DForenPsy Doctorate in Forensic Psychology / Application and selection

Year of entry: 2025

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 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.

Apply online

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)
  • 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

You will be kept informed of the progress of your application throughout the application process.  We will contact you directly if we wish to invite you to interview.

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.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard programme entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen programme.