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LOCATION
Stratford Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
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.
What makes this course different
92% Overall student satisfaction
A great endorsement from our own forensic psychology students (NSS, 2020)
Accredited by the British Psychological Society
This accreditation is a mark of quality that students and employers understand and value. Studying a BPS accredited course will give you the opportunity to gain graduate or chartered membership of the Society.
A Rare Find in London
UEL is one of the few places to offer forensic psychology as an undergraduate course.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Our psychology degree will give you a broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of modern psychology. You will develop a good knowledge of the influences on and factors involved in human functioning in all the core areas of psychology:
- Biological foundations
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Individual Differences
- Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
- Research methods
You will also develop detailed knowledge of several specialised areas through option choice, develop knowledge of research paradigms, methods and measurement techniques, of real life applications of theory to behaviour and experience, and knowledge of how behaviour and experience can be affected by physical and mental illness. This knowledge will be backed up by subject-based practical skills such as the ability to design and conduct research, to analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, and awareness of ethical issues and principles in research on human behaviour.
Key to many careers - you will also develop thinking skills, including analysis and interpretation of evidence, scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and appreciation of multiple perspectives and approaches. Furthermore, other skills for life and work including communication, computer literacy (word processing, statistical software), interpersonal and group skills, numeracy and statistical competence, self-knowledge and reflexivity, and planning and time-management.
In your second and third years, you will have the opportunity to concentrate on forensic psychology modules and in your final year, you'll design, execute and analyse a project in your subject area.
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up to date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
COURSE SPECIFICATION - BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology (v22)
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MODULES
- Foundation Year only
Personal Development (Mental Wealth) ClosePersonal Development (Mental Wealth)
This module aims to build students' knowledge of theories and interventions in various areas of personal development. This knowledge will enhance students' reflective abilities, autonomous thinking, interpersonal skills and help them to build a connection with the discipline of Psychology. The module is aimed at providing students with effective tools for personal development that can be utilised throughout all stages of academic study, professional development and the lifespan.
Psychology in the Everyday ClosePsychology in the Everyday
This module introduces contemporary issues in Psychology grounded in the real world. The aim of the module is to ensure students gain exposure to how Psychology, its applications and key theories, play a part in our everyday lives. The module will assist students in critically and creatively examining real world topics through the eyes of psychologists, by exploring the topic area cross-culturally, outlining key theories, findings, practical issues, ethics and research methods. Students will become more psychologically aware, ready for Level 4. It is intended that the topics will provide an insight for students on possible future pathways.
Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology CloseIntroduction to Research Methods in Psychology
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the research process in Psychology. Students will learn about different research methods used by psychologists, both quantitative and qualitative. As part of this process they will conduct a small-scale research project, learning how to present their findings and consider the strengths and limitations of the study. This will include developing an awareness of ethical issues involved in psychological research.
Key Studies in Psychology CloseKey Studies in Psychology
The aim of the module is to introduce students to key debates and research findings in psychology by describing, discussing and analysing examples of influential studies. These studies will be drawn from different areas of psychology, for example, social, biological and developmental psychology and illustrate varied approaches in psychology, for example, experimental, observational and critical. Through this module, students will become familiar with psychology terminology and research techniques and will learn about the ways in which research findings are evaluated, applied and built upon in future studies.
Introduction to Counselling Skills CloseIntroduction to Counselling Skills
By the end of this module, you will have received an overview of the main tenets of counselling theory, research and practice in the UK. You will have acquired an understanding of the various attitudes and core qualities relevant to counselling and allied helping professions, and you will have begun to understand the importance of ethics and ethical issues in counselling.
You will also have gained hands-on experience of the development and use of core skills such as attending, listening and communication empathy. During this process, you will gain a good grounding in the role of personal therapy as a means of personal and professional development.
Moreover, you will have experienced, first-hand, the privilege of working with peers in a process of developing personally and professionally through practical experience. A central theme in this pursuit is that of embracing reflective practice through giving and receiving feedback.
Introduction to Academic Practice CloseIntroduction to Academic Practice
The principle aim of this module is to help students to realise and develop the key academic and transferable skills they need in order to make a successful transition from further education to undergraduate level studies in Psychology. In the process of achieving this aim this module will also lay the foundation for the further development of the skills during subsequent levels of undergraduate study and promote an awareness of their utility in wider professional context.
- Core Modules
Thinking Like a Psychologist (Mental Wealth) CloseThinking Like a Psychologist (Mental Wealth)
The aim of the module is to support students in their transition to Degree level study of Psychology, introducing them to new ways of thinking that have psychology at the core. Students will learn about psychological principles that have value in everyday life and learning. They will be supported in the development of critical thinking skills, prized by graduate employers. In addition, students will learn how to present psychological concepts to members of the general public, and to use on-line presentation software to facilitate such work.
Introduction to Biological and Social and Individual Differences CloseIntroduction to Biological and Social and Individual Differences
The main aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the core fields of Social and Biological Psychology and Individual Differences and a foundation for understanding and evaluating these approaches within the discipline of Psychology and an understanding of historical, social and cultural influences. Students will also develop a knowledge of relevant key concepts and theories, providing a grounding for level 5 study of applied topics in these fields.
Introduction to Cognitive and Developmental Psychology CloseIntroduction to Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
In this module, we explore the mechanisms that process information about the world (such as perception, memory, and attention) and by which we develop our responses to it (e.g., by thinking, communicating, and the shaping of behaviour by our learning). In doing so, this module introduces core topics in cognitive psychology (which seeks to scientifically model how the mind functions) and developmental psychology (which seeks to understand change through the lifespan).
Psychology in Applied Contexts ClosePsychology in Applied Contexts
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the ways in which psychology is used in professional roles and graduate level employment. Module content will include an introduction to the core professional division of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and, beyond this, to the diverse ways in which psychology is used within 'real-world' settings, including well-established and new emerging career opportunities. The module will provide a foundation for understanding, reflecting on and developing graduate employability which will be built on at level 5.
Researching with Small Samples CloseResearching with Small Samples
To introduce students to key approaches to research in Psychology, including research design, data analysis, evaluating and writing up research. This module will focus on research methods appropriate to questions relating to smaller sample sizes.
Researching with Larger Samples CloseResearching with Larger Samples
To introduce students to key approaches to research in Psychology, including research design, data analysis, evaluating and writing up research. This module will focus on research methods appropriate to questions relating to larger sample sizes.
- Core Modules
Individual Differences and Diversity CloseIndividual Differences and Diversity
This module has three principle aims: (i) to develop a critical and historical awareness of theories of, and issues relating to, individual differences (ii) to instil understanding of, and foster respect for, diversity; (iii) to encourage students to be insightful and reflective about their own and others' behaviour and mental processes. An ongoing theme of the module will be to consider the implications of the knowledge imparted for real-life events and the development of professional practice. These aims are intended to help students develop into psychologically literate citizens.
Psychological Research Methods ClosePsychological Research Methods
The aim of the module is to build on material delivered in the level 4 research method modules and provide a preparation for the independent research project at level 6. The module will: present more advanced statistical methods used to analyse quantitative data from designs with one and more than one IV/factor; to ensure awareness of a range of experimental and non-experimental quantitative designs (including real-world research) and a range of qualitative designs; consider issues of internal and external validity; further consider epistemological and methodological issues, reflexivity, ethics and practicalities of conducting qualitative research; and provide students with opportunities to gain further experience designing, executing and writing quantitive and qualitative research studies.
Topics in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology CloseTopics in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
The module builds on students' learning at level 4 and explores a range of current issues and topics in cognitive and developmental psychology in greater depth. Students will learn about appropriate ways to analyse and interpret findings in these core areas of psychology. The module's aim is to encourage a more evaluative and analytical approach than at level 4 coverage of these areas of psychology.
Applications of Psychobiology and Social Psychology CloseApplications of Psychobiology and Social Psychology
The module will build upon knowledge of the psychobiology and social psychological approaches that were introduced at Level 4. The aim of the module is to develop students' knowledge and critical awareness of these major theoretical perspectives for understanding human behaviour. Current issues as well as historical debates in these two areas will be explored. Considerable focus will be placed upon the real-world application and utility of theories falling within each approach.
Work-Based Learning in Psychology (Mental Wealth) CloseWork-Based Learning in Psychology (Mental Wealth)
The module is designed to further develop students' awareness of the range of careers, work and volunteering opportunities open to psychology graduates and to support their engagement with personal and professional development strategies. Based on a short period of work-experience, arranged by students and completed as part of the module's student learning time, students will be able to learn about organisations and make use of networking opportunities. They will have an opportunity to integrate psychological theory with practice and to clarify their interests and goals.
Optional ModulesResearch Skills in Cognitive Neuroscience CloseResearch Skills in Cognitive Neuroscience
This option module introduces the students to the theoretical underpinnings of cognitive neuroscience, and to the practical skills necessary to conduct research in cognitive neuroscience. In the first part of the module, the students will be introduced to cognitive neuroscience literature that utilises specific technologies (e.g, electrophysiology or eye-tracking). In the second part of the module, the students will be asked to pick a certain technology and will be guided in groups to develop and analyse an experiment that uses that technology.
Introduction to Forensic Psychology CloseIntroduction to Forensic Psychology
The main aims of this module are:
- To introduce concepts and issues in forensic and criminological psychology.
- To provide an overview of the historical, current and potential future relationships between psychology and the criminal justice system.
- To provide a clear overview of how psychology has been used, and can further be used, to inform practical problems arising in the criminal justice system.
Psychology, Identity and Society ClosePsychology, Identity and Society
Students will be introduced to the range of debates that have led to a move away from 'positivistic' psychology and towards what is now known as critical social psychology or, 'societal' psychology. The module will introduce a variety of critical approaches and explore limitations and constraints of individualistic, reductionist and essentialist analyses of the individual and the social in psychology. The module will foster an awareness of the importance of the 'social locatedness' (historical, community, philosophical, etc.) of psychological knowledge and 'realities' and will explore subjectivity and identity, social-relations, broader cultural formations (than traditionally allowed by positivistic social psychology) and collective sense-making across a range of theories, methods and topic areas.
Childhood: Difficulties and Differences across Development CloseChildhood: Difficulties and Differences across Development
The aim of the module is to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of theoretical accounts and key research findings on difficulties and differences that begin or are first observed in childhood, building on and adding to the developmental psychology modules taken at levels 4 and 5. The module will aim to develop students’ abilities to evaluate research on atypical development and explore how research findings have relevance to the real world.
Clinical and Community Psychology CloseClinical and Community Psychology
This module will introduce students to key concepts in both Clinical Psychology and Community Psychology.
Introduction to Positive Psychology Coaching CloseIntroduction to Positive Psychology Coaching
Positive Psychology Coaching is a scientifically rooted approach to helping individuals, groups and communities to increase wellbeing, enhance and apply strengths, increase self-awareness, improve performance, achieve goals and flourish.This module will offer a comprehensive introduction to the science of Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology. It will take you through the main theories and research in the field and its application in different contexts.
Principles and Practices for Environmental Psychology ClosePrinciples and Practices for Environmental Psychology
This module provides an overview of the relationship between humans and their environments. The module offers an overview to the theory, practice and application of psychology approaches in environmental settings. The origins, basic principles and key conceptual issues to environment-behaviour relationships are introduced and studied.
- Core Modules
Psychology in Communication and Social Engagement (Mental Wealth) ClosePsychology in Communication and Social Engagement (Mental Wealth)
This module will develop students' understanding of the range of theories and techniques involved in psychologies of social engagement. Examples include the communication of psychological knowledge to external audiences and the use of psychological knowledge to address real world issues and problems. These examples will be contextualised with reference to conceptual and historical issues in psychology. Students will be invited to develop a broad understanding of psychology and their psychological knowledge as it is relevant to the wider world, including local communities, businesses, politics and policy.
Forensic Psychology Research Project CloseForensic Psychology Research Project
- To improve student's awareness of the issues involved in the formulations, execution and reporting of forensic psychology research and theory.
- To facilitate students' application of their skills and psychological knowledge to conduct and report an independent piece of empirical research in forensic psychology
Advanced Forensic Psychology CloseAdvanced Forensic Psychology
The aims of the module are to educate students into the complexity of behaviour that is considered criminological; to examine psychological theory and research concerning different types of offending behaviour and for students to develop an appreciation of the role that psychologists can play in rehabilitation and desistance from offending behaviour.
Optional ModulesHealth Psychology CloseHealth Psychology
The module describes and evaluates biopsychosocial approaches to health and illness. It examines social and psychological processes which contribute to the occurrence of various physical health outcomes and to the maintenance of health. It discusses the role of psychosocial processes in the experience and progression of health and illness. Specifically, it examines biopsychosocial precursors and consequences which are identifiable empirically in the aetiology and progression of a variety of health phenomena. Such precursors include the role of social support, social cognitions, individual differences in coping and personality, life change events and psycho-neuro-immunological, endocrine and other physiological processes. In summary, this module explores how psychological and social factors impact out health. Implications for prevention of illness and promotion of health are considered.
Advanced Developmental Psychology CloseAdvanced Developmental Psychology
This module will provide students with an opportunity to examine and evaluate in-depth key and current methods and findings in developmental psychology. The aim is to investigate the main factors that shape development in a variety of domains (social, emotional, cognitive) and across ages, in a manner that will help students to develop the skills required to be able to critically analyse research in this area. The module will also give students the opportunity to consolidate and to explore in more depth some of the concepts previously introduced at levels 4 and 5.
Psychology of Choice ClosePsychology of Choice
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the main concepts and theories in research on preference choices, risk perception and communication, and judgement and decision making. Students will be able to describe and evaluate research findings on how people assess risks (major hazards, terrorism etc.) and which psychological factors determine the choices and preferences made by individuals and experts.
Psychology of Belief ClosePsychology of Belief
The aims of the module are to assist students in developing; their skills and competencies in critical thinking and the evaluation of information; their ability to understand behaviours motivated by different values and different cultural perspectives; and their ability to understand the causes of beliefs which they do not themselves ascribe to.
Students will explore the various factors (e.g., social, developmental, cognitive, cultural, and biopsychological) that contribute to unsubstantiated beliefs, look at various theories of religious belief, and explore the psychology of moral values and political affiliation.
Psychology of Emotion ClosePsychology of Emotion
This module will aim to explore and critically evaluate approaches to the emotions in Psychology. The aim will be for students to develop knowledge about the role and nature of emotions in psychological experiences, and critically evaluate emotion research.
Occupational Psychology CloseOccupational Psychology
The module aims to introduce students to the main areas of occupational and organisational psychology and providing a critical understanding of the various ways in which contemporary psychological knowledge is applied to workplace behaviour of people and to business management. It elucidates multiple aspects of human performance at work and ways to optimise them, considering their individual, group and organisational contexts.
Applied Cyberpsychology CloseApplied Cyberpsychology
Broadly speaking the module aims to help students:
- Think about how Cyberpsychology can enhance the communication and impact of psychological science.
- Consider the implications of existing lines of psychological inquiry for research within Cyberpsychology.
- Critically evaluate the way that research in Cyberpsychology can be applied to society.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
We have implemented an innovative Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL):
- Increased face-to-face learning and teaching. Students will spend their timetabled contact hours on campus in a 2.5 day block and have access to a wide range of additional learning and career development opportunities.
- Access to recorded lectures, notes, readings and e-resources through the VLE, so that student engagement in learning takes place beyond timetabled hours.
- Access to industry standard technology and specialist spaces that help prepare students for their future career.
- Dedicated time, every Wednesday afternoon, for most students to engage in activities and development programmes such as sport and physical activity, volunteering and student-led clubs and societies.
- A holistic approach to learning and teaching, providing a range of opportunities to actively develop academically, personally and professionally.
- Access to our on-campus and virtual Career Zones - places to receive advice and guidance, meet employers, practice interviews and engage with opportunities for internships and jobs.
- Personalised support throughout the learner journey, with access to academic advisers, skills tutors, career coaches and wellbeing advisers.
- A dedicated portal - Track My Future (TMF) - which provides access to all learning and support services and a personalised student engagement dashboard.
When not attending timetabled lectures you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and Moodle.
Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).
Your overall workload consists of class and online tutor-led sessions, individual learning, practical activities. The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 20 - 25 students a year. Lecture sizes are normally 20 plus students.
In the seminars, you will be taught in smaller groups of students. However, this can vary by academic year.
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
Assessment tasks are mainly spread across the year to make the workload manageable. Assessment methods include group works, exams and individual work including essays, presentations, case studies, professional development and practical activities depending on the nature of the course. All grades count towards your module mark. More details will be included in the student handbook and module guides.
The course includes a core, work-based learning module at level 5 (Work-based Learning in Psychology). A minimum of 30 hours work experience is included in the module's study hours. Students are not assessed on their performance in the workplace but on assessments that require them to reflect on the experience, make links to relevant psychology research and theory and to their own personal and professional development.
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES
Stratford Campus, Water Lane, Stratford
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Laura Hamblin
Laura Hamblin is Interim Course Leader in BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology.
See full profile
Dr Ava Kanyeredzi
Dr Ava Kanyeredzi teaches on the BSc and MSc Forensic Psychology and Clinical and Community Psychology programmes.
See full profile
Dr Matteo Martini
Dr Matteo Martini is a psychologist and psychotherapist who joined the School of Psychology of UEL as a lecturer in late 2014.
See full profileWhat we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.
The course I’m studying covers a wide range of topics in Forensic Psychology, giving me a good understanding of the topic. The lecturers are very knowledgeable and supportive, and encourage students' personal development."
Simina Simon
Forensic Psychology, BSc (Hons), undergraduate
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
The fantastic thing about a psychology degree is that as well as going into professional psychology - the skills and knowledge it gives you means you can work practically anywhere.
Our degree and teaching will give you the skills and experience in data management, data analysis, report writing, and critical and creative thinking. These are all skills that are now in the top 10 of modern employers' requirements for graduates - so the fact you will have these skills and experience means you're a step ahead and well placed for graduate employment.
The forensic psychology programme will provide additional skills required for you to progress in this area. Many of our graduates are involved in research or practice in secure settings, forensic mental health services, victim support and various services that address the needs of populations involved within the criminal justice system such as substance use, sexual offending, domestic violence and knife crime.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.
