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Money MattersWhy do people engage in offending behaviour? What are the impacts of crime on victims?
Psychology is the science of human behaviour and mind. It is concerned with individual psychological processes and the social context of how we think and interact with the world around us. Forensic psychology applies these processes and knowledge to legal domains, helping shape how the police, courts, prisons, and probation services understand and react to victims, witnesses, and offenders.
Forensic psychology practitioners assess and work with offenders, victims and witnesses to crime, and give evidence in court. They might carry out risk assessments on offenders with mental health issues, work with children with anti-social behaviour, or develop treatment plans to help rehabilitate offenders.
Our course covers all core elements of psychological study as required by the British Ps...
3 years full-time
The department offers a diverse psychology teaching curriculum. Our BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology course has a real focus on understanding how forensic psychology applies to real-world settings. As such, we introduce and examine a range of contemporary issues within society and consider how forensic psychology has helped to shape practices within the criminal justice system to the benefit of victims, witnesses, suspects, and legal professionals. Individual and group work focuses on problem-solving and developing excellent transferrable skills of critical evaluation, communication, and teamwork.
You may study modules in Difference and Diversity in Forensic Psychology, Contemporary Issues in Forensic Psychology, and Achieving Best Evidence. Some of the topics you’ll learn about include courtroom processes, police interviewing of suspects, and what works when treating offenders and working with vulnerable witnesses.
You’ll have lots of variety each week, as you’ll experience different teaching methods across each psychology topic. You’ll usually have days with a mix of lectures, workshops, and self-directed work.
In your final year of study, you’ll be able to choose option modules from across psychology, with themes such as educational psychology, health and psychological interventions, clinical issues in psychology, and sport psychology.
Assessment is through course work which may include essays, reports, group projects, and presentations.
The British Psychological Society
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027
National Student Survey 2024 (NSS)
The first year of your degree introduces you to the breadth of psychology, as we consider how the main theoretical approaches in psychology can be used to explain offender behaviour and benefit police investigations.
Although recognising the importance of the history and origins of forensic psychology, the course has a real focus on understanding and developing issues of key relevance to forensic psychology today.
Using real-life case studies, topical news stories and contemporary psychological research, within this module you will develop an understanding of key issues that are shaping our world today. Placing contemporary issues in forensic psychology within their social, historical and applied contexts, we will explore a range of theoretical perspectives, challenges and advances in forensic practice and policy. Each topic delivered reflects staff interests and expertise around forensic psychology.
Always wondered why people commit crimes? Focusing on key debates and challenges within Forensic Psychology, you will develop valuable research and employability skills. Using a student-led learning approach, you will work collaboratively, in small independent groups, to negotiate a topic within Forensic Psychology that interests you. Considering a range of perspectives and enquiry based learning, you will develop a deeper understanding of forensic psychology, identifying key problems and potential solutions.
In this module, we provide an introduction to the process of conducting quantitative psychological research. You will learn how to design robust psychological experiments; how to measure and collect data about thoughts, feelings, and behaviour; how to work with numerical datasets and apply analyses to discover patterns and test theories; and how to report findings using recognised scientific reporting guidelines. The module emphasises progressive ‘open science’ research practices and transferrable data science skills.
Many research questions are better answered using discursive qualitative data, rather than numerical quantitative approaches. In this module you will learn the main methods and approaches in qualitative psychology, and the important contributions they can make to advancing psychological knowledge.
Real-world work experience is valuable in developing and applying a range of personal and professional skills and attributes. However, what does psychological research and theory highlight as the essential skills required for success at university and employment? Through a process of reflective practice, critical thinking and practical activities, this module focuses on identifying and developing specific skills including confidence, self-efficacy and goal orientation.
Work experience can be vital for success in a competitive graduate job market, but how do students develop workplace experience, skills, and knowledge whilst studying on a full time course? The work-integrated learning in psychology module provides all students with an invaluable opportunity to gain this work based learning in one of a range of settings in and around Manchester. Support from your personal tutor is on hand as you develop your skills, knowledge, and self-awareness, and identify areas for your own personal growth and development.
What is crime and what causes people to carry out criminal acts? Are some people simply born bad, or is criminal behaviour more complex? In this module, we explore how variables such as biology, culture and environment, childhood experiences, and socialisation influence criminal attitudes and behaviour. Considering crime in its historical and cultural setting allows us to appreciate the intricate interplay of variables leading to criminal behaviour, and allows us to begin considering how offenders can be best supported to change.
Ethical and effective investigations are the key to solving crimes, facilitating justice, and protecting the public, but how do the police investigate crime? What can psychology contribute to the investigation process? Through examining the structure and history of British policing, in this module we begin to explore the role of psychology in shaping policing practice. We consider how police investigative processes can be improved in terms of bringing offenders to justice, and protecting the rights of victims, witnesses and suspects.
This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
To be eligible you must achieve a minimum lower 2nd class honours degree classification and pass your dissertation research project.
During your second year, you'll gain a deeper insight into the core areas of psychology and consider how these apply to forensic psychology in practice. You will examine how individual differences affect not only the commission but the investigation and treatment of criminal behaviour.
There is also an opportunity to focus on a topic of particular interest to you, as you work as a team to design a piece of forensic psychology research.
How can we use numerical data to test psychological theories and make predictions? How can we design, analyse, and report experiments, or use questionnaires to measure psychological constructs? This module introduces advanced research designs and statistical analyses to prepare you to address a wide range of psychology questions, and prepare you to report findings for a range of audiences.
Working collaboratively is an important life skill that transfers to a range of graduate roles. Within this module, you learn essential cooperation, negotiation, and team-working skills as you work collaboratively to design a piece of research on a forensic psychology topic of your choosing. With the support of a team facilitator, you will identify a key topic, current challenge, or burning question in forensic psychology, and consider how to address that question in an innovative and ethical manner.
Building on the knowledge and skills introduced at Level 4, this module considers how more advanced qualitative research designs are used to address complex questions in psychology. You are introduced to the importance of rigorous approaches to data collection, analysis, and reporting of qualitative data.
How do we learn new information? What influences our decisions? What are the factors that influence creativity? Through addressing various fascinating questions such as these, this module critically explores key areas of cognitive psychological theory and research. It provides a foundation understanding contemporary issues, debates, and methods in this interesting and core psychological field. Practical and real-world examples as well as experimental design issues are discussed throughout the module, and the historical and philosophical context of our learning is considered.
Does our attachment with our primary caregivers really affect all our future relationships? Do our primary caregivers or friends have more of an influence on our understanding of morality? The lifespan development module is designed to explore questions such as these and a range of developmental psychological topics over the course of the lifespan.
This module explores social psychological topics, and differences in approaches to social psychological knowledge.
It will cover areas of social psychology outlined by the British Psychological Society, for example social cognition, attribution, attitudes, group processes and intergroup relations, culture, close relationships, social constructionism, self and identity, and leadership. Through the exploration of these topics you will consider alternative paradigms, perspectives and approaches in social psychology and the ways in which social psychological knowledge is impacted by the context in which it is gained.
How do our individual personalities and cognitive functioning impact the behaviour of witnesses, offenders and criminal justice professionals? From intelligence, emotion, and psychopathology to contemporary issues like culture, community, and gender, uncover the role and impact of differences and diversity within forensic populations.
Biopsychologists study how our behaviours, thoughts and feelings depend on the biology of our brains. We use highly advanced technologies to discover how differences in this biology between individuals, and across our lifespans, make us who we are. Throughout the module, we’ll look at how a new understanding of how our brains work has led to a changed insight into what it means to be human.
This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
To be eligible you must achieve a minimum lower 2nd class honours degree classification and pass your dissertation research project.
In your final year, you’ll be able to choose optional modules in areas that you’re particularly interested in, with themes such as educational psychology, health and psychological interventions, clinical issues in psychology, and sport psychology. You’ll also focus on preparing for and completing your dissertation.
Negotiating complex relationships and working within professional frameworks are key components of being a forensic psychologist. However, there is an inherent imbalance of power and control between forensic psychologists and offenders. In this challenging context, how do we encourage offenders to open up about their offences, without reinforcing those negative behaviours? In this module, we explore a range of real-world ethical dilemmas facing forensic psychology professionals. Using the ethical standards set out by the British Psychological Society and The Health and Care Professions Council, and the guiding principles of integrity, responsibility, respect, and competence, we explore practical and ethical solutions to serious and challenging practice dilemmas.
How do we encourage a frightened witness to cooperate with the police? What works best in encouraging a hostile suspect to talk? How do we make courtrooms less intimidating for child witnesses? Gaining accurate and complete accounts from offenders, witnesses and suspects is key to ensuring fair and efficient criminal justice processes. Although this can be a really challenging process, forensic psychology has made huge contributions to understanding how we can achieve the best quality of evidence possible. Here, we explore how forensic psychology continues to aid understanding and practice in the context of police investigations and courtrooms.
Research is at the heart of forensic psychology and this module equips you with the key skills, knowledge and confidence to design a research project that is ethical, topical, and has the potential to contribute to forensic psychology knowledge and practice. With support from your project supervisor, you will develop your understanding of the research design process, and be empowered to shape your interests and ideas into a formal research proposal.
Evidence based practice is critical in order to maximise the efficacy of forensic psychology in the real world. The research process requires a range of transferable skills such as evaluation, evidence based argument, data handling and analysis, and communication of complex ideas in a range of formats and to a diverse audience. With the support of a dedicated supervisor, your dissertation project is the opportunity to really develop and display these fundamental skills.
This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
To be eligible you must achieve a minimum lower 2nd class honours degree classification and pass your dissertation research project.
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
GCE A levels - grades ABB or equivalent, to include at least one relevant subject. Relevant subjects exclude: Art, Design or Performance subjects; Media Studies; General Studies.
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DDM. Acceptable subjects include: Applied Law; Applied Science; Business; Children's Care, Learning Development; Children's Play, Learning and Development; Enterprise and Entrepreneurship; Environmental Sustainability; Forensic and Criminal Investigation; Health and Social Care; Health Professions; Personal and Business Finance; Pharmaceutical Science; Public Services; Sport and Exercise Sciences.
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 128 UCAS Tariff points. Acceptable subjects are Psychology, Social Sciences, Biology/Human Sciences and Health Professions.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DDM. Acceptable subjects include: Business; Health and Social Care; Public Services.
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications in Education and Childcare; Health; Healthcare Science; Science. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Distinction as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 32 or minimum 128 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
We do not accept CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education & Care (Early Years Educator - VRQ)
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at Grade C or 4.
Equivalent qualifications (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2 in Numeracy and Literacy and Key Skills) are not accepted for this course.
This course does not accept applications for advanced entry to Year 2 or Year 3.
GCE A levels - grades ABB or equivalent, to include at least one relevant subject. Relevant subjects exclude: Art, Design or Performance subjects; Media Studies; General Studies.
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DDM. Acceptable subjects include: Applied Law; Applied Science; Business; Children's Care, Learning Development; Children's Play, Learning and Development; Enterprise and Entrepreneurship; Environmental Sustainability; Forensic and Criminal Investigation; Health and Social Care; Health Professions; Personal and Business Finance; Pharmaceutical Science; Public Services; Sport and Exercise Sciences.
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 128 UCAS Tariff points. Acceptable subjects are Psychology, Social Sciences, Biology/Human Sciences and Health Professions.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DDM. Acceptable subjects include: Business; Health and Social Care; Public Services.
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications in Education and Childcare; Health; Healthcare Science; Science. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Distinction as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 32 or minimum 128 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
We do not accept CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education & Care (Early Years Educator - VRQ)
There’s further information for international students on our international website if you’re applying with non-UK qualifications.
This course does not accept applications for advanced entry to Year 2 or Year 3.
Full-time fee: £9,250 per year. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation and may increase each academic year in line with inflation or UK government policy for both new and continuing students.
Full-time fee: £21,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. The tuition fee for the placement year for those courses that offer this option is £1,850, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study). The tuition fee for the study year abroad for those courses that offer this option is £1,385, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Optional estimate: £400
All of the books, e-books, and journals required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop up to £100 each year for books and printing.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersPerhaps you see yourself working with vulnerable populations or as a research assistant? Maybe you’re fascinated by organisational behaviour?
As a forensic psychology graduate, there are a diverse range of career paths you could take. You might decide to complete further education and training to pursue a career as a forensic psychologist, or work for the police, HM Prison and Probation Service, NHS or in a charity supporting ex-offenders or victims of crime. Alternatively, you can use your transferrable skills to work across sectors as diverse as education, social care, and human resources (HR). Some of the places you might work in are local authorities, social services, prisons, charities, sports clubs, NHS or private hospitals, schools, or rehabilitation centres.
Where do some of our graduates work? In housing services at Manchester City Council, as a probation case manager for Cheshire & Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company, as a psychology assistant for an Early Intervention in Psychosis Team at an NHS Trust, an officer with Greater Manchester Police, and as a trainee High-Intensity CBT therapist.
You can apply for the full-time option of this course through UCAS.
UCAS code(s)P258
Institution code: M40
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
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