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, work with 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 create treatment plans to help rehabilitate offenders.

Our course covers all core elements of psychological study as required by the British Psychological Society (BPS), from lifespan development, neuropsychology, and research methods, to social, critical and abnormal psychology. As well as developing a thorough understanding of key psychological research, theory and principles, you’ll also explore a wide range of topics focusing on theories of crime, victimisation and psychology in legal contexts; including offender behaviour, eyewitness testimony, jury decision-making, police investigations, and the assessment and treatment of offenders.

Perhaps 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 in order 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, and as a trainee High-Intensity CBT therapist.