Integrated Foundation - Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Forensic Psychology

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology with Foundation Year at Derby is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership of the Society. Achieving a minimum of a second-class honours degree provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is the first step toward becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

The programme focuses on real-life criminal justice problems and explores potential solutions, covering contemporary topics such as hate crime, domestic abuse, and murder investigations. Fieldtrips, subject to availability and travel restrictions, to locations such as courts and prisons provide vital insights, complemented by the experiences shared by criminal justice professionals. The teaching team includes leading experts engaged in influential research in forensic psychology, and students are supported to conduct original research to contribute to the growing knowledge base in the field. The programme also offers the opportunity to achieve an additional professional qualification in youth justice.

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology programme at Derby explores challenging questions such as how criminal behaviour develops, whether psychopathy is innate or acquired, the reliability of eyewitness testimony, and the most effective methods for rehabilitating offenders. It is one of the few integrated degrees in the UK dedicated to the intersection of psychology and the criminal justice system. Forensic psychology is increasingly used to inform practice within the justice system, and there is growing demand for professionals who can apply knowledge of the subject across a wide range of roles and contexts.

The programme enables students to apply psychological theories, methods, and research to address critical challenges in the criminal justice system. All main areas of psychology are covered, alongside complex issues such as criminal behaviour and the personal consequences of crime. Students can also focus on specialist areas, including cybercrime, domestic abuse, hate crime, psychopathy, offenders with mental or intellectual disabilities, and substance misuse. Optional modules in topics such as addictive behaviours and schizophrenia are among the latest additions to the curriculum. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, with opportunities to research real-life criminal justice problems and develop practical solutions.

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Graduates achieving at least a second-class honours qualification and at least 40% in the Independent Study in Psychology are eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the society, which is the first step toward becoming a Chartered Psychologist. The next step involves completing a Stage One accredited postgraduate qualification, offered at Derby through the MSc Forensic Psychology. Stage Two, the independent training route toward Forensic Psychologist qualification, requires completion of eight supervised work activities over a minimum of two years, covering psychological applications and interventions, research, communication of psychological knowledge to other professionals, and training others in psychological skills. Successful completion and HCPC registration leads to qualification as a Forensic Psychologist.