BSc

Psychology with Forensic Psychology (with integrated year in industry)

Psychology with Forensic Psychology (with integrated year in industry) Code C803 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

Key Facts

C803

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 96

  • Course duration

    4 years

Further details on entry requirements

The BSc in Psychology with Forensic Psychology (with an integrated year in industry) at Aberystwyth University offers students an opportunity to gain insights into critical areas of this applied area of psychology, including understanding criminal development and behaviour, courtroom behaviour and offender profiling. 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 should you study Psychology with Forensic Psychology at Aberystwyth University? 

Studying Psychology with Forensic Psychology (with an integrated year in industry) will allow exploration of key concepts and applied research through dedicated modules and supervised forensic-themed final year projects. You will study forensic psychology along with additional allied modules, such as Drugs and Behaviour and a forensic-themed dissertation. In your third year, you will undertake a work experience placement in the relevant sector to this degree. 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. 

  • 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.  
  • Equipping you for life 
  • All our degree schemes are designed with employability in mind and are accredited by the British Psychological Society – perfect for graduate-level careers or access to postgraduate training.  
  • Friendly and Inclusive 
  • It is important for you to study in a supportive, student-focused environment. Our staff work hard to provide the guidance and encouragement you will need.  
  • Exceptional Resources 
  • The department’s modern research facilities and outstanding student learning spaces are in addition to excellent central university facilities. These resources allow us to provide you with an innovative approach to learning and teaching.  
  • 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. 

 

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 - 2023

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
Cognitive Psychology PS21820 20
Forensic Psychology PS21220 20
Qualitative Research Methods PS21410 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

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Work Placement PSS0260 60

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Behavioural Neuroscience PS32120 20
Developmental Psychology PS34320 20
Drugs and Behaviour PS30820 20
Forensic Psychology Dissertation PS33340 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Child Language: Development and Assessment PS31820 20
Psychology Critical Review PS31520 20
The Psychology of Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring PS31920 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 
  • 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 
  • 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. 

During your third year, you will undertake your industrial year placement in area relevant to your course. Upon completion of the industrial year, you will return to Aberystwyth to complete your course.  

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. 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.  

How will I be assessed?  

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

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

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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