Undergraduate Course
Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons)
Explore the inner working of the mind and discover the psychological reasons for criminal behaviour.
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Our Forensic Psychology degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). On this course, you will apply psychological science to the study of crime from the perspective of victims, perpetrators and criminal justice professionals. This will include conducting research in different areas of psychology, including forensic psychology, within our dedicated laboratories.
- Available in Clearing
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York campus
- UCAS code – C820
- Duration – 3 years full time
- Start date – September 2024, September 2025
- School – School of Education, Language and Psychology
Minimum entry requirements
120 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language and Maths
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £14,000 per year full time
Discover Psychology
Dr Lorna Hamilton introduces the Psychology courses you can study at York St John University as well as the benefits and knowledge they all provide.
Course overview
In years 1 and 2 you will study the core areas of psychological science while practising your research skills in the laboratories every week. The research our academic staff carry out informs the things you learn. Some of these topics include:
- The cognitive neuroscience of language and memory
- Social interaction and political activism
- Children's cognitive development and education
- Interpersonal violence and bystander behaviour
- Body image and health behaviours
- Mental health and neurodiversity
In year 3 you will apply your knowledge and skills to the specialist study of forensic psychology. You will study modules in the investigation of crime, victims’ experience within the criminal justice system, and psychological approaches to understanding offending behaviour. You can choose from optional modules on related topics, which may include neuropsychology, mental health, and memory.
As a Forensic Psychology student you will have access to our dedicated lab spaces. You will use our computer labs for research methods classes and our suite of research labs for collecting data. The research labs include:
- EEG lab - for recording electrical activity in the brain
- Eye tracking lab - for monitoring gaze patterns with static or mobile eye trackers
- Virtual reality (VR) equipment
- Observation lab - including wall and ceiling-mounted cameras
- A large collection of psychometric tests and questionnaires.
- Our dedicated team of technicians will support you when working with equipment in the laboratories.
We focus on developing your employability throughout your degree. In our second year module, Psychology in Practice, you will complete work experience in a field related to your ambitions.
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters. This course can only be studied full time.
In your first year you will study:
- 1 compulsory module across semester 1 and 2
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will learn about biological psychology. You will start by exploring the historical development of the subject. You will then study the key concepts in structural and functional neuroanatomy, the study of the nervous system, and biological systems. We will also introduce you to the different research methods used in biological psychology.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module explores how individuals differ in their behaviour, and consider what processes underlie such differences. You will also learn about the applications and history of differential psychology. We will consider this topic at 3 different levels:
- Individual (including intelligence and challenges around measurement)
- Interpersonal (such as helping behaviour and group dynamics)
- Global contexts (such as leadership and work-related personality)
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Through this module we will introduce you to psychology as a science, and the principles of Open Science. You will learn about ethical principles, research design, and the development of research questions. This will be your first introduction to working with data on the course, and your theoretical learning will be supported by practical experience which applies these concepts in workshops.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module is your introduction to cognitive psychology. You will study its historical development and learn about the core theoretical models of the subject. We will look at the different research methods used in cognitive psychology including:
- Perception
- Attention
- Memory
- Language
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module is an opportunity to immerse yourself in various work-related experiences, and consider the career options open to you after graduation. In lecturers we will discuss how psychological theory, evidence, and practice can address issues and problems relevant to employment. You will also take part in workshops to develop some of the skills you need to confidently engage with such problems. Alongside this you will participate in an employer-led project, and conduct research on organisations you are interested in. Guest speakers representing a variety of employers will support this process.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module will build on the knowledge and skills you gained on Foundations of Research 1, as you further develop your understanding of research design and analysis. We will focus on core concepts of data analysis, interpretation and dissemination, which can then be applied to more complex techniques later in the course. As in your previous Research module your theoretical learning will be complemented by practical experience working with data and key software.
Credits: 0
Compulsory module
This module gives you practical experience of participating in ethically approved psychological research projects. You can choose to take part in lab-based and online studies run by final year dissertation students, postgraduate students and academic staff. This helps you gain an understanding of the processes involved in good research practice. If you choose not to participate in these research studies, you can provide an online research skills portfolio instead.
Year 2
In your second year you will study:
- 1 compulsory module across semester 1 and 2
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will learn about theoretical models of development, and we will encourage you to think critically about developmental psychology research. You will also practise your communication skills by conveying complex information to a non-specialist audience. The topics we discuss may include:
- Prenatal development
- Infancy
- Development of self
- Social cognition
- Physical reasoning
- Play
- Social relations
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Building on your previous work-related learning, this module will give you opportunities to further consider potential careers with a forensic focus. As part of the module you will participate in either work experience or an employer-led project. You will also connect this experience to recent theory concerning aspects of the working world, as well as practising applying for jobs and building essential skills that will be valuable in the workplace.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module will further elaborate on concepts and skills in psychological research methods that you were introduced to in your first year. Through this you will develop a more in-depth knowledge and experience of research methods and analysis, as you are equipped with a range of tools to help you across the whole research journey. These tool with provide a basis for conducting your independent research project in your final year. You will also build skills for interpreting research findings you engage with in other modules.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module involves a deeper and broader exploration of cognitive and biological psychology than in previous years, as we investigate a range of methodologies and contemporary debates in the study of brain and behaviour. You will critically apply concepts, theories and principles to your own original mini cognitive research project, designed and conducted within small groups. The process and experience of conducting an experimental project from design to completion as a written report will help to prepare you for developing and conducting an independent research project in your final year.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module builds on your learning in Exploring Social Psychology. You will study advanced topics in social psychology, focusing on contemporary theory and research in the field. Topics you will explore include:
- Attitudes
- Social influence
- Interpersonal and romantic relationships
- Prejudice
- Social constructionism
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module follows on from Psychological Research 1, as you develop further design and statistical tools for research in Psychology. Through this you will build your confidence in analysing data using a variety of statistical techniques, and in interpreting results. This will prepare you to plan and conduct appropriate research designs and analysis for your independent research projects in your final year.
Credits: 0
Compulsory module
Develop practical, transferable skills while you study. This module gives you the opportunity to conduct 75 hours of paid or voluntary work. You will be supported to arrange this work experience by your tutors and our placements team. You could also choose to participate in ethically approved psychological research projects run by students and members of staff. This will help to develop your understanding of good research practices.
Year 3
In your third year you will study:
- 1 compulsory research module across semester 1 and 2
- 2 optional modules in semester 1
- 2 optional modules in semester 2.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
This module is your opportunity to conduct an independent research project on a psychological topic of your choice. You will start by reviewing relevant literature to generate research questions and hypotheses. Working closely with a member of academic staff you will design a study to address your research questions, obtain ethical approval for your study, and collect and analyse your data. Your final research paper will report the findings of your study.
Credits: 0
Compulsory module
This module will build on your previous Professional Development modules. By participating in individual and group tutorials throughout your degree, you will gain transferable skills relating to employability, self-reflection, communication and professional behaviour. This module continues this development with a focus on thinking about the future.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
In this module you will consider a series of historical and contemporary criminal cases from alternative theoretical perspectives. You will interrogate the sociocultural contexts within which criminal acts are committed and judgements are made. Topics could include:
- International perspectives on crime
- Crime in popular discourse
- State, society and social control
- History of policing
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Gain the skills needed to interview witnesses, identify perpetrators and detect deception. During this module you will learn how to spot false allegations and confessions while using appropriate enquiry techniques. You will also understand how to analyse research relating to investigations and legal processes.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Covering topics such as murder, stalking and gangs you will develop your knowledge in a range of offending behaviours. You will gain skills related to forensic psychology and learn how to communicate your knowledge relating to offending behaviours. Other topics you may explore are:
- Juvenile offenders
- Sexual offenders
- Female offenders
- Forensic psychology as a career
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will gain an understanding of neuropsychological disorders such as Alzheimer's and epilepsy. Learn about the neuropathology of these disorders and their cognitive profiles. You will have the opportunity to administer neurological tests and learn to interpret scores. You will be able to asses recent advances in neuropsychology and explore the role of neuropsychologists during rehabilitation.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Gain an understanding of social psychology beyond the study of individual minds, by learning how to analyse interactions between people. On this module you will think critically about issues across naturally occurring contexts within research, education and professional practice. You will learn through a combination of theory, methodology and analysis.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module is your next step in advancing your cognitive psychology knowledge. You will examine the theory of memory and the history of memory devices known as mnemonics. Topics you may cover include:
- Ancient mnemonics
- Modern mnemonics
- Working memory training
- Mindfulness meditation
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will consider biological and cognitive development during adolescence. You will also develop the skills to analyse psychological research and it’s application to everyday life. These are the skills you will need if you aspire to work with young people aged 10 to 25.
Credits: 20
Optional module
If you are interested in advanced statistical methods, or considering a career in data analysis in the public or private sector, this module is for you. Employability is at the core of this module, as you engage with multivariate data. This could include publicly available government, health or organisational data. You will also cover advanced statistical technique, which is especially beneficial if you are conducting multivariate or survey-based dissertation projects, or if you are interested in postgraduate study.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module will interest you if you want to understand more about the psychological dimensions and use of virtual reality. We will delve into the dynamic and emerging field of virtual reality (VR), and explore its applications in understanding human behaviour. You will learn about VR in the context of therapeutic settings, education, and pain management. We will also consider the professional and research ethics associated with using VR, and future trends in this field.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module we will introduce you to a specialist area of clinical psychology. You will gain an understanding of contemporary issues in this area. We will discuss and evaluate psychological theory, research and evidence based practice. Topics you may cover include:
- Historical concepts of mental health
- Concepts of psychological health and ill-health
- Diagnostic systems
- Psychological and non-psychological therapies
- Psychological interventions with specific clinical populations
- Individual and cultural differences in clinical psychology
Credits: 20
Optional module
This is your opportunity to study how psychological principles can be applied to the understanding of illness and health. You will learn how to promote healthy behaviours and explore models of behaviour change. You will also learn how to design, implement and evaluate health interventions. This module will give you the skills to pursue a career in a health related field. Other topics covered in this module may include:
- Measuring health
- Health and the internet
- Health disparities and inequalities
- Personality, stress and health
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module is your introduction to non-medical approaches in mental health. You will investigate theories that question traditional approaches and debate the nature of mental illness. You will also analyse case studies from people with lived experience of mental ill health. Topics may include:
- The politics and economics of mental health
- The use of language in mental health
- Educational approaches
- Arts-based approaches
- Open dialogue
- Theories of recovery
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module will introduce you to the connections between cognitive functioning, mental health, and future thinking. Build on your knowledge of cognitive psychology, think critically about scientific research in the field, and evaluate the clinical applications. Through this you will develop an understanding of the connections between cognition and mental health that will be useful if you are interested in a career in mental health settings.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module, you will investigate the experience of victims in the criminal justice systems within 4 contexts:
- Political
- Economic
- Historic
- Social
Examine existing laws and policies and explore how social norms influence the behaviour and treatment of both victims and perpetrators of crimes. Throughout this module, you will develop the skills necessary to evaluate existing treatments of all people involved in criminal acts.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
We deliver your modules through:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Practical workshops in our labs
- Participation in research studies
Each module you study will have 2 to 4 hours of contact time a week. We schedule our taught sessions between 9:00am and 8:00pm, Monday to Friday.
You will need to conduct independent study outside of this time. This might include reading, research and assignment preparation. You can also arrange tutorials to receive feedback on your work and discuss the course content.
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
Assessment types vary from module to module. Some of your assessments might include:
- Lab reports
- Essays
- Research proposals
- Oral presentations
- Portfolios
- Exams
For each assessment you will have the chance to talk to a tutor about your work before submission. Each assessment will be marked and returned with feedback so you can improve.
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in Forensic Psychology
This course gives you the practical knowledge and skills to pursue a career specialising in forensic psychology. You will also build transferable skills in communication, analytical research and data handling that are in high demand in a range of careers.
This degree could be the first step toward your career as a:
- Forensic psychologist
- Clinical psychologist
- Counsellor
- Police consultant
- High intensity therapist
- Psychological practitioner
Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.
You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.
Postgraduate degrees at York St John University
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
120 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language and Maths
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
This course is available with a foundation year
If you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto this degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to Higher Education, this is a great option for you. Passing a foundation year guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY FOUNDATION YEAR
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.
UK 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this course is:
- £9,250 per year for full time study
- £6,935 per year for the first 4 years if you study part time
These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page:
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £14,000 per year full time
International 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is £14,000 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your degree:
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Laboratory Equipment
You will use professional standard psychology equipment, including EEG machines and virtual reality simulators.
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Research opportunities
You can volunteer to become part of our Student as Researcher scheme. This is a paid opportunity to work with staff on their research projects.
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BPS accreditation
Achieving a 2:2 or above means that you will graduate with an accreditation from the British Psychological Society. This is essential if you want to become a chartered psychologist.
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More to explore
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Join us in 2024
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Open Days
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