Forensic Psychology
Entry requirements
A level
Excludes General Studies.
The Access to HE Diploma in a Science, Social Science or Health subject to include 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
to include 15 points at Higher Level.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Higher
UCAS Tariff
[1] 4 qualifications for tariff points allowed [2] May also include AS level and EPQ [3] Specific subject not required
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**This distinctive course demonstrates applications of forensic psychology in a global context, providing a holistic understanding of psychological explanations and their applications using real-life examples (for example, mental-health) across different contexts.**
The course engages with theory, research and applications of psychological perspectives and methods/techniques in a global context to develop professional levels of transferable, practical and cognitive skills.
This aims to enable you to attain the qualities to confidently progress in an international arena.
- You will develop critical awareness and understanding of core BPS (British Psychological Society) curriculum and specialised and contemporary content using a thematic approach for example psychology and popular culture, cybercrime, international perspectives of crime, mental health and wellbeing, culture, gender and sexuality.
- The course provides a broad and varied educational experience within which learning occurs, engaging you in experiential learning and a wide range of international contexts.
- The course should equip you with the appropriate methodological and analytical skills to undertake research in the field of forensic psychology whilst adhering to discipline-defined ethical standards.
**Key course benefits**
- You will have the opportunity to gain a critical appreciation of how forensic psychology can be applied to real-world questions and cross-cultural and diverse situations across global contexts
- We focus on your employability: developing transferable, practical and cognitive skills (for example, critical analysis, problem-solving, and leadership) with the aim of putting you in an excellent position to secure postgraduate education or employment in an increasingly competitive market.
- Our collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects can enhance your international awareness through multicultural communication and peer interaction at participating institutions (subject to availability).
- We are top 300 in the World Rankings for Psychology - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.
- Opportunities to participate in exciting field trips* to a range of overseas destinations, which have previously included the United States.
The British Psychological Society
This course is accredited and recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for the 2024/2025 intake*. If the accreditation of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible. Current accreditation by the British Psychological Society means that as a graduate, provided you achieve at least a 2:2, you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.
*For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website.
Modules
This course has a common first year
The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.
If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).
Common first year courses:
Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons)
Psychology BSc (Hons)
Sport and Exercise Psychology BSc (Hons)
Year One
In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.
Modules
Professional Practice in Psychology - 20 Credits
Fundamental concepts in Psychology - 20 Credits
Introducing Quantitative Research Methods - 20 Credits
Psychology and Popular Culture - 20 Credits
Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing - 20 Credits
Introducing Qualitative Research Methods - 20 Credits
Year Two
In year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills related to forensic psychology in practice; research methodologies and theoretical underpinnings around contemporary topic areas such as cybercrime, international perspectives on crime, among others. You will also advance in your understanding of research methodologies and experimental research paradigms.
Modules
Perspectives in Forensic Psychology - 20 Credits
Psychology of Culture, Gender and Sexuality - 20 Credits
Theories and Applications of Cybercrime - 20 Credits
Forensic Psychology in context - 20 Credits
International Perspectives on Crime - 20 Credits
Research Methods and Project Planning - 20 Credits
Placement Year
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They are a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.
If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,250. For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.
Final Year
Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. You could also work on a research project in an area of your interest, under the supervision of a research-active member of staff.
Modules
Project Design and Ethics - 20 Credits
Independent Research Project - 20 Credits
Becoming a Forensic Psychologist - 20 Credits
Optional Modules - Choose three modules from the below (two in semester one and one in semester two):
Addictive Behaviours - 20 Credits
Child and Educational Psychology - 20 Credits
Criminal Behaviour and its Contexts - 20 Credits
Aggression and Violent Behaviour - 20 Credits
Counselling Psychology - 20 Credits
Clinical Neuroscience - 20 Credits
*Optional module choices are subject to change in any given year
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content. For full module details please check the course page on the Coventry University website.
Assessment methods
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods include coursework and phase tests.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
Coventry University
School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences
What students say
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Applied psychology
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Applied psychology
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Applied psychology
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