Forensic Psychology (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)

University of East London

Our exciting and highly stimulating forensic psychology course will equip you for a future career in various roles within the wider criminal justice system. The course is not solely focussing on individuals and the reasons behind the crime but also examines how the various social and psychological factors have an impact on lives and, in turn, offending behaviour.

Building from the broad grounding we'll give you in basic psychology, you'll specialise in evaluating the dynamic interplay between psychological and social factors that might affect offending behaviour, consider the evidence base in the area alongside individual pathways and lived experience. You will also develop a deeper understanding of the processes involved in the criminal justice system.

The course is designed to give students both a solid understanding of mainstream psychology and a more detailed understanding of forensic psychology theory, research and practice. You will be encouraged to critically engage with academic material, evaluate its applications and develop an understanding of individual pathways and issues related to research and practice in secure settings. Understanding both evidence and the experience of those who have committed a crime will assist you in the development of your own critical approach to professional practice and research in forensic psychology.

A degree in forensic psychology will help you build a career in organisations such as the Prison Service, the Probation, Youth Offending teams, substance use and secure mental health services.

It will also put you in a good position to apply for the specialised postgraduate training needed to become a practising forensic psychologist.

There are many jobs and careers that are options for you with a BSc Psychology degree. These include jobs within the Allied Psychology sector, such as: Employment Specialist, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Social Prescribing Link Worker, Wellbeing Manager, Mental Health Social Worker, FE Psychology teacher, Research Assistant or Assistant Psychologist, Prison Advocacy roles (e.g. Women In Prison); Probation Service. Some of these many require further training that we can help you with.

Some of our graduates choose to seek employment in non-Psychology areas. These are jobs in areas where there are employers who want psychology graduates, due to the transferable skills you will gain during your studies. These include Human Resources, Market Research, Civil Service, Business Graduate Training Schemes, Teaching, Third sector & Charity roles, administration, self-employed or entrepreneur, data work in public and private sectors, Police Work (via officer training/graduate schemes, and also Police support/civilian roles) and allied health professions.

BSc Psychology is also an essential qualification for students seeking further training and careers in Academia, Research, Clinical, Counselling, Occupational and Educational Psychology. All of these options are possible with our BPS-accredited degrees alongside experience. Other postgraduate options that you may wish to specialise include Health Psychology, Sports Psychology, Neuropsychology or Neuroscience, Forensic/Criminal Psychology.