Keele University

What you'll study

The programme combines core psychological theory with applied modules that focus on offending behaviour, investigative processes and the delivery of interventions in criminal justice settings. Typical modules include:

• Advanced Research Methods and Statistics – quantitative and qualitative methods, advanced statistical techniques and research design tailored to forensic questions.
• Forensic Assessment and Formulation – approaches to assessment, risk formulation, psychometric issues and evidence-based case formulation.
• Offender Treatment and Rehabilitation – theories of offending, treatment models for different offender groups and outcome evaluation.
• Investigative and Applied Forensic Psychology – investigative interviewing, eyewitness memory, offender profiling principles and decision-making in investigative contexts.
• Law, Ethics and Professional Practice – legal frameworks, ethical practice, working with agencies and professional responsibilities in forensic settings.
• Risk Assessment and Management – structured professional judgement, actuarial tools and multi-disciplinary approaches to risk.
• Research Project / Dissertation – an independent empirical or applied project supervised by a member of Keele's academic staff, allowing you to specialise in an area of forensic psychology.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, small-group seminars, practical laboratory sessions, case-based learning and supervised research. Assessment methods typically include assignments, case reports, portfolios, oral presentations, practical reports and a substantial dissertation. The programme is offered with options for full-time and part-time study.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a degree in psychology that provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society, usually an upper second-class (2:1) honours or equivalent. Applicants with a lower-class psychology degree plus relevant professional experience or a strong academic record from a related discipline may be considered on an individual basis.

We welcome applications from international students with comparable qualifications and English language proficiency. Typical evidence of suitability includes a personal statement outlining your interest in forensic psychology, a curriculum vitae, and academic references. Where relevant, admission tutors may also consider applicant experience in criminal justice, mental health or research roles.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a variety of roles across criminal justice, healthcare and research sectors. Common career pathways include assistant psychologist roles, research assistant posts, practitioner positions within probation services, prisons, secure hospitals and youth justice settings, and roles in victim support or policy and consultancy.

The MSc also provides a strong foundation for further professional training and study: many students progress to doctoral-level training or Stage 2 professional routes (where applicable) to pursue chartered forensic psychologist status, or continue to PhD study in forensic, clinical or applied psychology fields.

Why study at Keele University

Keele combines an interdisciplinary approach to studying crime and behaviour with strong research-led teaching in psychology and criminology. The School of Psychology hosts active researchers working on topics such as offender rehabilitation, risk assessment and eyewitness memory, and students benefit from supervision and teaching by staff with applied and research expertise.

Students at Keele also benefit from a campus-based environment with dedicated teaching and laboratory facilities, opportunities to engage with local criminal justice agencies for applied learning, and a supportive supervisory structure for the dissertation. The programme emphasises practical skills, ethical practice and research competence to prepare graduates for roles in practice, research and further professional training.