University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The DForenPsy is a blended programme of advanced taught modules, supervised applied placements and an original doctoral research project. Taught components develop advanced knowledge of forensic assessment, risk formulation, offender treatment and rehabilitation, investigative and courtroom psychology, and the ethical and legal contexts of working with offender and victim populations. Research training covers advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, critical appraisal of evidence, and translating research into practice.

Core learning typically includes modules on:

• Forensic assessment and formulation — structured approaches to assessment of risk, needs and offending-related factors.
• Treatment and offending behaviour programmes — theory and evaluation of interventions across custodial and community settings.
• Investigative and legal psychology — eyewitness testimony, interviewing, and expert evidence.
• Research methods and statistics — advanced methods tailored for applied forensic research.
• Professional and ethical practice — confidentiality, safeguarding, multi-agency work and the professional role of the forensic psychologist.
• Work-based learning / placements — supervised clinical practice in prisons, secure hospitals, probation, or police-related services.

The doctoral component comprises a substantial original research thesis that makes a contribution to understanding an applied forensic issue, supported by supervision from academic staff with expertise in forensic psychology and criminology.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in psychology that confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society, plus relevant postgraduate training or equivalent applied experience in forensic settings. Many successful applicants will already hold a conversion or specialist MSc in forensic psychology or have demonstrable applied experience working with offender or forensic client groups.

Selection also typically draws on the quality of a research proposal or statement of research interests, references, and evidence of ability to undertake doctoral-level study and clinically complex placements. Applicants must be able to meet safeguarding and background checks required for work in secure settings and demonstrate appropriate English language proficiency where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates from the DForenPsy go on to practitioner and research roles across criminal justice and mental health systems. Typical career destinations include:

• Forensic psychologist roles in prisons, secure hospitals and community forensic services.
• Psychology services within probation, youth offending teams and police forces.
• Applied research positions in universities, government agencies and third-sector organisations focused on crime, rehabilitation and public protection.
• Expert witness work, policy consultancy and senior clinical leadership or management roles within forensic mental health services.

The programme equips students with both the clinical competencies and research skills valued in assessment, intervention development, evaluation and policy-focused roles.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham offers a research-intensive environment with staff active in forensic and applied clinical research and established links with local and national criminal justice and health services. Students benefit from experienced supervisors across psychology, criminology and psychiatry, and from access to multidisciplinary collaborations that support applied placements and impact-focused research.

Facilities include specialist research training in advanced methods and statistics, and opportunities to engage with real-world forensic practice through supervised placements with partner agencies. The programme emphasises the integration of rigorous research with high-quality professional practice to prepare graduates for practitioner-researcher careers in forensic settings.