Doctorate in Forensic Psychology
DForenPsy Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (Post Qualification Doctorate)
Enhance your career and contribute to new knowledge in Forensic Psychology in a world leading research environment.
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Overview
Programme overview
Our Post Qualification Doctorate in Forensic Psychology is designed for existing qualified and registered forensic psychologists looking to advance their career and contribute to new knowledge in the field.
- Design research to understand themes at the forefront of forensic psychology.
- Produce a new and original contribution to professional knowledge in the field.
- Develop a systematic, critical and comprehensive understanding of a substantial body of knowledge.
- Build on prior research experience in order to develop advanced research skills.
- Strengthen the profession and support your career prospects as a forensic psychologist.
- Enhance your ability to supervise applied research conducted by trainee forensic psychologists, improve your supervisory skills and offer opportunities to support your organisations objectives and priorities.
Open days
Visit our Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health postgraduate research page to find out about upcoming open days and events.
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
- Website
- https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/
- School/Faculty overview
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Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Programmes in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
Candidates must be registered forensic psychologists and should hold a master's degree in the relevant discipline with a merit or above classification.
This is a post qualification research degree; candidates must have completed stage one and stage two of applied forensic training and be registered with the HCPC.
English language
For applicants whose first language is not English, or if you have not studied recently in the UK, you must provide evidence of how you meet the English Language requirement.
We mainly accept IELTS or TOEFL tests. Please note IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.
We require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or TOEFL (iBT) 90 or GCSE English grade C.
Each component of the English test should meet the minimum requirement of IELTS 5.5 in all components, TOEFL (iBT 22). For the writing component we expect that you have achieved a minimum of 6.0 (IELTS).
For more information about English language tests see English language requirements .
Please contact us at admissions.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk for further information.
English language test validity
Professional entry qualification
You must be both HCPC registered as a forensic psychologist and a full member of the DFP.
We will accept applications for those with HCPC Registration only if research competence can be demonstrated via publications, for example.
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2025 were as follows:
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(full-time)
UK students (per annum): £5,006
International, including EU, students (per annum): £27,000
Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.
Application and selection
How to apply
Candidates must be registered Forensic Psychologists. This is a post qualification research degree; candidates must have completed stage one and stage two of applied forensic training and be registered with the HCPC.
Before you apply for our Post Qualification Professional Doctorate in Forensic Psychology you’ll need to check you meet our entry requirements and contact our Doctoral Academy Admissions team who will be able to put you in touch with a relevant supervisor and answer any questions you may have.
You'll also need to read the 'Advice to Applicants' section for more information on applying and the supporting documents you’ll require.
Advice to applicants
Before applying we recommend that you get in contact with Dr Polly Turner who will be able to answer any questions you have and who will put you in touch with a relevant supervisor.
When applying you’ll need to select ‘Postgraduate Research’ as the ‘Level of Study’ and ‘DProf’ under ‘Academic Programme’.
In addition to the online application form, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
- Brief professional CV
- A research proposal consisting of a background summary (1500 words), a research proposal (1500 words) which includes aims and hypotheses, methodology (sample to be accessed, measures suitable, ethical considerations), and description of proposed analysis, impact (300 words) and a lay summary (300 words)
- Transcripts and certificates
- Two references from people who have knowledge of your academic ability. You will need to provide details of your referees in section 10 of the online form. Your referees will be contacted directly after you submit your application and directed to complete our online reference form.
- HCPC and BPS/DFP certificate copies
- English Language evidence , if applicable, in the form of an official English Language Certificate (IELTS or TOEFL)
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Evidence of publications, supervision, leadership or specialist knowledge
relating to clinical practice:
- Publications may be the two projects undertaken for your prior stage 2/ Chartership process
- It may include supervision of research of others or may simply be research published since attaining Chartership
- include published peer reviewed papers or papers prepared for publication with an indication of where these would be submitted or submit evidence of excellence in professional practice (e.g. supervision, leadership, specialist knowledge and leadership in applied practice).
Application deadline
Applications must be submitted online well in advance of your anticipated start date to be considered. You will not be able to apply after the deadline has passed.
September entry only: 15 June (year of entry)
Interview requirements
If you are shortlisted you will be invited to formal interview where you will be required to present your research idea to a panel including those who would be suitable supervisors. Interview and selection will be made on the basis of academic merit and promise.
If you have any queries about this if you are invited to interview, please contact admissions.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk
If you are not shortlisted, we will notify you directly that your application is unsuccessful.
Programme details
Programme description
The Post Qualification Professional Doctorate in Forensic Psychology programme aims to provide you with the opportunity to:
- Create and interpret new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication;
- Systematically acquire and understand of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of the forensic psychology;
- Develop the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems;
- Develop qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional environments.
Programme learning outcomes
At the end of the Professional Doctorate in Forensic Psychology programme successful graduates are expected to be able to:
- Make informed judgements on complex issues in the specialist field of forensic psychology, often in the absence of complete data;
- Communicate ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- Undertake applied research and development at an advanced level, contributing to the development of new techniques, ideas or approaches;
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
Special features
Training and development
All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.
Teaching and learning
Teaching aims to provide grounding in embedding advanced research methods in applied clinical practice. Significant independent study is expected at doctoral level. All teaching is delivered by experienced researchers and academics at the University of Manchester. All supervisors are currently practicing in forensic mental health and/or active researchers. This will enhance your learning by offering multidisciplinary applied research and professional experience.
Face to face teaching is interactive and is supported by audio-visual stimuli such as PowerPoint slides, images and videos. All units are accessible via our virtual learning environment which contains course information, recommended reading lists, assignments, lecture materials and other material related to the course. Lecturers may set tasks to be completed via the virtual learning environment. This facilitates shared learning and networking with peers/teaching staff.
A range of assessment methods are employed in the programme to meet the learning outcomes whilst also developing wider skills and capabilities.
You will be required to complete:
- publishable systematic review (5000 words)
- completion of relevant training (e.g. 30 credits from MRes Health and Social Care)
- continuation report
- ethics application
- final written thesis (30-40,000 words)
- viva examination.
You will be required take the lead on developing the research question, proposal, conducting the data collection, analysis and dissemination. You will be supervised and mentored throughout to support the research project. All research projects are subject to University Ethical Approval protocols and require attendance at an ethics committee meeting. Supervisors, or a nominated representative, may also attend this meeting.
You will be given detailed formal feedback from your supervisors, with clear guidance on how to improve on skills and knowledge.
There may be additional summative assignments required from the taught units you select. Details of specific assessments for each unit are contained in the unit specifications. Units available will be contained in the programme handbook. Assessments are conducted in line with University guidance.
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