The MSc Forensic Mental Health programme offers two distinct pathways, allowing you to tailor your studies to your professional interests and career aspirations:
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.
MSc Forensic Mental Health Research
The Forensic Mental Health Research pathway is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers in research, academia, policy development or further postgraduate study, such as a PhD or MD.
You will develop advanced research skills and gain a comprehensive understanding of key topics in forensic mental health, including the relationship between mental disorder and offending, neuroscientific approaches to crime and behaviour, and the evaluation of forensic interventions and services. The pathway provides excellent preparation for research-focused careers and doctoral study.
Students on this pathway also have the opportunity to undertake a non-credit-bearing voluntary clinical observation period within a forensic setting, enabling them to gain insight into professional practice and the delivery of forensic mental health services.
MSc Clinical Forensic Psychology
The Clinical Forensic Psychology pathway is designed for students seeking practical clinical experience alongside advanced academic study. It provides an excellent foundation for those considering professional training in clinical psychology or forensic psychology, as well as those interested in research careers.
In addition to the core forensic mental health curriculum, you will gain valuable hands-on experience through a 60-day clinical placement in a forensic setting, working at the level of an Assistant Psychologist. This placement provides the opportunity to develop practical skills, apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and gain experience of working with individuals involved in the criminal justice system who have mental health needs.
The pathway is particularly well suited to students looking to strengthen their experience and competitiveness for future applications to professional psychology training programmes.
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.
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 leading faculties in psychiatry, medicine and dentistry, the Denmark Hill Campus combines world‑class health research and strong NHS hospital links with a friendly neighbourhood feel, green spaces, cafés and excellent transport connections.