Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme combines core psychological theory with applied modules that focus on investigation, interviewing, evidence evaluation and offender assessment. You will study research design and advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, offender behaviour and profiling, cognitive and social aspects of witness testimony, decision-making in investigative settings, and assessment and risk management.

Typical module topics include:

• Investigative psychology and offender profiling – theories and methods used to link behaviour to investigative hypotheses.
• Evidence and testimony – memory, suggestibility, identification evidence and courtroom issues.
• Interviewing and investigative decision-making – techniques for eliciting reliable information and analysing investigative processes.
• Assessment, risk and case formulation – victim and offender assessment approaches and risk management strategies.
• Research methods and statistics – advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, research ethics and data analysis skills.
• Applied project or dissertation – an independent empirical or practice-focused project, often with options to work on placements or agency-linked research.

The course emphasises applied skills through case studies, role-play, simulation exercises and opportunities for practitioner-led sessions. You will develop practical competencies in report writing, critical appraisal, experimental design and communicating findings to non-academic audiences.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK honours degree (2:1 preferred) in psychology or a closely related discipline. Graduates whose qualifications confer eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society, or an equivalent international qualification, are particularly well suited to this programme.

Applicants with a lower second-class degree (2:2) may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant experience in criminal justice, probation, policing, mental health or research, and strong academic potential. Mature applicants with substantial professional experience in relevant roles are also welcome to apply and will be assessed on their individual merits.

All candidates whose first language is not English must meet recognised English language requirements; evidence of recent study or professional experience in English-language contexts can also be considered.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across criminal justice, public protection and research. Typical career destinations include practitioner roles in policing and investigative units, offender assessment and management in probation and prisons, victim and witness support services, and analytical or research posts within criminal justice organisations.

The MSc also provides a solid foundation for further professional training and qualifications, such as doctoral programmes in forensic psychology, practitioner training routes, or specialist roles in academic and applied research. Transferable skills gained — critical appraisal, research methods, report writing and ethical practice — are also valuable in consultancy, policy development and third-sector organisations working in crime reduction and rehabilitation.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers an applied, professionally oriented approach with teaching informed by staff research and strong links to local and national criminal justice agencies. You will benefit from practical sessions, simulated investigative exercises and opportunities to undertake placement-informed projects that connect academic learning with front-line practice.

The university invests in facilities and student support for applied psychology students, including access to specialist labs, research supervision and career development services. Small-group teaching and practitioner guest lecturers help bridge theory and application, preparing graduates to contribute effectively in investigative and forensic contexts.