BSc

Psychology with Forensic Psychology

Psychology with Forensic Psychology Code C802 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

C802

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 96

  • Course duration

    3 years

Available for September start 2026

Further details on entry requirements

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The BSc in Psychology with Forensic Psychology at Aberystwyth University offers you the opportunity to gain insights into critical areas of this applied area of psychology, including understanding criminal development and behaviour, courtroom behaviour and offender profiling.

The course explores key concepts and applied research through dedicated modules and a supervised forensic-themed final year project. Many staff in the Department conduct research in forensic settings, including funded projects with the Youth Justice Board, Police and Home Office on topics such as serious and organised crime, restorative justice and cybercrime. 

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. 

Course Overview

Why study Psychology with Forensic Psychology at Aberystwyth University? 

Friendly and Inclusive 

We believe potential is unlocked when people are given the right opportunities. That’s why we welcome students from all backgrounds into a friendly, inclusive, supportive environment where they can thrive. Our aim is to help every student grow into a confident, resilient individual, ready to succeed in their future careers or further study.

Small group teaching in seminars allows for a good staff/student ratio and a more personalised and interactive learning experience. Quiet learning environments are available for individual study within the Department.

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. 

Student Satisfaction 

At Aberystwyth, we work with you to help you become informed and curious thinkers. We use our teaching and research experience to inspire you and to give you the skills and confidence to do whatever you wish to do in the future.  

We are ranked in the Top 10 Psychology departments in the UK for academic support (National Student Survey, 2025).

Exceptional Resources 

The department’s modern research facilities and outstanding student learning spaces support an innovative approach to learning and teaching. 

You can practise your research skills using specialised equipment and software throughout your degree, and our laboratories and research spaces provide you with an array of facilities and equipment to explore. Our facilities include eye-tracking software, EEG (electroencephalography), sound-attenuated chamber, a driving simulator, counselling rooms and a child development laboratory.

Research-led teaching

You’ll be taught by a passionate team of lecturers who are also active researchers. Their research informs our teaching, and provides excellent opportunities for your own final year research project.

Variety of modules

We offer a wide range of modules that allow you to explore the varied aspects of Psychology and Forensic Psychology, including specialised modules in behavioural neuroscience, drugs and behaviour.

Accredited courses

Our Psychology courses are accredited by The British Psychological Society, in recognition of their quality, which is widely acknowledged by employers on the field. On graduation, you’ll be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the society.

If you wish to pursue a career in psychology or in the wider psychological field, studying a BPS accredited course is essential. 

Work experience

We offer an optional work placement module in years 2 and 3 where you can develop your theoretical skills and put them into practice in the workplace setting (minimum 20 hours).

If you would prefer an extended period of work experience, we offer the four-year Psychology with Forensic Psychology (with integrated year in industry) (C803).

Study abroad

Our students benefit from international exchange agreements with universities in Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Malaysia and North America, so you can apply to spend all or part of your second year studying psychology overseas.

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. You’ll also be assigned a Welsh-speaking personal tutor for your time at university.

Our Staff

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.

Modules September start - 2026

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Applied Forensic Psychology PS21220 20
Cognitive Psychology PS21820 20
Qualitative Research Methods PS20310 10
Quantitative Research Methods * PS21310 10
Social Psychology PS20220 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Evolutionary Psychology PS21020 20
Health Psychology PS20720 20
Issues in Clinical Psychology PS21720 20
Psychology in Practice PS20620 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

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 Home Office 
  • special hospitals and rehabilitation units within the NHS, local forensic services and secure hospitals 
  • the police 
  • social services 
  • research and lecturing roles within universities.  

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.  

Transferable skills

We have embedded employability throughout this course to enable you to develop the transferrable skills needed to build a CV for a potential career in a psychology or other setting, including:

  • effective research and data analysis skills 
  • critical thinking
  • effective problem-solving skills 
  • ability to work independently and as part of team
  • the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner 
  • self-motivation and independence 
  • teamwork and project management skills
  • confidence in delivering presentations 
  • information technology skills.  

Teaching & Learning

In your first year, you will cover the core BPS degree modules alongside the core Introduction to Forensic Psychology module. The aim is to provide you with the foundations for the key topics in forensics and develop an understanding of the input from other sub-disciplines in psychology. 

In your second year, the Applied Forensic Psychology module will build upon the foundations from year 1 and develop the content into a focused understanding of how psychology can be used during investigations and the court, along with critical issues surrounding research and ethics. 

The final year will bring many of these concepts and topics together into your forensic-themed dissertation, supervised by staff with experience of conducting research in this and related areas. You will develop a topic and analyse the empirical data to support your research question. Alongside the dissertation, you will take the Drugs and Behaviour module which explores some critical issues in relation to crime, addiction and rehabilitation. 

How will I be taught? 

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.

From traditional lectures to small group work, we deliver inspirational teaching through a wide variety of different formats. You will also apply your knowledge in lab-based workshops and practicals, where you will benefit from our wide range of specialist research equipment and facilities.

At Aberystwyth you can be confident that you will receive the best learning experience at the very forefront of the discipline.

How will I be assessed?  

Your development will be assessed in a broad variety of ways including traditional exams, essays, literature reviews, critical reviews, wikis, blogs, observations, reports, presentations, and your final project or dissertation. 

You’ll receive feedback on all your assignments to help you identify your strengths and pinpoint areas where you could improve and we’ll offer insights into how you might achieve that. This approach encourages you to become an independent thinker and learner, and is designed to help you thrive at university and beyond.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 96

A Levels BBB-CCC

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-MMM

International Baccalaureate:
30-26

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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