Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is the application of psychological knowledge and methods to the legal and criminal justice system. It asks how criminal behaviour develops, what psychological factors are associated with offending, how eyewitness testimony works and fails, how offenders can be assessed and rehabilitated, and what psychological principles should inform the design of criminal justice policy. The discipline sits between psychology and criminology, drawing on both to address the practical and theoretical questions that arise when psychological expertise is brought to bear on legal processes.

At the University of Derby, this part-time programme includes a foundation year for students who would benefit from a structured introduction to psychology and academic study before progressing to the full degree. The main programme examines the psychology of criminal behaviour, the assessment of offenders, the experience of victims and witnesses, and the design and evaluation of interventions aimed at reducing reoffending. The programme also includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study at a partner institution in a different national context.

The typical entry tariff is 136 UCAS points for the main degree entry.

Graduates of forensic psychology programmes typically go on to further postgraduate training to become chartered forensic psychologists. Roles in forensic psychology practice include work with offenders in prisons, secure hospitals, and probation settings, as well as assessment for courts, police consultation, and work with victims. Academic research in forensic psychology is also a common path.

Many graduates use the undergraduate degree as a foundation for postgraduate training in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, or criminology, building the specialist expertise required for professional practice in this demanding but important field.