Psychology with Forensic Psychology

Program Overview

Aberystwyth University's BSc in Psychology with Forensic Psychology offers a comprehensive understanding of criminal behavior and courtroom dynamics, providing a pathway to postgraduate study and professional forensic psychology careers. Accredited by the British Psychological Society, the program equips students with research and problem-solving skills, fostering their development as informed and capable graduates ready for a variety of roles in the criminal justice field. Graduates may pursue opportunities in prisons, the police, or other criminal justice settings, or continue their education to become chartered forensic psychologists.

Program Outline

Professional qualifications require a firm grounding in the background to forensic psychology, and this BPS accredited undergraduate pathway is a building block to later postgraduate study, essential for those considering Forensic Doctorates and Chartered Forensic Psychology status. Careers in forensic psychology represent some of the most interesting and rewarding roles in a range of challenging environments, including prisons, the police service and our courts.

Outline:

• Year 1:
• Core Modules:
• Brain, Behaviour and Cognition (PS11220) - 20 credits
• Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology (PS11820) - 20 credits
• Designing Psychological Research Projects (PS11610) - 10 credits
• Introduction to Forensic Psychology (PS10220) - 20 credits
• Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (PS11320) - 20 credits
• Introduction to core topics in Social and Individual Behaviour (PS11420) - 20 credits
• Personal Development and Organisational Behaviour (PS11710) - 10 credits
• Year 2:
• Core Modules:
• Cognitive Psychology (PS21820) - 20 credits
• Forensic Psychology (PS21220) - 20 credits
• Qualitative Research Methods (PS21410) - 10 credits
• Quantitative Research Methods (PS21310) - 10 credits
• Social Psychology (PS20220) - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Evolutionary Psychology (PS21020) - 20 credits
• Health Psychology (PS20720) - 20 credits
• Issues in Clinical Psychology (PS21720) - 20 credits
• Year 3:
• Core Modules:
• Behavioural Neuroscience (PS32120) - 20 credits
• Developmental Psychology (PS34320) - 20 credits
• Drugs and Behaviour (PS30820) - 20 credits
• Forensic Psychology Dissertation (PS33340) - 40 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Child Language: Development and Assessment (PS31820) - 20 credits
• Psychology Critical Review (PS31520) - 20 credits
• The Psychology of Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring (PS31920) - 20 credits

Assessment:

You will be assessed in a broad variety of ways including traditional exams, essays, wikis, blogs, observations and presentations.

Teaching:

• Your academic and intellectual development are at the heart of the Aberystwyth Psychology experience.
Our staff are committed to a student-focused approach to teaching, making your learning needs a priority in both what we teach and how we teach you.
• When you join us, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will support you throughout your degree and is there to advise and guide you on a range of academic and personal matters.
• From traditional lectures to small group work, we deliver inspirational teaching through a wide variety of different formats.
You will also get to apply your knowledge in lab-based workshops and practicals, where you will benefit from our wide range of specialist research equipment and facilities.

Careers:

The main employer of forensic psychologists is HM Prison Service. However, there are also opportunities in the broader criminal justice field and elsewhere and you may be employed by:

• the NHS - in special hospitals and rehabilitation units, local forensic services and secure hospitals
• the police
• social services
• universities - in research and lecturing roles.
There may also be opportunities for experienced forensic psychologists to work in private consultancy. In addition, the completion of a BPS accredited undergraduate degree in Psychology with Forensic Psychology at Aberystwyth will allow you progression onto Stage 1 Forensic Masters degrees and related professional postgraduate training relevant to becoming a chartered forensic psychologist. The skills you learn whilst studying here are highly sought after by employers and include:
• research and data analysis skills
• effective problem-solving skills
• the ability to work independently and present material clearly and effectively
• the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner
• self-motivation and independence
• teamwork and project management skills

Other:

• Many staff in the department conduct research in forensic settings, and include funded projects with the Youth Justice Board, Police, and Home Office, in topics such as serious and organised crime, restorative justice and cybercrime.
• Friendly and Inclusive It is important for you to study in a supportive, student-focused environment.
• Exceptional Resources The department’s modern research facilities and outstanding student learning spaces are in addition to excellent central university facilities.
• Welsh Language If you are a Welsh-speaker you have the opportunity to conduct part of your studies in Welsh.
You’ll find bilingual staff in Psychology who will support you in your work, and who can guide your university experience in Welsh.
• Department of Psychology’s teaching staff are all research active and all permanent staff are qualified to PhD level with most having either a PGCTHE or are fellows/senior fellow of the higher education academy.
Over half of the staff also have the qualification CPsychol; an indicator of the BPS’ highest standard of psychological knowledge and expertise.