Description
This masters degree enables you to gain an advanced understanding of the fascinating area of forensic psychology, while enhancing your analytical and communication skills, and your research literacy. Taking a case-based approach where you examine real life criminal cases you'll learn about a broad range of topics relevant to forensic psychology. You'll develop an understanding of the relationship this field of research has with law enforcement, legal practice, policy, public opinion and the media. You'll also develop your critical analytical skills and your understanding of the principles driving different research methods. By completing this qualification you'll be able to source, select and review forensic psychological research independently, evaluate its relevance for complex real life issue/cases, assess its validity and clearly communicate your findings to a range of audiences.
Key features of the course
- Provides professional development for careers where research literacy, analytic and communication skills are valued.
- Experienced tutors and bespoke teaching materials provide an exploration of engaging topic areas and research.
- Relevant for existing professionals or those with an interest in all areas of the UK criminal justice system and civil or social services.
Please note that this masters degree is not accredited by The British Psychological Society and be aware that when studying forensic psychology you will encounter sensitive topics and case details (e.g. relating to murder, rape, child sexual abuse) which may be upsetting.
Planning your studies
You must hold a UK honours degree (2:2 at least) or equivalent to be accepted for the MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies. Your first degree need not be in forensic psychology or psychology, but you must have the skills expected of a social sciences graduate.
This qualification has a required study order. All students will begin with the postgraduate module, Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801). This module will help equip you with the requisite skills needed to undertake postgraduate-level study, but it does not offer remedial training for those with an unsuitable bachelors degree or inadequate experience. You will have the opportunity to study with a cohort of peers throughout, while the modules and assessments build on one another systematically.
You must be able to:
- write accurately, clearly and concisely
- read large quantities of text quickly, accurately and critically
- classify evidence precisely and assess its value and reliability
- argue logically and consistently
- select and interpret evidence to support a logical argument.
Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 6.5 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details. If you’re not sure whether your English skills are good enough, there is some help and guidance at our Skills for OU Study website.
How long it takes
You will be able to complete this masters qualification within two years by studying one module each year.
Career relevance and employability
By studying forensic psychological studies at postgraduate level, you will develop skills relevant to a broad range of careers, including all areas of the criminal justice system such as the police, crown prosecution and probation services, youth offending teams, various areas of social work, as well as the civil service or third sector. The skills developed will be recognised by employers in all fields who value people who can complete a complex project independently, communicate clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, analyse and evaluate complex information, and are capable of independently seeking out and selecting research evidence relevant to real-life issues.
This qualification is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.
Modules
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits from the following:
Please note that Investigating forensic psychology (DD802) is worth 120 credits. Fees for postgraduate modules are based on the number of credits you study. Therefore, the fee for this 120-credit postgraduate module will be double that for the 60 credit module Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801).
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit for study you have already done elsewhere.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules for the qualification you can be awarded an MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies. You will be entitled to use the letters MSc For Psych (Open) after your name. You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
How to register
If you want to study for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of
our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the
module you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that module.
During the registration procedure you will be asked to declare which qualification you are studying towards.
See a full list of modules available for this qualification