Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology applies psychological theory and research methods to questions that arise within the legal and criminal justice systems. It examines the psychological factors that contribute to criminal behaviour, the reliability of eyewitness testimony, the assessment of offenders for risk and treatment needs, the psychological dimensions of policing and interrogation, and the ways in which psychological expertise can be brought to bear on decisions made within courts, prisons, and rehabilitation programmes. It is a discipline that sits at the intersection of psychology and criminology, requiring rigorous scientific grounding and an understanding of how the justice system works.

This three-year, full-time programme at Coventry includes a placement year and a year abroad, giving you significant opportunities to develop professionally in forensic or criminal justice settings and to engage with the discipline from an international perspective. You will explore psychological theories of criminal behaviour, offender profiling methodologies, risk assessment, the psychology of victims, and the psychological aspects of police investigation and court processes. The combination of academic study and practical placement experience is particularly valuable in a field where professional credibility depends on both knowledge and demonstrated competence.

Forensic psychology graduates typically continue to postgraduate training to become fully qualified forensic psychologists, as the title is protected and requires registration with the British Psychological Society and, ultimately, the Health and Care Professions Council. The undergraduate degree with BPS accreditation provides the academic foundation for that route. Alongside the route to qualification, graduates work in roles supporting offender assessment, prison psychology teams, probation services, victim support, and research organisations.

The placement year often helps graduates identify which areas of forensic practice they wish to pursue and builds the practical experience that postgraduate training programmes look for.