- UCAS course code
- C800
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Psychology
Duration: 3 years (4 years with Study Abroad/Placement Year)
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: C800 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Study abroad
Industrial experience
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: AAB including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: ABB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,535 per annum (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £32,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Course unit details:
Forensic Psychology
| Unit code | PSYC21072 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 5 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Forensic psychology can be thought of as an umbrella term to bring together two different streams of research in psychology and law: legal psychology is the application of psychological research and methods to the process of law, and criminological psychology is the application of psychological research and methods to the understanding of criminal behaviour. This course aims to introduce students to some of the main topics and questions in forensic psychology, so that students can appreciate the different perspectives, methods and applications involved in the discipline. The course focuses on the application of research findings to the criminal justice system, and the understanding, treatment and reduction of criminal behaviour.
This is an optional Year 2 course unit for the BSc (Hons) Psychology programme which falls within the Psychology in Society theme.
Aims
This unit aims to:
- To explore the diversity of psychological enquiry as it applies to law and criminal behaviour.
- To demonstrate the application of psychological research findings to the criminal justice system and the understanding, treatment and prevention of offending behaviour.
- To introduce students to the workings of the criminal justice system.
- To enable students to further develop important transferrable skills in critical and analytical thinking, and presentation of an argument.
- To provide students with a broad introduction to forensic psychology to help inform career choices.
Teaching and learning methods
This course will include 10 hours of lectures and one 2-hour workshop. E-learning provision: Lecture content, supplementary reading and resources, and a monitored discussion board will be provided via Canvas.
Knowledge and understanding
- Describe and critically evaluate key theories and research findings in different areas of forensic psychology
- Use research findings to evaluate procedures within the criminal justice system and offer recommendations where appropriate
Intellectual skills
- Apply scientific research to forensic situations
- Put forward practical suggestions to improve an aspect of the criminal justice system, based on high-quality psychological evidence
- Make a reasoned argument for a particular point of view
- Synthesise, analyse, and evaluate information using primary sources, including journal articles and policy documents
Practical skills
- Use library, electronic and on-line resources to research areas of forensic psychology
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Understand the different career pathways into forensic psychology
- Communicate evidence-based arguments effectively in writing
Assessment methods
Assessment Task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
Coursework: Recommendations essay | 1500 words | Students will receive a grade and written feedback 20 working days after the final submission deadline | 100% |
Feedback methods
Students will receive a grade and written feedback 20 working days after the final submission deadline
Recommended reading
References will be provided each week
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 |
| Work based learning | 2 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 88 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Lee Wickham | Unit coordinator |