Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is the application of psychological science to the legal system and the criminal justice process, examining questions about criminal behaviour, witness testimony, offender rehabilitation, risk assessment, and the psychology of legal decision-making. It is a discipline that brings the rigorous empirical methods of psychology to bear on questions that have direct consequences for individuals' liberty and for public safety, and it requires both scientific precision and an awareness of the ethical and legal frameworks within which psychological evidence is used.

At the University of Northampton, this programme is offered on a part-time basis, making it accessible to students who need to balance their studies with work or other commitments. You will study the major areas of forensic psychology, including offender profiling, the psychology of crime and antisocial behaviour, eyewitness memory, the assessment and treatment of offenders, the psychology of legal processes, and research methods and ethics. You will also develop an understanding of the legal and criminal justice systems within which forensic psychologists work, and the professional responsibilities and boundaries that govern their practice.

The part-time mode suits students who are already working in criminal justice, mental health, or a related field and want to develop their specialist knowledge alongside their careers.

Graduates of forensic psychology programmes work in a range of roles within the criminal justice system, including offender assessment and rehabilitation, victim services, police advisory roles, and policy analysis. The degree provides a strong foundation for further professional training in forensic psychology, which requires postgraduate qualification and supervised practice to achieve chartered status with the British Psychological Society. Others move into research, education, and broader mental health or social work roles where an understanding of criminal behaviour and the justice system is valuable.