
Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Scholarships available, see Fees & Funding section for more information. The Forensic Mental Health course is designed for students with a clinical or academic interest in the complex relationship between mental disorders and criminal behaviour. You will be taught by a multi-disciplinary team of clinical academics. The course constitutes an ideal first step towards clinical or forensic psychology training, a PhD or MD degree.
“Taking the course has been an incredibly enriching and enlightening experience. The course material was comprehensive and well-structured. As a young black student, I appreciated that the course consciously incorporated social issues to encourage reflection and self-development. ”
Our course aims to equip you with the knowledge and advanced skills necessary for a career that will involve clinical and/or research work with mentally disordered offenders. You will develop an understanding of key neuroscientific advances in the field, and engage in a critically informed review of forensic services and the criminal justice system. There is an emphasis throughout on the clinical relevance of research findings. You will also benefit from a non credit-bearing voluntary clinical observation period in a forensic setting. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. You will be required to choose one of two pathways. This means that the combination of modules chosen will lead to a qualification which reflects your chosen focus of study. There are specific entry criteria for each pathway. Please note there are two pathways: 1. Clinical Forensic Psychology (full-time only) - accredited by the BPS as Stage 1 in forensic psychology training. 2. Forensic Mental Health Research (full-time or part-time) - NOT accredited by the BPS. Students on the Clinical Forensic Psychology pathway will undertake a 60-day (minimum) clinical forensic placement working at the level of an assistant clinical psychologist and complete a module on Forensic Psychology Practice. Students on the Forensic Mental Health Research pathway will not complete a clinical placement but will complete additional research methods training and can also benefit from a 10-day voluntary clinical observation period in a forensic setting. “The IoPPN is the main postgraduate research and education centre in this field, in the UK. Because we explore psychology, psychiatry and neuropsychiatry, students develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the area” Dr Nigel Blackwood, Course Leader
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
The following criteria apply to all applicants:
Applicants should have, or be predicted to achieve, a 2:1 honours degree (minimum) or the equivalent, including an introduction to empirical research, in a relevant subject, such as Psychology, Neuroscience, Criminology, Psychiatry, Mental Health Nursing or Occupational Therapy. In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree, if you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
Non-graduates (e.g. nurses with a Diploma) will be asked to provide evidence of their capacity to study at postgraduate level and will be expected to have considerable relevant work experience since qualifying.
Pathway specific entry criteria:
Clinical Forensic Psychology Pathway
Applicants must have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information on GBC and careers in forensic psychology in the UK, please consult the BPS website.
Note - By the time of starting the programme, it is recommended that students have some relevant clinical or forensic experience working with people with psychological difficulties, people who have offended, or victims of crime. Please contact us for advice if necessary to establish whether your work experience would be considered relevant.
Forensic Mental Health Research Pathway
Applicants should display evidence of a genuine interest in the relationship between mental illness and crime, and an aptitude for research. Please supply your degree transcript: we are particularly interested in your marks for research methods, statistics and your undergraduate dissertation.
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Applications:
We aim to process these as soon as possible after receipt of all information required.
For the Psychology Pathway, no application can be considered until full details of academic qualifications and employment history, plus two references, are received. One academic reference, and one from your relevant work experience in a clinical or forensic setting are required. Please state explicitly that you have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (GBC) and provide evidence. All shortlisted applicants will be invited to a formal panel interview lasting 20-30 minutes.
For the Research pathway, programme admission offers are typically based solely on the application information, although interviews by Skype may be sought to help inform admission decisions.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). |
---|---|---|
Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
References | Yes | Two references are required with at least one academic. Two professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. Applicants to the Clinical Forensic Psychology pathway are required to provide one academic reference, and one from their relevant work experience in a clinical or forensic setting. |
Other | Yes | A CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration may be required as part of your application, depending on the pathway applied to. |
You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Prosocial and antisocial behaviours across the lifespan
Lectures (30 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Self-study time (117 hours)
Specialist forensic services: assessment, treatment and development
Lectures (30 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Self-study time (117 hours)
Research Methodology and Statistics A
Lectures (44 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (10 hours) | Self-study time (96 hours)
Forensic Psychology Practice in Context (Clinical Forensic Psychology pathway only)
Lectures (30 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (15 hours) | Placement Hours ( 420) | Self-study time (135 hours)
Forensic mental health practice in the criminal justice system: legal and investigative processes
Lectures (35 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Self-study time (117 hours)
Dissertation Forensic Mental Health
Seminars / Tutorials (20 hours) | Self-study time (580 hours)
Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Prosocial and antisocial behaviours across the lifespan
Lectures (30 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Self-study time (267 hours)
Specialist forensic services: assessment, treatment and development
Lectures (30 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Self-study time (267 hours)
Research Methodology and Statistics
Lectures (85 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (12 hours) | Self-study time (203 hours)
Forensic mental health practice in the criminal justice system: legal and investigative processes
Lectures (35 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Self-study time (262 hours)
Dissertation Forensic Mental Health
Seminars / Tutorials (8 hours) | Self-study time (592 hours)
Teaching
You’ll be taught by clinicians who split their time between King’s and running specialist services in the community. They might work with sexual offenders, in prisons, or at threat services monitoring risk to politicians.
At King’s, not only are we building knowledge in the field, we’re also discovering innovative ways to apply research to clinical practice. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the skills to make an impact in the area that interests you.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
You will be required to choose one of two pathways. This means that the combination of modules chosen will lead to a qualification which reflects your chosen focus of study. There are specific entry criteria for each pathway. The two pathways are: Clinical Forensic Psychology (full-time only) Forensic Mental Health Research Students on the Clinical Forensic Psychology pathway will undertake a 60-day (minimum) clinical forensic placement working at the level of an assistant clinical psychologist and complete a module on Forensic Psychology Practice. Students on the Forensic Mental Health Research pathway will complete additional research methods training and can also benefit from a 10-day voluntary clinical observation period in a forensic setting. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment
Clinical Forensic Psychology
Forensic Mental Health Research
There are no optional modules for this course.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £8,475 per year (2025/26)
Full time: £40,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £20,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. the scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025 click here to find out more.
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Our course aims to equip you with the knowledge and advanced skills necessary for a career that will involve clinical and/or research work with mentally disordered offenders. You will develop an understanding of key neuroscientific advances in the field, and engage in a critically informed review of forensic services and the criminal justice system. There is an emphasis throughout on the clinical relevance of research findings. You will also benefit from a non credit-bearing voluntary clinical observation period in a forensic setting. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. You will be required to choose one of two pathways. This means that the combination of modules chosen will lead to a qualification which reflects your chosen focus of study. There are specific entry criteria for each pathway. Please note there are two pathways: 1. Clinical Forensic Psychology (full-time only) - accredited by the BPS as Stage 1 in forensic psychology training. 2. Forensic Mental Health Research (full-time or part-time) - NOT accredited by the BPS. Students on the Clinical Forensic Psychology pathway will undertake a 60-day (minimum) clinical forensic placement working at the level of an assistant clinical psychologist and complete a module on Forensic Psychology Practice. Students on the Forensic Mental Health Research pathway will not complete a clinical placement but will complete additional research methods training and can also benefit from a 10-day voluntary clinical observation period in a forensic setting. “The IoPPN is the main postgraduate research and education centre in this field, in the UK. Because we explore psychology, psychiatry and neuropsychiatry, students develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the area” Dr Nigel Blackwood, Course Leader
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
The following criteria apply to all applicants:
Applicants should have, or be predicted to achieve, a 2:1 honours degree (minimum) or the equivalent, including an introduction to empirical research, in a relevant subject, such as Psychology, Neuroscience, Criminology, Psychiatry, Mental Health Nursing or Occupational Therapy. In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree, if you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
Non-graduates (e.g. nurses with a Diploma) will be asked to provide evidence of their capacity to study at postgraduate level and will be expected to have considerable relevant work experience since qualifying.
Pathway specific entry criteria:
Clinical Forensic Psychology Pathway
Applicants must have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information on GBC and careers in forensic psychology in the UK, please consult the BPS website.
Note - By the time of starting the programme, it is recommended that students have some relevant clinical or forensic experience working with people with psychological difficulties, people who have offended, or victims of crime. Please contact us for advice if necessary to establish whether your work experience would be considered relevant.
Forensic Mental Health Research Pathway
Applicants should display evidence of a genuine interest in the relationship between mental illness and crime, and an aptitude for research. Please supply your degree transcript: we are particularly interested in your marks for research methods, statistics and your undergraduate dissertation.
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Applications:
We aim to process these as soon as possible after receipt of all information required.
For the Psychology Pathway, no application can be considered until full details of academic qualifications and employment history, plus two references, are received. One academic reference, and one from your relevant work experience in a clinical or forensic setting are required. Please state explicitly that you have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (GBC) and provide evidence. All shortlisted applicants will be invited to a formal panel interview lasting 20-30 minutes.
For the Research pathway, programme admission offers are typically based solely on the application information, although interviews by Skype may be sought to help inform admission decisions.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). |
---|---|---|
Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
References | Yes | Two references are required with at least one academic. Two professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. Applicants to the Clinical Forensic Psychology pathway are required to provide one academic reference, and one from their relevant work experience in a clinical or forensic setting. |
Other | Yes | A CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration may be required as part of your application, depending on the pathway applied to. |
You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Prosocial and antisocial behaviours across the lifespan
Lectures (30 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Self-study time (117 hours)
Specialist forensic services: assessment, treatment and development
Lectures (30 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Self-study time (117 hours)
Research Methodology and Statistics A
Lectures (44 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (10 hours) | Self-study time (96 hours)
Forensic Psychology Practice in Context (Clinical Forensic Psychology pathway only)
Lectures (30 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (15 hours) | Placement Hours ( 420) | Self-study time (135 hours)
Forensic mental health practice in the criminal justice system: legal and investigative processes
Lectures (35 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Self-study time (117 hours)
Dissertation Forensic Mental Health
Seminars / Tutorials (20 hours) | Self-study time (580 hours)
Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Prosocial and antisocial behaviours across the lifespan
Lectures (30 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Self-study time (267 hours)
Specialist forensic services: assessment, treatment and development
Lectures (30 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Self-study time (267 hours)
Research Methodology and Statistics
Lectures (85 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (12 hours) | Self-study time (203 hours)
Forensic mental health practice in the criminal justice system: legal and investigative processes
Lectures (35 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Self-study time (262 hours)
Dissertation Forensic Mental Health
Seminars / Tutorials (8 hours) | Self-study time (592 hours)
Teaching
You’ll be taught by clinicians who split their time between King’s and running specialist services in the community. They might work with sexual offenders, in prisons, or at threat services monitoring risk to politicians.
At King’s, not only are we building knowledge in the field, we’re also discovering innovative ways to apply research to clinical practice. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the skills to make an impact in the area that interests you.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
You will be required to choose one of two pathways. This means that the combination of modules chosen will lead to a qualification which reflects your chosen focus of study. There are specific entry criteria for each pathway. The two pathways are: Clinical Forensic Psychology (full-time only) Forensic Mental Health Research Students on the Clinical Forensic Psychology pathway will undertake a 60-day (minimum) clinical forensic placement working at the level of an assistant clinical psychologist and complete a module on Forensic Psychology Practice. Students on the Forensic Mental Health Research pathway will complete additional research methods training and can also benefit from a 10-day voluntary clinical observation period in a forensic setting. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment
Clinical Forensic Psychology
Forensic Mental Health Research
There are no optional modules for this course.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £8,475 per year (2025/26)
Full time: £40,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £20,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. the scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025 click here to find out more.
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
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