University of Leicester

What you'll study

This MSc brings together modules in psychological science, criminal justice policy and applied research methods. Core taught components typically cover:

• Forensic and Criminal Psychology: psychological explanations of offending and offending trajectories, criminal thinking, and the interface between individual differences and criminal behaviour.
• Crime, Justice and Society: criminological theories, the organisation of the criminal justice system, punishment, and contemporary policy debates including restorative justice and community responses.
• Research Methods and Statistics: quantitative and qualitative methods for applied research, psychometrics, data analysis using relevant software, and research design with an emphasis on ethical practice in forensic settings.
• Assessment, Intervention and Treatment: principles and practice of risk assessment, offender assessment tools, evidence-based interventions for offending behaviour, and issues in treatment delivery and evaluation.
• Victimology and Trauma: psychological impact of crime on victims, trauma-informed approaches, and support mechanisms within criminal justice and third-sector services.
• Dissertation or Major Research Project: an independent piece of applied research supervised by academic staff, allowing students to investigate a focused question linking psychology and criminal justice.

Teaching typically combines lectures, seminars, practical workshops and applied tasks. Assessment methods include essays, policy briefings, case reports, data analyses, presentations and the dissertation. The programme emphasises transferable skills such as critical appraisal, report writing, risk formulation and working with diverse stakeholders.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an honours degree at 2:1 or equivalent in psychology, criminology, social sciences or a related discipline. Applicants with a 2:2 may be considered if they have substantial relevant professional experience in criminal justice, probation, policing, offender management, victim support or related roles.

Because the programme contains substantial quantitative content, some prior training in statistics or research methods is advantageous; mature applicants without formal qualifications can be asked to demonstrate experience or complete preparatory work. International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers across the criminal justice, forensic and social care sectors. Typical roles include offender assessment officer, probation practitioner, policy analyst, victim support coordinator, case manager in community or custodial settings, research assistant in criminal justice or public policy teams, and positions in charities or NGOs focused on crime reduction and rehabilitation.

The programme also provides a strong foundation for further research (MPhil/PhD) or professional training routes in forensic psychology where candidates wish to progress towards practitioner accreditation, subject to the specific requirements of professional bodies and additional supervised practice.

Why study at University of Leicester

• Interdisciplinary strength: Leicester has a long-standing tradition of combining psychology with criminology and law, enabling a curriculum that reflects both theoretical depth and applied relevance.
• Research-informed teaching: You will be taught by academic staff engaged in applied research on offending, policing, trauma and rehabilitation, ensuring teaching is grounded in current evidence and policy debates.
• Applied learning opportunities: The programme encourages applied projects and connections with local criminal justice agencies, offering opportunities to develop practical skills valued by employers.
• Supportive environment: Small-group teaching, dedicated supervision for the dissertation and access to university research facilities and careers support help students transition to professional roles or further study.