BSc (Hons)

Forensic Investigative Psychology

C816

Are you intrigued by the human mind? Are you keen to learn how psychologists can use scientific research methods to contribute to the investigative process of the police and the wider criminal justice system? Within our popular Forensic Investigative Psychology degree, you will explore topics such as eyewitness memory, mental disorder in crime and juror decision making. 

 

 

Footprint in the sand

Course overview

Within the Forensic Investigative Psychology degree at Winchester, our focus is on the latest research and theory that is informing both police practice and decisions within the criminal justice system. Students on this degree can draw on our specialist research labs and equipment as well as potential volunteering opportunities within local forensic-related settings to develop a thorough understanding of psychology’s valuable role within the criminal justice system. 

In Year 1, you will be introduced to the main psychological sub-disciplines and practice the scientific research methods psychologists employ to study these. You will consider how psychology can contribute to contemporary society and our understanding of clinical disorders. Year 1 also sees you embark on the Psychology department’s successful 3-year award-winning graduate employability path.

In Year 2, you will examine the core British Psychology Society required subjects such as child development, personality and individual differences, social, biological, and cognitive psychology as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods. There will also be a focus on your development, not only as an ethical forensic Investigative psychology researcher, but also as a future employable graduate.

In Year 3, supported by one of our high-calibre research active experts, you will develop, conduct, and write-up your own piece of independent forensic investigative psychology research. Your third year features not only modules exploring eyewitness psychology, crime and the criminal justice system but also your choice from a wide range of optional modules to further explore your specialist interests within the wider field of psychology.

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

On campus

Course length

  • 3 years full-time
  • 6 years part-time

Apply

C816

Typical offer

112-120 points

Fees

From £9,250 pa

Course features

  • Accredited by the British Psychological Society
  • Focus on real-world applications
  • Award-winning employability programme designed by our chartered occupational psychologist to develop your bespoke professional and personal competencies
  • Friendly and inclusive learning community. You will be supported by a dedicated team of lecturers including your own personal tutor. Your final year project supervisor will be research active within the field of forensic investigative psychology
  • Talks delivered by experts in the field through the University’s Centre for Forensic and Investigative Psychology Research
  • Pre-approval for a subsequent Masters degree at Winchester such as our MSc Forensic Psychology which provides the academic component (Stage 1) of the route to becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist 

Course details

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market. 

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.

While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 228 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours

Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 228 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours

Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 180 hours
Independent learning: 1020 hours

*Please note these are indicative hours for the course. 

Students on the Forensic Investigative Psychology programme undertake many different learning and teaching activities including lectures, practical classes, seminar discussions, group discussions and debates, guided study exercises, independent learning, problem solving exercises, guest speakers, individual tutorials, and project supervision. Teaching activities are designed to help students relate theory to practice and draw relevant connections with the contemporary context of forensic science.

Location

Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.

Teaching hours

All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that takes place outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams or practical exams.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:

Year 1 (Level 4)*:

• 60% coursework
• 39% written exams
• 1% practical exams

Year 2 (Level 5)*:

• 79% coursework
• 19% written exams
• 2% practical exams

Year 3 (Level 6)*:

• 83% coursework
• 13% written exams
• 4% practical exams

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Researcher and Professional Skills 1 30 Credits

This module develops the key research, academic and professional skills expected from psychology students during their studies, and to understand the transferability of these into the workplace. In this module you are introduced to the principles of research design and to basic techniques of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Key conceptual and historical issues relating to the philosophy of science are addressed and ethical issues are covered.

You will carry out practical investigations in small groups to develop key skills in research design, data collection, analysis and report writing. You are encouraged to see how data analysis relates to research design, and hence to understand and value the insights that can be gained by a competent knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. You will have the opportunity to develop reflective skills, cognitive flexibility, communication skills and resilience. You will be guided to a greater awareness of your strengths, values and areas for development. 

Researcher and Professional Skills 2 30 Credits

This module further develops your key research, academic and professional skills and builds on your understanding of the transferability of these into the workplace. The module covers further aspects of research design and additional techniques of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Key conceptual and historical issues relating to the philosophy of science are discussed, and ethical issues are covered.

You will carry out practical investigations in small groups to further develop key skills in research design, data collection, analysis and report writing. You will be encouraged to develop your understanding of how data analysis relates to research design, and hence to understand and value the insights that can be gained by a competent knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. You have the opportunity to develop reflective skills, cognitive flexibility, communication skills and resilience. Students will be provided with greater awareness of their strengths, values and areas for development.

Perspectives in Psychology 30 Credits

This module introduces you to the main sub-disciplines of psychology: biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences and social psychology, as outlined in the British Psychological Society's required curriculum. You will look at core topics within each of the sub-discipline areas, gaining an understanding of how psychology (and its sub-disciplines) developed over time and an understanding of key conceptual and historical issues that are relevant to the discipline as a whole. Seminars will further develop this understanding by fostering discussion and debate on the key concepts and studies, helping you to better understand the relationship between theory and research. 

Psychological Wellbeing in Everyday Life 30 Credits

This module introduces you to the topic of mental wellness and the research basis (psychopathological) for understanding how individuals might experience mental health conditions. In this module, the academic, clinical and everyday are combined to give a broad understanding of how an evidence-based approach to discussing mental health contributes to a variety of applied domains.

The content covers core theoretical and research-informed perspectives on how psychopathology research (such as biopsychosocial, cognitive, and non-western approaches) defines and treats mental health conditions. The module then connects these core ideas to everyday contexts where psychologists may comment on mental health and wellbeing, such as in the media, business, or law enforcement. You will be assessed on your critical analysis of empirical evidence, your ability to present scientific research and complex ideas in an engaging yet accessible style, and your ability to write concisely.

Modules

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods 30 Credits

This module develops your quantitative and qualitative psychological research skills, expanding on the knowledge and experience you gained at Level 4. You will cover quantitative and qualitative research designs (e.g. full factorial designs) and data collection methods (interviews, vignettes, story completion tasks, surveys and experiments). You will learn about quantitative analytical methods (ANOVA, multiple regression, power analysis) and qualitative analytical methods (thematic analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis, discourse analysis).

The module covers the conceptual and historical development of research methods and the theoretical perspectives underpinning quantitative and qualitative psychological research. You will acquire research skills (collecting and analysing data), critical skills (evaluating research and methods), and communication skills (writing reports and research results). You will gain further understanding of statistical software like SPSS and a broader awareness of ethical issues relating to quantitative and qualitative psychological research. 

Developmental and Social Psychology 30 Credits

This module builds on the coverage of developmental and social psychology at Level 4 by exploring contemporary theories and applications of developmental and social psychology in greater depth. You will be introduced to the major historical and contemporary theoretical perspectives on child and adolescent development, as well as key conceptual and historical debates in social psychology. For developmental psychology, key empirical studies, applied issues, and developmental diversity will be critically examined in areas such as attachment, social relations, language and cognitive development. You will gain critical understanding and practical experience of observational research methods with child participants.  

For social psychology, key topics such as identity, attitudes, prejudice, stereotyping, attribution theory and leadership will be covered, as well as critical approaches to social psychology and traditions emerging from these, such as social constructionism. Across both developmental and social psychology, the influence of diverse sociocultural environments will be considered, as well as the importance of cultural context upon experience and behaviour.

Cognition, Biology and Individual Differences 30 Credits

This module provides you with a broad overview of fundamental topics in key areas of psychology: biology, cognition and individual differences. Topics related to biological processes include typical and atypical neuropsychology, neuroscience and behavioural genetics. Topics related to cognition include sensation and perception, attention, language, learning, memory, problem solving and consciousness.

Topics related to individual differences include personality, intelligence and psychometric test development. Conceptual and historical issues relevant to biological, cognitive and individual differences psychology are also covered. You will gain critical understanding and practical experience of research methods used by psychologists working in biological, cognitive and individual differences topics. 

Applied Skills for Professional Research and Practice 30 Credits

This module aims to provide you with opportunities to develop and enhance a range of skills and competencies expected of a psychology graduate. You will build on your subject specific knowledge from other modules to prepare for conducting independent psychological research, developing an empirical research proposal for a research project to complete at Level 6.

You will evolve your career goals and aspired professional identities, develop tangible career tools (employability audit, Personal Action Plan) and gain an awareness of the psychology-related career pathways available upon graduation. You will gain experience of applying psychological knowledge and theory in different contexts. The assessment structure encourages experience of verbal and written communication as well as self-reflection on personal and professional development, and how the degree prepares for further study or career pathways both within and beyond Psychology.

Modules

Final Year Project and Future Directions 30 Credits

The project takes the form of an original independent empirical investigation in a psychological topic area. You will be required to select your topic/research question and produce a research proposal before the end of Semester 2 of your second year. Supervisors are allocated according to your research topic and data collection can only commence once ethical approval has been granted by the ethics committee.  

The indicative length of your project is 5,000 words for quantitative and 7,000 for qualitative projects. Additionally, this module will facilitate future employability through one-to-one tutorials between students and their Final Year Project supervisor; providing individualised support concerning postgraduate aims and specific job searches.

The investigative process and offender rehabilitation 30 Credits

This module considers current research, theory and debates relevant to psychology’s application to the Criminal Justice System, from crime through to offender rehabilitation. You will draw on theories of cognitive, social and development psychology, and apply these to the real-world concerns of both forensic and investigative psychologists. Within the module you will become familiar with a range of topics relevant to police and jurors (such as interview procedures, line-up construction and juror decision making), witnesses and victims (such as memory, suggestibility and individual vulnerabilities) and offenders (such as theories of criminal behaviour, false confessions, detection of deception and rehabilitation). You will critically engage with this evidence and communicate your knowledge of these issues to a non-psychology audience.  

Optional modules 30 Credits

Students can choose one 30 credit module.

Advanced Topics in Developmental and Educational Psychology - 30 credits
The developmental psychology content focuses on contemporary topics drawn from fields such as children’s social, cognitive and emotional development and development within the family context. For each topic, you will be supported to undertake an in-depth examination of theoretical perspectives, empirical studies, methodological approaches, and potential applications. Appreciation of the potential diversity of developmental pathways is encouraged through consideration of sociocultural contexts and children with varied abilities.   

The educational psychology content will focus on a range of topics related to education across all ages, with a clear focus on real-life situations. A range of topics will be covered such as learning motivation, literacy, numeracy and social-emotional development linked to educational psychology. You will examine current research, debates and controversies, reflecting on different methods, applied research, or interventions used to study Educational Psychology.  

Clinical and Health Psychology - 30 credits
This module outlines current literature, research, theory and conceptual debates in the field of clinical and health psychology. It aims to familiarise you with mental health issues and the treatment within clinical psychology. Similarly, it provides insight into the approaches, interventions and areas of research and practice associated with health psychology. The module builds on the knowledge you have gained in your first and second years and expands your understanding of clinical and health psychology into areas of application and practice. The module invites you to look closely into a set of mental and physical health problems, and issues that are typically encountered in clinical and health psychology. You are encouraged to engage critically with public research in each of the respective areas. 

Social and Occupational Psychology - 30 credits
In this module you will learn about contemporary social and occupational psychology theories, approaches, and research that will help you to understand life and people in a globalised and fast-changing 21st-century world. Within social psychology, this will include topics such as: collective identities and civic engagement, prosocial behaviour, groups processes, and social influence. You will also critically engage with how social psychological theories have contributed to our understanding of social phenomena and look at ways in which social psychology can or should be used to address issues of contemporary concern.

Within occupational psychology, research and practice will be explored from different perspectives and levels within the organisation, including individuals, groups, the organisation, and wider society, offering insight into the wide ranging and diverse competencies required as an occupational psychologist. You will gain an understanding of designing and implementing evidence-based practices in the workplace as well as the complexities that come with achieving this. 

Optional modules 15 Credits

Students can choose one of the following in semester one.

Advanced Statistics and Applied Statistics - 15 credits
This module is team-taught by a number of staff with experience of different statistical techniques. It aims to build on the skills you developed through the level 1 and 2 statistics courses and as such it introduces new, more advanced, statistical procedures as well as contexts for their use. Examples of such procedures and analyses are: Factor Analysis, Advanced Multiple Regression, Structural Equation Modelling, Power Analysis, Loglinear Analysis, MANOVA and Discriminant Function Analysis and Correspondence Analysis. It also offers you the opportunity to explore some of the debates around conceptual and philosophical statistical issues such as the meaning of psychological measurement and the position of psychology with respect to other quantitative disciplines following scientific methods of data gathering and analysis. There may also be opportunities to explore large datasets through the internet, or learn to programme SPSS syntax, use advanced graphing features.

Embodied Cognition and Contemplative Practice Studies - 15 credits
The module presents the historical perspective of the encounter of eastern contemplative practice studies with western sciences, in particular, in the domain of cognitive neurosciences.  You will be familiarised with the theoretical framework stemming from embodied cognition that underpins western contemplative practice studies. The role of meditative practices on key aspects of the brain functioning in relation to cognitive functions (attention, perception, emotions, decision making) and emotions will be critically considered. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the impact of these recent developments on modern societal aspects such as the 2015 Mindful Nation UK report’s recommendations for Health, Education, Workplace and Criminal Justice. 

Psychology of Consumer Behaviour - 15 credits
Consumer behaviour is the study of the processes involved when individuals or groups select, purchase, use or dispose of products, services, ideas or experiences to satisfy needs and desires. The module introduces you to core topics in consumer behaviour and helps you understand how organisations create and develop brands and how psychological theories can be and are applied to create and explain consumer behaviour. This module aims to equip you with essential applied thinking and implementation skills by focusing on how psychology can be and is applied in commercial practice.

Psychology Placement - 15 credits
This module enables you to work within a commercial environment for a minimum of 15 days (111 hours) or a volunteering placement for 12 weeks (approx 2.5 hours per week). You will critically reflect on your workplace/volunteering experience, including the positive contribution you have made to the organisation, and the organisational benefits you offer as an individual trained in psychological theory and methods. This is an opportunity for you to develop your employability skills and career identity, improve your understanding of business models, and gain tangible experience in the workplace. You will be supported by the University's Placement Services (including Employability Advisors and the Placement Manager) in securing an appropriate placement. This module will also allow you to start to create a professional network.

Students can choose one of the following in semester two.

Cognitive Neuroscience - 15 credits
Cognitive neuroscience is a branch of both psychology and neuroscience overlapping with disciplines such as biological psychology, cognitive psychology and neuropsychology that aims to explore the biological substrates underlying mental processes and behaviours in healthy individuals and brain-damaged patients. Topics will cover historical perspectives, memory, visual perception, emotion, consciousness and mindfulness. You will develop advanced knowledge of cognitive neuroscience research methods and will use this knowledge to critically evaluate published research. 

The Psychology of Creativity - 15 credits
The capacity to imagine how things could be different and find ways to turn that vision into reality is a central pillar of human achievement. As a result, humans have sought to fly, transplant organs, develop new energy sources, provide mass education, form civil societies and produce new forms of art. At the heart of this capacity is creativity, the ability to develop new ideas and artefacts that are effective. Further, because creativity implies an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, it is ever more sought after by employers seeking to deal with the pace of change in our technology-driven society. This module explores what it means to be creative from both a personal and psychological research perspective and help you to translate theory into practical approaches to support creativity.

Critical and Applied Research Design - 15 credits
This module encourages you to be become critical consumers and creators of research. The content links a critical history of psychological research with contemporary challenges with putting research into practice. You will explore the use of core research skills for practice and how we might approach non-academic research questions. Throughout the module, there is a critical eye on the power and ethical practice of researchers for defining language and societal discourse. You should complete this module reflecting on how research methods are used in a variety of academic and non-academic occupations and contexts. 

The Psychology of Music - 15 credits
This module introduces students to existing theories and findings that have been developed in the field of music psychology, ranging from biological and physiological responses to music to the social and cultural meanings and understandings of music. It will consider developmental aspects of the topic, both in terms of how children acquire musical skills and the role that music plays in development across the lifespan. It will also explore the ideas behind music therapy and the various benefits that have been claimed for music as a clinical tool. It will consider psychological aspects of musical performance as well as the role that (particularly recorded) music plays as a component of personal identity and social interaction.

 

 

Entry requirements

112-120 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

A-Levels: BBC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)

BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications

International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4

T Level: Merit in a T Level

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSEs are required:

GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

 

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.

2025 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1 £9,250 £16,700
Year 2 £9,250 £16,700
Year 3 £9,250 £16,700
Total £27,750 £50,100
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:

Optional
Core texts

Core texts are available from the University Library. However some students prefer to purchase their own copies. Some core texts can be bought second-hand or as an ebook which can often reduce this cost. Indicative cost is £400 for whole course.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.

CAREER PROSPECTS

In addition to subject knowledge, Forensic Investigative Psychology graduates also develop skills in communication; numeracy; analysis; teamwork; critical thinking; computing; independent learning; project management and many others, all of which are highly valued by employers.

Due to the wide range of skills and the rigour with which they are taught, training in psychology is widely accepted as providing an excellent preparation for many careers. These include but are not limited to forensic mental health services (either in the NHS or private sector), probation service, the courts, police service, prison service, security services/agencies, charities or further education.

The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA.

ACCREDITATION

The Forensic Investigative Psychology programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society. For those wishing to pursue professional careers in psychology - such as forensic, clinical, educational, or occupational psychology undertaking further study and training to gain professional recognition as a Chartered Psychologist is needed. Graduates of this degree with a 2:2 honours or above will be eligible to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) status, which is an entry requirement for many accredited postgraduate training courses in psychology, including Forensic Psychology, and is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. 

Pre-approved for a Masters

On completion of your BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigative Psychology degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester, such as our MSc Forensic Psychology which provides the academic component (Stage 1) of the route to becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.

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Find out all about Ana's journey from TV child star in Mexico to studying her dream course, Forensic Investigative Psychology, at Winchester.

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18 January 2025