Psychology with Forensic Psychology

Psychology with forensic psychology is a combination that develops a scientific understanding of human behaviour alongside specialist knowledge of how psychological theory and research are applied in legal and criminal justice contexts. Core psychology equips you with the research methods, theoretical frameworks, and empirical foundations needed to understand human cognition, emotion, behaviour, and development. Forensic psychology applies this knowledge in settings including criminal investigations, court proceedings, offender assessment and rehabilitation, and the psychological effects of crime on victims and witnesses.

At Aberystwyth University this four-year programme includes an integrated year in industry, which provides a sustained period of professional experience in a relevant psychology or criminal justice context during your studies. This is built directly into the degree structure rather than being an optional extra, making it a distinctive feature of the programme. You will study core psychological theory and research methods to a high standard, as the degree is designed to provide BPS graduate basis for membership, while also developing specialist knowledge of criminal development and behaviour, courtroom psychology, offender profiling, and the forensic application of psychological assessment tools.

Graduates from psychology with forensic psychology programmes work in the probation service, prison service, youth offending teams, police, victim support, and social work. Qualifying as a registered forensic psychologist requires postgraduate training and supervised practice after the degree, and many graduates pursue master's programmes in forensic psychology or clinical psychology to work towards chartered status. The year in industry gives graduates a head start in building the supervised practice hours needed for professional registration.

Others use the analytical and psychological skills developed on the degree in research, human resources, and a wide range of public sector and voluntary sector roles.