Course details

Study options

Full-time: 3 years

UK fee

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

International fee

£14,900 per year (2024/25)

UCAS points

120-128 (September 2024 entry)

UCAS code

ML96

Course level

Undergraduate

Qualification

BSc (Hons)

Start date

September

Location

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

If you do not achieve the typical entry points required, you may want to consider studying this course with foundation year.

View with foundation year optionView with foundation year option

Course description

92%of students said they were overall satisfied with the academic support**National Student Survey 2023
Top25for Psychology**Guardian University Guide 2024

About the course

How does criminal behaviour develop? Are psychopaths born or made? Are eyewitnesses accurate? How should we rehabilitate offenders? These are just some of the challenging questions you will explore on our stimulating degree. 

We are one of the few universities in the UK to offer an integrated degree dedicated to the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system. Forensic psychology is increasingly used to inform practice within the justice system and there is a growing demand for professionals who can draw on knowledge of the subject in a wide range of roles and contexts.

Our BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology programme enables you to apply psychological theories, methods and research to some of the critical challenges facing the criminal justice system today.

You will cover all the main areas of psychology and gain a thorough understanding of complex issues such as criminal behaviour and the personal consequences of crime. There is the chance to focus on specialist areas ranging from cybercrime to domestic abuse, hate crime to psychopathy, offenders with mental or intellectual disabilities to substance misuse. Among the latest additions to the portfolio are optional modules in subjects such as addictive behaviours and schizophrenia.

Throughout, we emphasise the importance of evidence-based practice so you will research real-life criminal justice problems and seek pragmatic solutions to address those problems.

Professional recognition

Our BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). As long as you achieve at least a second class honours qualification and obtain at least 40% in your Independent Study in Psychology - you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the society. This is the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist. 

The next step you will need to complete is a Stage One accredited postgraduate qualification, which we offer in our MSc Forensic Psychology. Following this, you must complete Stage Two towards becoming a Forensic Psychologist, which is the independent training route. Trainees will complete eight pieces of work, taking a minimum of two years, in the following areas: conducting psychological applications and interventions, research, communicating psychological knowledge and advice to other professionals and training other professionals in psychological skills and knowledge. All of these activities are supervised by a registered Forensic Psychologist. Successful submission and HCPC registration leads to qualification as a Forensic Psychologist.

How to become a chartered professional psychologist: BPS accreditation at Derby

Find out more about the importance of studying a BPS accredited Psychology degree at the University of Derby.

Find out more about the importance of studying a BPS accredited Psychology degree at the University of Derby.

View 'How to become a chartered professional psychologist: BPS accreditation at Derby' video transcript

Hands-on learning

We have strong links with a wide range of criminal and community justice agencies including the police, probation services, prisons, youth justice, courts and victim support organisations.  These enrich your learning and open the door for you to undertake independent research projects.

During your second year, as part of the Qualitative Methods module, you will complete a 30-hour volunteering placement. We also encourage you to take up additional volunteering opportunities throughout the degree to add substance to your CV and to ensure you are ‘workplace-ready’ on graduating. Placement hours are subject to change.

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology also features field trips to places such as courts and prisons (subject to availability of the facilities). 

Extra qualifications

If you have a particular interest in youth justice, this course gives you the chance to achieve an additional professional qualification – the Youth Justice in Effective Practice Certificate (YJEPC) – alongside your degree studies.

The YJEPC is the most widely held qualification in youth justice and brings together current theory, practice and evidence. It will not only boost your employability in the eyes of potential employers but also help you to make more effective judgements in your future career.

The opportunity to gain the YJEPC is available if you take two specific modules – Working with Young Offenders and Youth Justice.  

Expert teaching

Supporting you all the way is our team of enthusiastic and experienced lecturers who are experts in their fields, including chartered psychologists. Several are still actively engaged with practice, which helps you keep up to date with the latest developments.

Your learning will be underpinned by the internationally renowned research activities of our staff who are helping to shape understanding and practice across the criminal justice sector. Their expertise spans thought-provoking topics such as psychopathy, dark triad, sex offenders, domestic violence and personality disorders. It all means your modules will feature latest thinking and contemporary materials.

Guest speakers include professionals who have pursued a career in the criminal justice sector and who will share their own experiences of forensic psychology. 

Equipment and resources

As a Forensic Psychology student, you’ll be based at the Derby Campus. Offering the perfect environment for innovative and engaging teaching, it includes well-resourced lecture theatres, seminar rooms, computer laboratories and social learning spaces.

You’ll be able to gain practical experience of investigative processes using our facilities which include a mock courtroom and replica police custody suite.

Depending on the modules you select in level 6 you could be working alongside students taking courses in subjects such as law, criminology and policing, so there are many opportunities to share knowledge, expertise and experience. 

Real-world research

We will prepare you to become a competent researcher yourself, equipped with the skills to analyse data and policies critically and to contribute to original forensic psychology knowledge. 

As part of the course, you will pursue independent research into themes matching your career ambitions and intellectual interests. You may also have the chance to get involved in staff research projects where feasible and to present your work at relevant conferences.

Forensic Psychology - your questions answered!

In the below video, Forensic Psychology Lecturer, Dr Dean Fido, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Forensic Psychology at the University of Derby.

Programme Leader, Dr Dean Fido, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Forensic Psychology at the University of Derby.

View Forensic Psychology - your questions answered! video transcript

A students hands using a text box and some learning aids

How Daniel is attaining ALL of his goals

Daniel Lodge is realising his potential. He is a final-year BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology student with a passion for criminal justice proceedings and academia. And he can see his dream career is within reach.

Read Daniel's storyRead Daniel's story
Two students looking down at a form

Kristina's new skills lead to funded research opportunity

Kristina Knoskova has developed key research skills on her course - and on her work placement. She is now using these skills to investigate gender equality in the police force as part of our funded Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme (URSS).

Read Kristina's storyRead Kristina's story

What you will study

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus entrance

Undergraduate Open Days

The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.

Book your Undergraduate Open DayBook your Undergraduate Open Day

How you will learn

You will learn through a compelling combination of: 

We offer a high level of support to students, including a personal tutor system to help steer your academic and professional development throughout your studies.  

How you are assessed

You are assessed via a wide range of methods including:

Who you'll meet

Our teaching team for the BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology programme is made up of engaging, passionate and inspiring subject experts. They include:

Personal academic tutoring

Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Find out more about personal academic tutoring

Who will teach you

Henry Lennon at our One Friar Gate Square site.

Dr Henry Lennon
Programme leader

Dr Henry Lennon is a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology. He is also Programme Leader of BSc Forensic Psychology, shaping and maintaining high academic standards by working with colleagues and external bodies. He contributes to teaching both the BSc and MSc Forensic Psychology courses at Derby. His research is in the field of critical discursive social psychology.

View full staff profileView full staff profile

Entry requirements

2024 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry. Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points120-128
A LevelABB-BBB
T LevelMerit
BTECDDM
GCSEGCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HEPass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 21, Merit: 24, Pass: 0

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skills area)

Fees and funding

2024/25

 Full-timePart-time
UK

£9,250 per year

N/A

International

£14,900 per year

N/A

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


UK students

If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.

Apply through UCAS

If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.

Apply directly to the University

Careers

The skills and tools you gain on the BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology are valuable for a wide range of careers, including the probation service, the prison service, youth justice and youth offending teams.

You could also consider roles in research and policy-making within the criminal justice system or you could pursue a career in teaching and academia.

Where can a degree in Forensic Psychology take you?

 

Our Careers and Employment Service will provide you with support from day one of your course to ensure you leave Derby as a ‘work-ready’ graduate – industry aware, motivated and enterprising. Throughout your studies, you’ll also benefit from working with your personal academic tutor to reflect on your learning and develop your career ambitions.

The support continues once you’ve completed your course too: you are entitled to further help and guidance from the Careers and Employment Service for up to three years after leaving the University.  

Further study

You can go on to postgraduate study at Derby, with MSc qualifications in subjects such as Forensic Psychology, Criminal Investigation, and Criminal Justice and Criminology.

These expand your knowledge into specialist areas and accelerate your progress to more senior and leadership roles. Some of our students also use their experiences on the degree as a springboard into academic research.

As a graduate of the University of Derby, you may benefit from an alumni discount on your postgraduate course fees if you continue to study with us.

Find out more about our alumni discount. 

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Contact us Contact us

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees
Optional costs not included in your fees

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Minimum numbers

Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.

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