100% Online MSc Forensic Psychology

Understand criminal behaviour and succeed in your criminal justice career

  • Apply By: 22 October 2026
  • To Begin: 2 November 2026

180 credits

•

2 years part-time

•

£6000 total fees

100% online
MSc Forensic
Psychology

Understand criminal behaviour and succeed in your criminal justice career

Start date November
Programme Duration 24 months part-time
Attendance 100% online
Total Fee £6,000
Credits 180

Assured By Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education

Study anytime, anywhere,
on any device

Renowned for Exceptional
Teaching Quality

Course Overview

Develop the forensic skills to excel

The online MSc Forensic Psychology from North Wales Management School has been created for individuals in fields associated with the criminal justice system. Studying this programme, you will develop a greater understanding of psychological science and its application to criminal behaviour and will equip yourself for progression into senior roles.

Highly relevant to barristers, members of the police force and probation officers, amongst others, this master’s programme develops an understanding of the role of psychological evidence to affect change in forensic settings and contexts.

Studying this online forensic psychology master’s degree, you will develop knowledge in key areas associated with work in the criminal justice system, including the psychological underpinnings of criminal behaviour, tackling challenges raised by mental ill-health, and the role of psychological evidence as a method of informing and shaping practices within the criminal justice system.

Core modules develop knowledge and skills in:

  • Forensic psychology in the criminal justice process
  • Mental disorder and crime
  • Psychology of criminal conduct
  • Assessments in psychology
  • Psychology of health and wellbeing
  • Educational psychology
  • Critical thinking and evidence appraisal
  • Quantitative and qualitative research skills
Psychology session — therapist taking notes while client talks

This course builds practical psychology knowledge and skills for a range of careers. However, it does not carry BPS accreditation. If you're aiming to become a Chartered or Practitioner Psychologist (e.g. Clinical, Counselling, Forensic, Health, Occupational, Educational, or Sport & Exercise Psychology), you'll need a separate BPS-accredited qualification for that route.

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What will you learn

Examine the role forensic psychology plays within justice systems and what it reveals about offending behaviour, police practice, and criminal proceedings. Drawing on current research and theory, you'll consider how psychological insight can inform prevention and intervention strategies. You'll also explore how forensic psychology contributes to tackling global challenges within criminal justice.

This module aims to provide a detailed and critical exploration of the contribution forensic psychology can make to criminal investigations and of the processes by which guilt or innocence is established in court.

This module critically explores the relationship between mental disorder and crime. In this module you will explore historical accounts of how mental disorder has been identified and managed and look critically at the relationship between mental disorder and crime. You will begin to understand the complex challenges posed by ill mental health in criminal justice settings.

This module helps you to develop an advanced understanding of the contribution psychology can make to understanding and addressing criminal behaviour.

Topics in Health Psychology aims to equip you with a knowledge and understanding of the role of social, psychological, and biological factors on health, illness, and wellbeing within the context of the individual, contemporary society, and how they relate to challenges in the workplace. The module encourages the development of a critical understanding of relevant theories and models of behavioural change. You will cover topics around health promotion, the impact of social media, and the impact and management of stress and chronic illness, which can be applied to strategic, informed management practices in business.

Quantitative Research Methods aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding to approach quantitative methods and analysis in psychology. You will be rapidly brought up to speed on classical and contemporary methods and quantitative methodology, and learn how to select, carry out, and evaluate the application of statistical methods commonly applied in experimental and survey-based research.

Assessments in Psychology provides you with an overview of various means of collecting information using clinical and psychometric assessments. You will gain an understanding of the role and function of psychological assessments across applied settings. You will also learn how to evaluate the reliability and validity of a given measure and interpret data produced by these assessments

This module introduces educational psychology and discusses the range of learners, contexts, and situations that educational psychologists work with. Theory, empirical evidence, and vignettes illustrate how educational psychologists can make an impact on young people’s experiences within the school environment. Aspects of cognition, learning, and instruction are covered, as well as social, emotional, and behavioural issues in school.

Quantitative Research Methods aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding to approach quantitative methods and analysis in psychology. You will be rapidly brought up to speed on classical and contemporary methods and quantitative methodology, and learn how to select, carry out, and evaluate the application of statistical methods commonly applied in experimental and survey-based research.

This module enables you to prepare to engage in a significant work-based research project. You will be able to demonstrate a deep level of understanding of the philosophical roots of educational research by proposing an area for research, researching an initial question and by arguing the case for a coherent research design for your chosen research question.

Design and carry out your own original research project, building on the proposal you developed earlier in the programme. Along the way, you'll critically appraise existing literature, apply transparent and replicable methods, and analyse and discuss your findings with confidence. You'll also be encouraged to reflect on the research process itself, including the ethical considerations that shaped the decisions you made.

How It Works

Flexible Online Learning

Specifically designed to be studied and completed while in full-time work. Study at the times that are convenient to you and fit it around your work and family life.

Real-World Relevance

QAA-assured, industry-led programmes, incorporating deep knowledge and expertise of employer partners and tailored to the needs of the modern job market.

Industry Connections

Close links with leading local and regional employers, including Toyota, Kellogg's, Brother Industries and the BBC.

Academic Support

Receive personalised feedback on assignments and one-to-one guidance from dedicated tutors. Our Student Support team provides assistance with academic writing, research skills and career development.

Career Outcomes

An applied focus designed for success in criminal justice careers

Rather than being a conversion master’s for forensic psychologists, this online postgraduate course helps you to apply an understanding of forensic psychology and criminal behaviour to roles in the police, criminal courts, and the corrections system. A deeper understanding of criminal behaviour will make you more effective in your role, helping you to progress to more senior and more challenging roles.

Our deep-rooted relationships with major employers have helped shape a MSc Forensic Psychology that is specifically focused on enabling career progression in diverse professional and management roles across the criminal justice system.

Management consultant
£48k–£65k
Chief operating officer
£55k–£80k
Strategy director
£60k–£90k
Business development
£50k–£70k

Entry Requirements

Academic qualifications

  • You should have or be about to complete an undergraduate degree with a minimum grade of 2:2 (or equivalent qualification). We will also accept master's degrees or equivalent.
  • If you earned your undergraduate degree outside the UK, you should check that it is equivalent to a 2:2.

Professional experience

We may also accept applicants who do not have these qualifications based on relevant work experience.

Check your eligibility
×

If English isn't your first language, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept:

  • IELTS at 6.0 overall with no individual component below 5.5
  • TOEFL overall minimum 60
  • PTE Academic overall minimum 50
  • Cambridge (CAE & CPE) overall 169 with minimum scores of 162 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
  • A degree qualification taught in English
  • Evidence that you work in a company where English is the first language
  • High school qualifications in English
  • Completion of a Duolingo test with an overall score of 105 with no subscore less than 95 in the language section.

Fees

Total course fee
£6,000
Per module
£500

North Wales Management School online MSc programmes are designed to be affordable. Tuition fees are calculated per eight-week module. You can enrol in, and pay for, each consecutive module as your studies progress. Payment is accepted through the online student portal and must meet the payment deadline.

*10% fee reduction for graduates of Wrexham University*

Find out more about funding options

Meet the Faculty

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Dr Jane Whitfield

Professor of Strategic Management

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15+ years
Industry experience
40+
Published papers

What Our Students Say

Meet Samantha

100% online MSc Psychology

Samantha is studying the MBA at the North Wales Management School while working full-time — proof that a career break isn't the only way to make this kind of qualification work. She chose the online route so she could apply what she was learning directly to real decisions at work, week by week, rather than putting her career on hold to do it. "I wanted a qualification that changed how I think on the job, not just something to add to my CV afterwards".

Her take: the flexibility isn't a compromise — it's what made the whole thing possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most students study 10–12 hours a week around full-time work.
  • Content is released module by module, so you can pace yourself.
  • Deadlines are spaced out across the 24-month part-time route.
  • No — this programme is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
  • It's built to apply psychology within professional/business contexts, not clinical practice.
  • Further qualifications would be required for BPS membership.
  • No — this programme is designed for professionals from any background.
  • You'll need an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above (or equivalent).
  • Relevant work experience can also be considered in place of a formal qualification.

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Modules

Modules
Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Examine the role forensic psychology plays within justice systems and what it reveals about offending behaviour, police practice, and criminal proceedings. Drawing on current research and theory, you'll consider how psychological insight can inform prevention and intervention strategies. You'll also explore how forensic psychology contributes to tackling global challenges within criminal justice.

Forensic Psychology in the Criminal Justice Process

This module aims to provide a detailed and critical exploration of the contribution forensic psychology can make to criminal investigations and of the processes by which guilt or innocence is established in court.

Mental Disorder and Crime

This module critically explores the relationship between mental disorder and crime. In this module you will explore historical accounts of how mental disorder has been identified and managed and look critically at the relationship between mental disorder and crime. You will begin to understand the complex challenges posed by ill mental health in criminal justice settings.

The Psychology of Criminal Conduct

This module helps you to develop an advanced understanding of the contribution psychology can make to understanding and addressing criminal behaviour.

Topics in Health Psychology

Topics in Health Psychology aims to equip you with a knowledge and understanding of the role of social, psychological, and biological factors on health, illness, and wellbeing within the context of the individual, contemporary society, and how they relate to challenges in the workplace. The module encourages the development of a critical understanding of relevant theories and models of behavioural change. You will cover topics around health promotion, the impact of social media, and the impact and management of stress and chronic illness, which can be applied to strategic, informed management practices in business.

Quantitative Research Methods

Quantitative Research Methods aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding to approach quantitative methods and analysis in psychology. You will be rapidly brought up to speed on classical and contemporary methods and quantitative methodology, and learn how to select, carry out, and evaluate the application of statistical methods commonly applied in experimental and survey-based research.

Assessments in Psychology

Assessments in Psychology provides you with an overview of various means of collecting information using clinical and psychometric assessments. You will gain an understanding of the role and function of psychological assessments across applied settings. You will also learn how to evaluate the reliability and validity of a given measure and interpret data produced by these assessments.

Introduction to Educational Psychology

This module introduces educational psychology and discusses the range of learners, contexts, and situations that educational psychologists work with. Theory, empirical evidence, and vignettes illustrate how educational psychologists can make an impact on young people’s experiences within the school environment. Aspects of cognition, learning, and instruction are covered, as well as social, emotional, and behavioural issues in school.

Qualitative Research Methods

Quantitative Research Methods aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding to approach quantitative methods and analysis in psychology. You will be rapidly brought up to speed on classical and contemporary methods and quantitative methodology, and learn how to select, carry out, and evaluate the application of statistical methods commonly applied in experimental and survey-based research.

Research Proposal

This module enables you to prepare to engage in a significant work-based research project. You will be able to demonstrate a deep level of understanding of the philosophical roots of educational research by proposing an area for research, researching an initial question and by arguing the case for a coherent research design for your chosen research question.

Research Project

Design and carry out your own original research project, building on the proposal you developed earlier in the programme. Along the way, you'll critically appraise existing literature, apply transparent and replicable methods, and analyse and discuss your findings with confidence. You'll also be encouraged to reflect on the research process itself, including the ethical considerations that shaped the decisions you made.

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100% Online & Flexible Learning

100% Online and Flexible Learning

Career-Focused Programmes Designed for Real-World Skills

Career-Focused Programmes Designed for Real-World Skills

Internationally Recognised Qualifications

Internationally Recognised Qualifications

Renowned for Exceptional Teaching Quality

Renowned for Exceptional Teaching Quality

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