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The MSc Investigative Forensic Psychology program at Bournemouth University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the theories, methods, and practices used in investigative forensic psychology. This course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in this field, which involves applying psychological principles to investigate and solve crimes. Students will learn about the different types of crime, the legal system, and the role of psychologists in the criminal justice process. The program includes a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical exercises, and is designed for students who have completed a relevant undergraduate degree.
The MSc Investigative Forensic Psychology program at Bournemouth University is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Graduates of this program are eligible to become Chartered Psychologists (CPsychol) and are well-prepared to pursue careers in a variety of settings, including law enforcement agencies, forensic psychology services, and academic institutions. The program is also designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop their research skills through a dissertation project, which allows them to explore a specific area of investigative forensic psychology in depth.
Bournemouth University offers a unique learning environment that combines academic rigor with practical experience. The university's location on the south coast of England provides students with access to a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities, which can enhance their overall educational experience. Bournemouth University is also known for its strong research focus, which means that students have the opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field and to contribute to cutting-edge research projects.
Learn about the underlying theories regarding the psychology of investigations and consider areas such as how face-processing can assist identification of individuals
Explore different offense types – sexual offending, murder and violent crime, group offending, and other forms of cyber-crime
Investigate and scrutinize violent mocked-up crime scenes to provide investigative evidence and learn how to present expert witness testimony in a mock court
Evaluate victims, witnesses, suspects, and offenders as well as the environment, geography, and time to create fieldwork and case studies based on real experiences
Benefit from the expert knowledge of our academics and guest speakers, including the Course Leader Dr. Terri Cole who shares her extensive experience as a behavioral investigative adviser and serious crime analyst
Develop transferable skills like writing grant proposals and how to publish research, as well as working closely with a member of staff for your research topic, perhaps linked to your future career aspirations.
The standard requirements for embarking upon this course are:
A bachelor's Honours degree with 2:2 in any subject or equivalent.
20 hours per week
Investigative Psychology: The theoretical and practical understanding of investigative psychology, focusing on serious crime investigations. You will initially explore the roles psychologists can play and general theories regarding why people commit a crime. Subsequently, specific approaches are applied to crime types, including murder and violent crime, serial and sexual offending, group offending, and cybercrime. Indicative learning will include interviewing, eye-witness testimony, and decision-making.
Behavior Analysis of Serious Crime: Providing you with the theory and practical understanding of behavioral analysis in serious crime investigations such as murder and serious sexual crimes. The unit includes topics such as offender profiling and offense linkage and highlights the work done by researchers and analysts in this domain.
Professional Practice & Court Skills: This unit provides the skills necessary to undertake professional practice within this field. In addition, it provides the experience, theoretical understanding, and practical skills required for effectively presenting subject-specific material to the courts. You will be trained in the roles of different court personnel, witnesses, courtroom skills, and the preparation and structure of reports.
Advanced Research Methods: You will explore a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods and tools for conducting advanced-level research. It evaluates the intricacies of experimental design in different contexts. The unit will prepare you to undertake independent research using advanced research techniques.
Advanced Statistics: This unit covers the appropriate selection and use of various statistical techniques for critically analyzing psychological research data. Transferable Skills - Here, the essential skills for interpreting, presenting, writing, and publishing research are taught. Topics include writing research and grant proposals, presentations, and developing advanced writing skills.
Research Project: You’ll work closely with a member of staff engaging in discussions to choose an appropriate research project based around a particular topic that interests you or expanding an element from the course that you want to pursue further, perhaps linked to your future career aspirations.
IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component or equivalent.
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