evidenced arguments applying forensic psychological knowledge to complex real-life scenarios/cases/issues
- Critically and independently review the existing research policy evidence base in a specific subject area.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to:
- Independently plan, conduct and manage a sequence of work to meet agreed deadlines
- Recognise the relevance of reflective, analytic and evaluative skills developed through learning, applying these to other contexts such as the workplace
- Use and reflect on your learning to further develop knowledge and understanding, cognitive skills and other key transferable skills that can help achieve personal and/or career goals.
Key skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to demonstrate the following skills:
- Apply self-direction to identify key issues and generate key questions in the field of forensic psychology
- Work independently to produce complex reports/proposals suitable for academic, professional and/or lay audiences
- Effectively use diverse types of data (numerical, textual), from different sources (academic, policy-research, secondary material) and media (print, electronic, verbal) in a sophisticated evaluative and critical manner
- Develop and display an advanced ability to learn through reflection and through giving/receiving feedback, using appropriate scholarly language/presentation skills.
Curriculum
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:
- Principles of Social and Psychological Inquiry (DD801)
- Investigating Forensic Psychology (DD802)
Please note that Investigating Forensic Psychology (DD802) is worth 120 credits. Fees for postgraduate modules are based on the number of credits you study. Therefore, the fee for this 120-credit postgraduate module will be double that for the 60-credit module Principles of Social and Psychological Inquiry (DD801).
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Knowledge and understanding are acquired through published distance-learning materials, including specially written module materials, study guides, assignments and project guides; through a range of multimedia material; through work on original texts; and through feedback on assignments as well as peer review, peer feedback and personal reflection.
Assessment is via tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and end-of-module assessments (EMAs), including a substantial dissertation project in which you can choose your own relevant subject specialism. There will be low-weighted group tasks and assessments requiring non-academic styles of presentation (including blogs and wikis). Overall there is an emphasis on the selection (from diverse electronic sources), evaluation and use of material from a range of sources including original academic texts.
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
By studying forensic psychological studies at postgraduate level, you will develop skills relevant to a broad range of careers, including all areas of the criminal justice system such as the police, crown prosecution and probation services, youth offending teams, various areas of social work, as well as the civil service or third sector.
The skills developed will be recognised by employers in all fields who value people who can complete a complex project independently, communicate clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, analyse and evaluate complex information, and are capable of independently seeking out and selecting research evidence relevant to real-life issues.