Forensic Investigative Psychology BSc (Hons)

Are you intrigued by the human mind? Are you keen to learn how psychologists can use scientific research methods to contribute to the investigative process of the police and the wider criminal justice system? Within our popular Forensic Investigative Psychology degree, you will explore topics such as eyewitness memory, mental disorder in crime, and juror decision making. Delivered by research active experts in their fields, this is an ideal degree if you aspire to work within the criminal justice system.<br/><br/>Within the Forensic Investigative Psychology degree at Winchester, our focus is on the latest research and theory that is informing both police practice and decisions within the criminal justice system. Students on this degree can draw on our specialist research labs and equipment as well as potential volunteering opportunities within local forensic related settings to develop a thorough understanding of psychology’s valuable role within the criminal justice system. <br/><br/>In Year 1, you will be introduced to the main psychological sub-disciplines and practice the scientific research methods psychologists employ to study these. You will consider how psychology can contribute to contemporary society and our understanding of clinical disorders. Year 1 also sees you embark on the Psychology department’s successful 3-year award-winning graduate employability path.<br/><br/>In Year 2, you will examine the core British Psychology Society required subjects such as child development, personality and individual differences, social, biological, and cognitive psychology as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods. There will also be a focus on your development, not only as an ethical forensic Investigative psychology researcher, but also as a future employable graduate. <br/><br/>In Year 3, supported by one of our high-calibre research active experts, you will develop, conduct, and write-up your own piece of independent forensic investigative psychology research. Your 3rd year features not only modules exploring eyewitness psychology and psychology, crime and the criminal justice system but also your selection from a range of optional modules to further explore your specialist interests within the wider field of psychology.<br/><br/>COURSE FEATURES<br/>- A degree accredited by the British Psychology Society that explores psychology with a focus on real-world applications.<br/><br/><br/>- An award-winning employability programme designed by our chartered occupational psychologist to develop your bespoke professional and personal competencies.<br/><br/><br/>- Study in a friendly and inclusive learning community. You will be supported by a dedicated team of lecturers, and with your own personal tutor and final year project supervisor who is research active within the field of forensic investigative psychology. <br/><br/><br/>- Access to talks delivered by experts in the field through the University of Winchester’s Centre for Forensic and Investigative Psychology Research.<br/><br/><br/>- Pre-approval for a Master’s degree at Winchester such as our MSc Forensic Psychology which provides the academic component (Stage 1) of the route to becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist.<br/><br/><br/>In addition to subject knowledge, Forensic Investigative Psychology graduates also develop skills in communication; numeracy; analysis; teamwork; critical thinking; computing; independent learning; project management and many others, all of which are highly valued by employers.<br/>Due to the wide range of skills and the rigour with which they are taught, training in psychology is widely accepted as providing an excellent preparation for many careers. These include but are not limited to forensic mental health services (either in the NHS or private sector), probation service, the courts, police service, prison service, security services/agencies, charities, or further education.<br/><br/>The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA.