Forensic Psychology
BSc (Hons)
Undergraduate degree - single honours
- UCAS codes: Institution B20, Course HH30 or HH31 (with professional placement year)
- Forensic Psychology - Programme Document
Key facts
- Award
- BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology
- School/s
- School of Sciences
- Campus or location
- Newton Park
- Course length
- Three years full time, or four years with professional placement year. Part time available.
- UCAS codes
- Institution Code: B20
- Course Code: HH30 or HH31
- Campus Code: A,BSU
Entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed under 'Typical offers' in the main column below. For combined courses, please check both subjects. If your qualification is not listed, please email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk with your specific details.
Study a combination of accredited Psychology modules and tailored forensic topics on this Forensic Psychology degree.
- BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
- Find out what it’s like to be a professional Forensic Psychologist, in readiness for the next stage of your career.
- Use statistical and data analysis software, biopacs including EEG, and comprehensive Psychology databases.
This Forensic Psychology degree responds to demand for more in-depth study into this exciting area of Psychology. You'll learn about all aspects of criminal behaviour, focusing on the individual motivations and consequences of crime.
Providing you with a variety of skills including communication, computing, numeracy, teamwork, independent learning and critical thinking, a degree in Psychology is highly valued by employers. This course offers work placement opportunities that enable you to develop further practical experience that employers value.
Forensic Psychology at Bath Spa is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS); it includes the core developmental, cognitive, social and biological skills prized by the Society. As a graduate, you'll become a Chartered member of the BPS (provided you obtain a 2.2 overall and pass the final year dissertation).
What you'll learn
Overview
During this Forensic Psychology degree, you'll study people and their motivations, within a biopsychosocial context. You'll learn to design, run, analyse and report an investigative study. You'll also learn critical thinking skills and how to use software specific to the Psychologist.
You'll become an independent learner during your time on this course, preparing you for the next stage of your career. A degree in any aspect of Psychology is highly valued by employers. Our course equips graduates for a range of careers in Forensic Psychology and other fields, including education, health, civil service, private industry, and commerce.
Course structure
This course is a structured combination of existing components from our established Psychology programme, with Forensic or other relevant elements such as Criminology and Biology. In years one and two, you'll usually take 80 credits from the established Psychology programme, plus 40 to give the Forensic specialisation. In the third year, you'll take 60 credits in Forensic Psychology.
Year one
Your first year will introduce you to the main psychological approaches - social, cognitive, developmental, individual differences, and biological psychology. You'll also take a specialist module in Forensic and Criminal Psychology.
Year two
In year two, you'll develop your understanding of forensic and criminal psychology and core psychology concepts. You'll also learn the skills necessary to undertake your own psychological research.
Year three
Finally, year three will see you continue core studies with further forensic specialisation, including a dissertation involving one-to-one supervision with a member of staff.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment methods include essays, debates, research reports, forensic scenario interpretation, group presentations, and examinations.
How will I be taught?
Most modules involve a mixture of lectures and follow-up seminars and workshops. In the case of research methods, much of the teaching is conducted via practical classes.
You’ll participate actively in seminars; these are characterised by small-group work. Bookable tutorials enable you to have one-to-one discussions with staff.
Course modules
This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document (below the main image on this page) for more information.
Year one (Level 4) modules
- Introduction to Psychology
- Research Methods in Psychology 1
- Individual Differences: Personality and Intelligence
- Introduction to Criminal and Forensic Psychology
- Crime and Disorder in Everyday Life
- Debates in Psychological and Critical Thinking
Year two (Level 5) modules
- Research Methods in Psychology 2
- Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
- Biological and Social Psychology
- The Psychology of Criminal Investigations
- Criminal Justice: Theory, Policy and Practice
- Psychology of Mindfulness
- Work Placement
- Health: Mind, Body, Society
- Science and Journalism Publishing
- Professional Placement Year
Year three (Level 6) modules
- Dissertation: Design and Pre-registration
- Forensic Dissertation: Research Report
- Contemporary Application of Psychological Science
- Advanced Contemporary Topics in Forensic Psychology
- Forensic Mental Health
- Evolutionary Neuroscience and the Origin of the Human Mind
- Applied Behavioural Psychology
- Psychology of Sexual Health
- Careers in Psychology
- Special Topics in Psychology
Opportunities
Study abroad
The University offers an extra-curricular three-year Global Citizenship Programme which runs alongside the degree for all three years of the undergraduate degree. The programme includes a scholarship to fund international study (for UK and EU students only).
Further study abroad opportunities are available from our International Office and the Erasmus programme.
We also have our own extensive network of international partners.
Careers
Our graduates have completed, or are currently enrolled in, postgraduate education at Master's level in preparation for a professional doctorate or for a research PhD. Graduates with single or major honours in Psychology can apply directly for postgraduate training, in order to work towards becoming a forensic psychologist.
The majority of Psychology graduates across the country do not become professional psychologists immediately after graduation. Many continue on to train in counselling. Others work in clinical disciplines in preparation for a Doctorate in Clinical or Educational Psychology.
Forensic Psychology is an attractive option due to its flexibility. Other career options for students also involve roles in management, sales and advertising, probation work, and human resources.
Competitions and awards
At the end of the academic year, we award prizes to recognise achievements in academic success and reward effort and excellence.
Prizes specific to Psychology courses include:
- The British Psychological Society Graduate Award
- Oxford University Press Prize for best dissertation.
Course delivery in 2022/23
Our focus is on providing the best possible in-person experience for you and your peers whilst maintaining the most successful aspects of online delivery that we know will benefit your learning. Learn more by reading our programme delivery statement.
Professional placement year
Overview
This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.
By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.
Preparation
Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.
How will I be assessed?
On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.
Facilities and resources
Where the subject is taught
BSc Forensic 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
- Bath Spa studios and digital facilities
- Subject-specific resources, including databases and electronic journals.
Resources
Teaching resources include:
- EBSCO (online access to over 400 Psychology-related journals)
- PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES
- SPSS (statistical computer software for analysing quantitative data) and NVivo for qualitative data analysis.
We also have a large battery of psychometric tests, and a biopsychology lab where we make use of "biopac" equipment (computerised biological measures such as EEG) for practicals and project work as well as other shared and dedicated laboratory spaces for research.
Fees
Please note: Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland are not generally eligible for the UK (Home) fee status. Please refer to the international student rate. Irish citizens and those granted Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are eligible for UK (Home) fee status. There are also other circumstances where this may apply: See UKCISA for more information.
UK students full time
2022/23 Entry
Course fees
Year 1 | £9,250 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
2023/24 Entry
Course fees
Year 1 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2025 |
2024/25 Entry
Course fees
Year 1 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2025 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2026 |
UK students part time
2022/23 Entry
Course fees
Year 1 | £4,625 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
2023/24 Entry
Course fees
Year 1 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2025 |
2024/25 Entry
Course fees
Year 1 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2025 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2026 |
International students full time
2022/23 Entry
Course fees
Year 1 | £15,450 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
2023/24 Entry
Course fees
Year 1 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2025 |
2024/25 Entry
Course fees
Year 1 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2025 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2026 |
All students full time - with professional placement year
During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. Otherwise, fees are the same as for full time study. This applies to UK, EU and International students.
Interested in applying?
What we look for in potential students
We're looking for people who not only have an interest in forensic psychology, but who want to apply that knowledge to real situations.
Outside of relevant interest, we are also looking for students with a commitment to the subject, as well as evidence of high motivation. In addition to the required grades, we ask that you also submit a positive reference from a senior person in education on your UCAS form in support of your application for the course.
Typical offers
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:
- A Level - grades BCC-CCC preferred. If studying Psychology, then a Grade C or higher is required. If Psychology is not an option at your school or college, then another A Level subject will be accepted, but a keen interest in psychology will need to be described in your personal statement.
- BTEC - Extended Diploma grades from Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM) to Merit, Merit, Merit (MMM) in a related subject. Applicants will need to show a keen interest in psychology in the personal statement.
- T Levels – grade Merit-Pass (C+) preferred in a relevant subject.
- International Baccalaureate - a minimum of 27 points are required. Applicants will need to show a keen interest in psychology in the personal statement.
- Access to HE courses - typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, including 30 at merit or higher). Applicants will need to show a keen interest in psychology in the personal statement.
English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants
IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.
Course enquiries
For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.
How do I apply?
Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page. Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.
If you’d like to talk to a member of the course team or arrange a visit, please email the course leader, Alison Lee: a.c.lee@bathspa.ac.uk.
Get ahead
Interested in learning more? We recommend reading Brendan O'Mahony's So, You Want to be a Forensic Psychologist? (CreateSpace, 2nd Ed, 2013).
Course leader: Dr Kate Muir
Email: k.muir@bathspa.ac.uk