Kingston University London - Criminology with Forensic Psychology MA

Kingston University London

Criminology with Forensic Psychology MA

This Criminology with Forensic Psychology MA program enables you to combine two complementary subject areas.

The criminology elements will introduce you to the complex nature of crime, harm, and victimization, together with an appreciation of the role of criminal justice systems in crime control, protection, and the delivery of justice.

In the forensic component of the course, you will study investigative and legal processes. For example, how psychological methods can improve interviewing techniques and police decision-making through different profiling methods which are also critically evaluated.

This course is designed for those who have a social science, socio-legal, or policy studies background and who want to develop their knowledge further. The course is open to those who have a good undergraduate degree in a relevant area, and, or, to those whose background is characterized by practitioner experience at an appropriate level in a relevant field.

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • Kingston's location offers opportunities to see the criminal justice system in operation through the close network of courts, prisons, and community-based crime-reduction programs.
  • In addition to learning about forensic psychology and the substantive elements of criminological theory, research, and practice, the course examines an array of social harms and perspectives which have traditionally been neglected by criminologists and the legal system.
  • The course offers opportunities to learn first-hand experiences of imprisonment, transitions into the community, and the desistance process.

Entry Requirements

  • A 2:2 or above honours degree or equivalent in psychology.

  • IELTS of 6.5 overall with no element below 6.0.

Career Prospects

This course can lead to careers within various areas, working for both public and private organisations. This may include policy making; offender management; crime reduction and multi-agency partnership work; security and policing; criminological research; local and national government; and work for related advocacy and policy-based organisations.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for Metropolitan Police Service, Avon & Somerset Police, HM Prison Service, Suzy Lamplugh Trust/National Stalking Helpline, Prison Advice Care Trust and private security.

Course Details

Criminology is a dynamic and multi-disciplinary subject that draws upon a range of theoretical frameworks and social research techniques to explore criminological phenomena. You will engage with the theoretical ideas that govern the discipline and apply them to better understand the substantive issues in the study of crime, harm, and justice. In the forensic psychology component, you will study the psychological processes underpinning investigative techniques and judicial processes. The program will involve a critical appreciation of how psychology can be used to improve: police decision-making when interviewing witnesses and courtroom procedures.

Full time: This course, studied across one year, is made up of three core modules, a dissertation, and one elective module.

Core Modules

Investigative and Legal Processes in Forensic Psychology
Understanding Crime and Criminal Careers
Criminological Research in Practice
Criminology Dissertation

Option Modules

Punishment: History and Meanings
Critical Criminology

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

Are you ready to start building your future?

Contact our admission counseller and get a free consultation.