Investigative Forensic Psychology

Our Master's in Investigative Forensic Psychology gives you the skills needed to face today's criminal justice challenges. This programme enhances your academic and research abilities while deepening your practical understanding of the psychological elements of legal and correctional systems.  

You'll explore various topics, including criminal behavior analysis, advanced investigation methods, and the impact on victims and communities. You'll benefit from examining topics through a lens of ethical practice.  

In addition to acquiring specialised knowledge, you’ll have the opportunity to explore what interests you. The final project allows you to investigate an area of investigative forensic psychology that particularly interests you. This could be through developing new assessment tools, enhancing intervention strategies, advocating for policy changes, or conducting influential research.  

Potential projects could include:  

• Developing innovative approaches to offender rehabilitation.  
• Campaigning for improvements in the treatment of crime victims.  
• Contributing to influential research papers that shape industry standards.  
• Creating training programmes for law enforcement on psychological tactics.  
• Researching cross-cultural forensic practices in criminal justice settings.  

You’ll finish the course with a transformative project that not only showcases your expertise but also aims to advance the criminal justice field. 

You’ll start with the foundations of investigative forensic psychology at the postgraduate level. As the course progresses, we'll gradually introduce more complex theories and methods. You’ll also choose modules to explore different aspects of forensic psychology according to your personal and professional interests. 

In your second trimester, you’ll dig deeper into advanced topics and research methodologies. This includes intensive training in research ethics and design, which is important for your dissertation and ethical practice.  

Your study will be complemented by further optional modules. These will enhance your understanding of specific forensic psychology areas. The year ends with your Master’s Dissertation, an extensive research project that you’ll complete with the support of your academic supervisors.  

This project allows you to showcase your comprehensive knowledge and research skills, making a meaningful contribution to investigative forensic psychology. 

Your first year as a part-time student mirrors the full-time structure but at a pace suited to part-time study.  

You’ll be evaluated through various coursework and practical assignments, such as proposals, case formulations, reports and practical projects. 

Many assessments are designed to reflect real-world scenarios, preparing students for employment or further study through policy briefs, case studies, literature reviews, and research reports.

This variety of assessment methods and move away from traditional exams builds transferable, work-ready skills, integrating employability throughout the degree.

You’ll be taught through lectures, workshops, practical sessions, and one-on-one tutorials with your dissertation supervisor and academic advisor.  

Your contact time through structured in-person, face-to-face learning will be complemented by extensive independent study. 

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

BSU has established strong connections with various local organisations that provide students with optional opportunities to gain valuable work experience while studying. These partnerships are intended to enhance academic learning, although their availability may vary. 

Upon completing the MSc in Investigative Forensic Psychology, you’ll have developed a strong set of transferable and subject-specific skills that significantly enhance your employability across various sectors.  

This program prepares you for multiple roles in law enforcement, security, government and policymaking, social services, community corrections, non-governmental organisations, research, business, and beyond. 

The flexible curriculum includes various module options that allow you to tailor your studies to align precisely with your career ambitions.  

Whether you aim to contribute to public policy, engage in advanced research, or work directly in crime prevention and investigation, this course equips you with the knowledge and skills to excel in your chosen path. 

You will have access to BSU’s Careers and Employability team, who offer one-to-one careers advice, including CV support, to help you achieve your career goals. The team also provides a range of support services for recent BSU graduates, guiding you through the next steps in your career post-degree.

Run by students, the Psychological Society offers a variety of academic and social activities throughout the year to enhance your journey in Psychology at BSU.

Previous opportunities have included talks and workshops from lecturing staff, drop-in study support sessions, and quiz and film nights.

For more information, visit the Psychological Society’s webpage or check out their Instagram page (@BSU_Psych_Soc) to see what they've been up to.

Psychology is taught at our Newton Park campus.

You'll have access to a wide range of excellent facilities including:

• Commons building
• Newton Park library
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Academic Skills (ASk)
• Specialist resources and subject librarian
• English Language Unit (if English isn’t your first language)

Teaching resources include access to psychology-specific journal articles through PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES, as well as EBSCO (online access to over 400 Psychology-related journals).

Various specialist software, such as SPSS (statistical computer software for analysing quantitative data) and NVivo for qualitative data analysis can be freely accessed by students, whilst Qualitrics and PsychoPy are available for use during dissertation research. We also have a large battery of psychometric and neuropsychological tests for use.

You will have access to our newly refurbished Psychology laboratory spaces, equipped with specialist equipment for dissertations, staff research, and relevant modules.

These facilities include an eye-tracking lab with a Tobii eye-tracker, a Neuropsychology lab with EEG and tDCS equipment, an interview and observational room with a one-way mirror, and an experimental lab with individual testing cubicles for simultaneous computer-based experiments.

Our dedicated Psychology Technicians are available to support you in using the equipment and lab spaces, and students can also hire various equipment using SISO, Bath Spa University’s free equipment loan service.

All modules can be found on our Virtual Learning Environment, Ultra, providing unlimited online access to learning materials such as handbooks, lecture slides, assessment information, discussion boards and other resources.

You can also take advantage of the learning support provided across the wider University, such as:

• The Academic Skills service to develop your writing skills or learn how to use new techniques and technologies.
• Our Library gives you access to books, academic journals and DVDs and an extensive range of electronic services. It also provides a place for individual study and collaborative work.
• The Careers team run networking events and advisory workshops that explore your future options and the essentials of the job application process. They help you get experience by assisting with your search for work placements and paid part-time jobs while you're studying. When you're ready to progress into your chosen career, they can help you secure graduate-level employment, freelance opportunities, and funding for your own business ideas. Career support continues for years after you graduate with the dedicated Grad Support Unit.
• Our Student Wellbeing Services are also available to support you through your learning.