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Course details
- Full-time: 12 months
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Course overview
Renowned worldwide, this MSc in Investigative and Forensic Psychology is a high-quality master's course providing academic and research knowledge of forensic practice. This includes crime reduction and intervention; investigative procedures, forensic interviewing, court processes, custody and rehabilitation.
Introduction
Why Choose Investigative and Forensic Psychology at Liverpool?
- it’s the only programme of its type offered by a Russell Group University
- we have received multiple commendations by the British Psychological Society
- the course is eligible for Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and eligible for ESRC 1+3 training studentship linked to a PhD programme
- you’ll join sessions offered by a high number and calibre of external practitioners delivering key understanding of real-life applications
- we place a strong emphasis on employability skills and as a result our students have gone on to be some of the most successful individuals in their field
- the course attracts a large number of international students and visiting speakers.
Who is this course for?
This course is for you if you have a high 2:1 bachelor’s degree in Psychology (65% or above) and want to pursue a career in forensic psychology, law enforcement, investigations, intelligence, or go on to study a PhD and work in research/academia.
What you'll learn
- Criminal Behaviour – statistics
- Research Methods
- Policing & Emergency Response
- Assessment of the criminal act
- Legal processes,court process and potential custodial and through care processes
- Conceptual and theoretical exploration of aggression, deviance, decision-making, leadership and stress, memory, communication and persuasion.
- The psychology of crowd dynamics.
Accreditation
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage 1 Forensic Chartership training (if applicants UG degree is accredited by BPS); recognised by the Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP, British Psychological Society), and also counts towards Chartered Forensic Status.
Applicants do not need to have completed a psychology degree recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Graduate basis for chartership (GBC). However, if applicants do not have GBC then they need to be aware that unless they obtain GBC from the BPS before completing the masters they will not be able to progress to Stage 2 Forensic Chartership.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
You will gain conceptual knowledge, skills and critical awareness via:
- Practitioner seminars
- Lectures from visiting speakers
- Core Lectures –with key readings in conceptual models and key debates
- Tutorials – for reflection and promote debate
- Student seminars and presentations to their peers
- E-Portfolio of personal and professional development
- Traditional assessment methods –Essays, statistics exams and research project
- Authentic assessments – Practitioner reports, poster presentation and research proposals.
Compulsory modules
CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR (PSYC702)
Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1
This module introduces students to the area of Investigative and Forensic Psychology.
Specifically students will explore the various theories and explanations which have been put forward to help explain why people commit criminal behaviour. The module will also focus on applied forensic practice and how these forensic tools can be used in the investigative process.
The module will be taught via lectures, seminars, group project, and tutorials. Learning will be assessed via a practical report and essay.
RESEARCH METHODS AND STATISTICS (PSYC640)
Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1
This module explores the range of qualitative and quantitative research methods and statistical analyses used in psychological research. The module covers ANOVAs, factor analysis, ROC, mediation, multiple regressions, spatial statistics, cluster analysis, interviews, and field research to cite the main techniques. The module encompasses both theoretical content and practical skills that are transferable to research designs in psychology and in other subject disciplines. The module will be delivered via lectures, laboratory work, and online material. Learning will be assessed via a critical evaluation of research methodologies and a written examination.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Your experience
You will benefit from excellent online and on-campus teaching with a strong academic and pastoral support framework.
There are opportunities to develop skills to improve employability.
You will have access to excellent recreational and sports facilities and can enjoy membership of hundreds of student societies and sports clubs.
Explore where you'll study
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place for postgraduate study
- Internationally recognised qualifications with a wide range of programmes
- Access to some of the best specialist units in the UK
- World-leading excellence in research and research-connected teaching
- The MSc Investigative and Forensic Psychology is renowned worldwide and attracts a large number of international students and visiting speakers each year
- Provides specialist training with taught and research components
- Work alongside internationally-renowned academic researchers and experts in their field.
What students say...
The course content is excellent, there are vast research opportunities, the staff are incredible and supportive and we get to see the real-world impact of what we’re learning in class.
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Careers and employability
On completion of the programme, your resulting knowledge, skills and attitudes will enable you to put psychological principles into effect in a variety of settings including research, practice and the interface of applied research.
The scientific aspects of the course, including the application of a reasoned approach, problem solving and manipulation of data, provide useful tools for careers in healthcare, law enforcement, finance, IT and research.
This Programme provides a solid grounding for careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, government agencies, education, commercial or industrial sectors.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
- Career planning Our Careers Studio and career coaches can provide tailored support for your future plans.
- From education to employment Employability in your curriculum for a successful transition
- Networking events Make meaningful connections with like-minded professionals
Your future
Forensic and Investigative Psychologists can work in various fields, including:
- Crime analysts and principal crime analysts working for police forces
- National and International Police forces
- Behavioural investigative advisors
- Medium/high security prisons, psychiatric units or hospitals.
- Home Office
- Probation services
- Youth offending teams
- National Crime Agency
- Office for National Statistics
- PhD’s
- Research associates
- Lectureships
- PsychD Clinical Psychology
- Fraud investigators
- Ministry of Defence
- Security Services (MI5, MI6)
- Defence and Science Technology Laboratory
- Expert witness
- Professional consultancy
- Independent Office for Police Conduct
- TiKTok Hate crime policy
- Mobile phone cellsite analyst
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
---|---|
Full-time place, per year | £10,800 |
International fees | |
---|---|
Full-time place, per year | £26,400 |
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
- You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
- All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
- International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here
- Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship International students If you’re an international student starting this course with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a discount of £5,000 off your master’s tuition fees, if you haven’t studied with us before.
- Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship Home and international students If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting this master’s degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.
- ANID Chile Scholarship International students Chile If you’re a Chilean student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with an ANID Chile Scholarship.
- Chevening Scholarships International students If you’re an international student from an eligible country, joining a one-year master’s course, you could apply to have your master’s fees paid, up to a maximum of £18,000, and receive additional help with living costs.
- CONACYT Award International students Mexico If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 30% discount on your tuition fees with a CONACYT Award.
- FIDERH Award International students Mexico If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FIDERH graduate loan, you could benefit from a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a FIDERH Award.
- Fulbright Scholarship International students United States If you’re a USA student joining a master’s degree, you can apply to be considered for a tuition fee discount of £20,000 with a Fulright Scholarship. One Fulbright Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.
- FUNED Awards International students Mexico If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FUNED loan, you can apply to be considered for a 20% tuition fee discount. A total of up to ten awards will be available to master’s and PhD students per academic year.
- HRH Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand) International students Thailand If you’re a student from Thailand joining a one-year master’s degree, you might be eligible to apply to have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with living costs. One award is available and only students who are new to the University will be considered.
- JuventudEsGto Scholarship International students Mexico If you’re a resident of the state of Guanajuato in Mexico joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees with a JuventudEsGto Scholarship.
- Marshall Scholarship International students United States If you’re a USA student joining an eligible master’s with us, you could apply to be considered for a Marshall Scholarship. If your application is successful, your master’s tuition fees will be paid in full. One Marshall Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.
- Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary Home students If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
- Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship International students Turkey If you’re a Turkish student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship.
- Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes International students Do you have recognised status as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection outside the UK? Or are you a Ukrainian who’s sought temporary protection in the EU? You could be eligible to apply for the full payment of your master’s fees and additional financial support.
- University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship International students Completed a Pre-Master’s at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of master’s study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical master’s courses from UoLIC.
- University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships International students If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a fee discount worth £3,000 off the first year of your master’s course.
- Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for Mainland China International students China Are you a high-achieving graduate from the People’s Republic of China with a degree from a Chinese university? You could be eligible to apply for a £5,000 fee discount if you’re joining an eligible master’s course. Up to 15 eligible students will receive this scholarship.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here
Your qualification | Requirements About our typical entry requirements |
---|---|
Postgraduate entry requirements | To apply, you must have a high 2:1 bachelor’s degree in Psychology (65% or above) with high marks in research methods and statistics. You do not need to have completed a psychology degree recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as a Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC). However to progress to Stage 2 Forensic Chartership you must obtain GBC from the BPS. All applicants must have some relevant work experience with a vulnerable client group (voluntary or paid), but not necessarily in a forensic setting. Applicants who meet the minimum entry requirement will be invited to attend an online interview. |
International qualifications | If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
English language requirements
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification | Requirements |
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IELTS | 7.5 overall, with no component below 7.0 |
TOEFL iBT | 108 overall, with minimum scores of listening 24, writing 24, reading 24 and speaking 24 |
Duolingo English Test | 140 overall, with no component below 130 |
Pearson PTE Academic | 76 overall, with no component below 69 |
LanguageCert Academic | 80 overall, with no skill below 75 |
PSI Skills for English | C2 Pass in all bands |
INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
WAEC | C6 or above |
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.
More about life in Liverpool
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Why study at Liverpool?
Why Liverpool?
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
Accommodation
Accommodation
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Fees and Finance
Fees and Finance
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
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- Phone: +44 (0) 151 794 5927
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Last updated 1 July 2024 / /Programme terms and conditions