BSc Forensic Psychology
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Forensic Psychology, a psychology degree focused on the application of psychological theory and research to criminal justice contexts and criminal behavior. Core topics include Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking. The course is delivered online part-ioner over six years, allowing study from any location. The first year covers core foundations through Introducing Biological and Social Psychology, Introducing Cognitive and Developmental Psychology, Understanding Psychology, Applied Psychological Practice in Context, Research Methods and Analysis in Psychology, and Theoretical Perspectives in Forensic Psychology. The second year builds upon these foundations with Biological and Developmental Psychology, Social and Cognitive Psychology, Quantitative Methods and Individual Differences, Qualitative Methods: The Individual in Society, Themes in Forensic Psychology, and Victimology for Forensic Psychologists. In the final stage, students undertake an Independent Research Project. Optional modules allow students to explore specialist areas such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, Clinical Applications of Psychology, Offenders with Mental and Intellectual Disabilities, Psychopathy, Psychological Perspectives of Serious and Dangerous Offenders, The Psychology of Intimate Partner Abuse, and Psychology in Education.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
You require: We also accept Access to HE qualifications with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, and a minimum of 21 Distinctions. If you do not hold standard entry requirements but have relevant work experience, we’d encourage you to get in touch with our admissions team to seek further information and advice. In making our decision, we will consider all the information that you include in your application, including your experience and prior learning. We will also want to see that you are enthusiastic and motivated to study Forensic Psychology with us, and that you have can demonstrate the potential to benefit from studying at the university. RPL may be available for you based upon past study and experience.
What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 92%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 74%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 75%
- Left higher education: 25%
What graduates do next
Based on about 12 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 30%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Caring personal services: 30%
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 10%
- Process, plant and machine operatives: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 25%
- West Midlands: 25%
- East of England: 15%
- London: 10%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 50%
- Access course: 5%
- A degree: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 35%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introducing Biological and Social Psychology
- Introducing Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
- Understanding Psychology
- Applied Psychological Practice in Context
- Research Methods and Analysis in Psychology
- Theoretical Perspectives in Forensic Psychology
- Biological and Developmental Psychology
- Social and Cognitive Psychology
- Quantitative Methods and Individual Differences
- Qualitative Methods: The Individual in Society
- Themes in Forensic Psychology
- Victimology for Forensic Psychologists
- Independent Research Project
- Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD
- Clinical Applications of Psychology
- Offenders with Mental and Intellectual Disabilities
- Psychopathy
- Psychological Perspectives of Serious and Dangerous Offenders
- The Psychology of Intimate Partner Abuse
- Psychology in Education
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic Psychology at University of Derby earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £20,500 and £36,500. The £27,500 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Applied psychology.
What do graduates of BSc Forensic Psychology at University of Derby do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Forensic Psychology at University of Derby?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
How many students continue on BSc Forensic Psychology at University of Derby?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 25% left higher education.