Forensic Psychological Studies

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.

Modules

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:



Compulsory modules:

• Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801) 60

• Investigating forensic psychology (DD802) 120



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.

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. You will begin with Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801) which 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.

2 years part-time study



How long it takes

Most students study the MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies part-time, completing one module a year over two years.



You must complete the MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies within 10 years.

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

Career relevance

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.