Forensic Degrees Online

The course consists of six core modules, an option or designate module and a substantial empirical research project (equivalent to three modules). The main areas of study are:
Professional Context and Practice of Forensic Psychology
Psychology and Criminal Behaviour
The Investigation and Prosecution of Criminal Offences
Research Issues and Advanced Data Analysis
Assessment and Intervention Theory
Applied Assessment and Intervention
You then choose one of the following optional modules:
Psychology and Policing
Psychoology and the Courts
Psychology and the Penal System
International Perspectives on Forensic Psychology*

You are also offered the opportunity to participate in Level A and Level B (intermediate) Occupational Testing Certification. A separate information sheet about these BPS recognised qualifications is available on request.

The empirical project (10,000 words) is a substantial independent and in-depth study in the field of forensic psychology, where you are encouraged to pursue your own area of interest with guidance. You may also conduct your research in applied settings subject to approval. Opportunities exist for motivated students to undertake work within a forensic setting by participating in placement-based project work. For example, previous students have worked within offender rehabilitation charities and organisations such as NIACRO, Victim Support, Child Protection Services, and Youth Offending Teams.

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a good (at least a lower second) degree in psychology or equivalent subject that confers Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) with the BPS. Non-UK degree holders should contact the BPS (http://www.bps.org.uk) to find out whether they qualify for GBR. If not, it is possible to take the Graduate Conversion Diploma in Psychology to gain entry to this course. Proficiency in the English language is essential. If English is not your first language, you will require an IELTS 6.5 minimum with a minimum score of 6 in all components, TOEFL (old examination) 630, TOEFL (new examination) 267 or equivalent. All successful applicants are interviewed.

This MSc provides you with an advanced and up-to-date understanding of theoretical and applied issues in Forensic Psychology and training in professional competencies. The course integrates psychological theory and research with the development of practical skills and understanding of the scope of professional practice.This MSc has been accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. The course provides a professional qualification that meets Part One of the BPS requirements for Chartered Forensic Psychologist status.

Career opportunities

Successful completion of this course offers improved career opportunities in forensic science laboratories and consultancies, food and pharmaceutical industries and regulatory agencies in the UK and other countries. The programme is also excellent preparation for further research or study.

You will take four core modules, three optional modules and a dissertation of around 15,000 words for the research project.

Core modules:
Forensic Analytical Biology
Advanced Bioanalytical Techniques
Scientific Framework for Research
Research Project

Optional modules include:
Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance
Molecular Diagnostics Drug and Poison Analysis
Advanced Food Analysis
Food Microbiology and Safety

Normally an upper second-class Honours degree in a relevant subject, such as forensic science, chemistry, biochemistry or pharmaceutical science. Those with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on an individual basis.

This course provides a programme of advanced study in biological and chemical analytical techniques and how to apply to them to complex problems such as metabolite profiling or drug analysis from trace samples. Directly relevant to industry and forensic science, this course is designed for forensic science, chemistry, biochemistry and pharmaceutical science graduates. It will provide you with advanced study in the theory of analytical techniques and give you the ability to apply this theory to real life situations. It is suitable for graduates who did not cover these areas previously and for established scientists who want to up-date their knowledge. Students will conduct laboratory work in our new state of the art Science Centre facilities. The Centre houses Super Lab with 280 individual workstations, equipped with full computer and video facilities enabling students to develop their scientific skills through interaction with teaching materials delivered via laboratory sessions, IT environments, problem based and collaborative learning.

Accreditation Information :
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Qualifying Exams :

Tution Fees :
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Studies in forensic sciences provide a complex and interdisciplinary scientific training which includes, in addition to the specific subject matter, experimental science subjects, such as physics, biology and, above all, chemistry, as well as an important component of disciplines in the area of humanities (criminal law, criminology), medicine (legal medicine) and electronic engineering (imaging). The proportion of laboratory work is very high in relation to courses and seminars.
For its Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science course, the School of Criminal Justice (ESC) benefits from some of the teaching activities of the Faculties of Law, Biology and Medicine, as well as those of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne.

The objective of the first year of study is to teach the theoretical basics of chemistry, basic sciences and criminal sciences. A good knowledge of each of these subjects is essential for later studies.
In the second year, the syllabus requires the consolidation of basic scientific subjects (statistics, organic chemistry) and is extended to the field of law. The subjects taught at ESC (imaging, forensic sciences and investigation methods) provide the technical knowledge and encourage habits of meticulousness that are professionally indispensable, as well as offering the students guidance in data analysis and management.
Starting from the third year, the teaching in forensic sciences becomes specialised: the interpretation of and the approach to criminal analysis form the basis of new transversal subjects, while specific disciplines are studied in greater depth in the modules of the Forensic Sciences II course. The syllabus also requires personal work on a set theme.

Specialisation Courses ECTS credits
First year
Transversal Courses Forensic Sciences II
Interpretation II
Documents II
Fires II 23
Specialised Subjects Micro traces II
Narcotics II
Microscopy 21
External Courses Mass Spectrometry
Analytical Spectroscopy
Advanced projects in Analytical Chemistry
Chemistry of Foodstuffs 13
Optional courses 3
Second year
Transversal Courses Information and Analysis 4
Specialised Subjects Documents, Analytical PW
Fires, Analytical PW
Micro traces, Analytical PW
Narcotics, Analytical PW
Chemical Criminalistics and Chemnometrics
Ultra-structural Analysis 14
External Courses Risk Management
Analytical Toxicology and Doping
Advanced projects in Analytical Chemistry 9
Diploma Work 30
Optional courses 4