Applied Criminology & Forensic Psychology MSc



Develop a deep insight into crime and what causes criminal behaviour by studying this uniquely practical and applied course

Overview

Studying applied criminology and forensic psychology at postgraduate level will allow you to develop a range of enquiring, analytical and practical skills benefitting you as a practitioner or researcher.

You’ll have the opportunity of a work placement alongside specialised modules covering areas including the psychology of evidence, international criminology, assessment of offenders, responses to crime, and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods. These modules will give you a valuable set of skills for both employment and further research.

Your tutors are all experts in this field. We also invite external practitioners who bring their practical skills and experience to the course throughout the year.

Typical entry point to this course is in September. Please enquire for more information.

Due to the competitive nature of this programme, we advise you submit your application as early as possible.

 


Students at work at Merchiston campus

Mode of Study:

Part-time

(available as Full-time)

Duration:

2 years

Placement:

Yes

Study Abroad:

Yes

Course details

You’ll develop a critical awareness of topics at the forefront of criminology and forensic psychology, as well as the contexts and theories that influence practice in these areas. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a forensic psychologist, our MSc Applied Forensic Psychology may be better suited to your interests as it's been designed for psychology graduates and is accredited by the British Psychological Society, counting as Stage 1 of forensic psychologist training.

The applied focus of this course provides an excellent foundation in risk assessment of offenders, use of forensic interviewing strategies, mediation skills and facial composite construction.

Alongside these skills you’ll also learn directly from leading experts about current research and debates in criminology and forensic psychology which directly affect people at all points in the legal system.

Additionally, you'll acquire excellent transferable research skills in both quantitative and qualitative methods which will enable you to carry out high-quality research in a variety of contexts and with ethical integrity.

What you study

Compulsory modules include:

  • Practical Forensic Psychology
  • Current Topics in Crime
  • Criminal Justice in Practice
  • Advanced Research Skills
  • Dissertation

Optional modules include:

  • Evidence and Investigation
  • Understanding and Responding to Crime
  • Advanced Forensic Psychology
  • International and Comparative Criminology
  • Advice and Consultancy
  • Work Placement

Additional costs

Students enrolling in the optional Work Placement module are expected to pay for travel costs.

Lead academics and short bio 

Faye Skelton:

  • Completed PhD at Lancaster University
  • Worked for over ten years at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) before moving to Edinburgh Napier University in December 2014. 
  • Research interests focused on face recognition. Collaborates with Dr Charlie Frowd (UCLan) on improving Police facial composites using both feature-based (PROfit) and evolutionary (EvoFIT) software systems. Faye has also worked with Dr John Marsh (UCLan) on the effects of auditory distraction on face processing. 
  • Faye is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has extensive teaching experience in applied cognition: eyewitness memory and identification procedures, facial composites, false and recovered memories, false confessions and police interviewing.
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    How you’ll be taught

    This is a part-time course with flexibility in the number of taught modules taken in each trimester. The dissertation runs over one trimester.

    You’ll learn by a variety of teaching methods including face-to-face lectures, guest lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study. You will be required to attend classes on our Sighthill Campus which will all take place Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. Some modules may also include some online teaching or support sessions.
  • note and pen

    Assessments

    You will be assessed by a range of applied coursework including policy briefings and reports, risk formulations, individual and group oral presentations, alongside more traditional assessments such as essays and the dissertation.
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    Work placement

    Through engaging in an optional work placement related to your course you will explore the concepts, debates, policies, initiatives, and funding related to the area in which you’re working.

    The Work Placement module is flexible. We have programme-sourced placements with a wide variety of organisations, however it is also possible to find your own placement or to use your existing work as long a the placement work is different to your usual role. The Work Placement module requires you to undertake a minimum of 80 hours work experience with the organisation.

    For programme-sourced placements, during trimester 2 you will attend a series of workshops on effective CVs and covering letters, presentation skills, etc. Work placement organisations will release details of available placements over trimester 2, and you will apply for these as you would apply for a job. The organisation will usually interview shortlisted students and select the student(s) they would like to offer placements to. Placements take place over trimester 3.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Applied Criminology and Forensic Psychology?

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 (or equivalent) in a related subject (e.g. social sciences, criminology, psychology, sociology, law, humanities, forensic nursing, policing). Where possible, you should also seek to gain some relevant experience before applying.

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient relevant work experience within the industry.

The University does not sponsor students to study on part-time programmes in the UK under the Student Visa route. International Applicants must therefore have other valid immigration leave to study on this programme.

Do I need to have my qualification before I apply?

No, it is possible to apply whilst you are in the final year of your degree. Any offer made will be conditional on you achieving a 2:2 (or equivalent).

Can I get admission into Applied Criminology and Forensic Psychology based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-Taught modules *£970 *£tba
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-40credit Dissertation module £490 £tba
Overseas and EU-Taught Modules *£2,223 *£tba
Overseas and EU-Dissertation module £1,134 £tba
This course comprises of 180 credits, (7 x 20cr) taught modules + (1 x 40cr) dissertation.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers

What can you do with a degree in Applied Criminology & Forensic Psychology?

By studying Applied Criminology & Forensic Psychology at Edinburgh Napier University, you will open the door to numerous and various career paths within the fields of criminal justice and psychology. This programme provides an advanced understanding of both criminal behaviour and psychological principles, equipping individuals with a diverse skill set for success.

If you are interested in crime-related research and policy, working within the criminal justice system to effect positive change, or working with justice-involved persons, this course may be right for you. You will develop a range of highly desirable transferable skills that are valuable not only to careers within justice but applicable more broadly across industries requiring critical thinking, research, problem solving and analytical abilities.

Our Alumni have  gone on to work with a range of organisations including Police Scotland, Scottish Prison Service, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies, third (voluntary) sector organisations such as Includem and Sacro, His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, and others have pursued careers in Academia. Below are just some of the roles you could go into with an MSc in Applied Criminology and Forensic Psychology.

What does a Case Officer do?

A Case Officer typically handles a variety of responsibilities related to the processing and management of legal cases within the court system. The specific duties may vary depending on the level of the court (e.g., Sheriff court, High court) and the nature of the cases being handled.

Alumni currently hold Case Officer positions within the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service where they play a vital role in ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the court system. Managing the administrative aspects of legal cases with their work contributes to the fair and timely resolution of legal matters, which in turn supports the wellbeing of those involved in court cases.

Daily tasks and responsibilities in this role may include: 

  • Supporting court proceedings
  • Documentation and system management
  • Case management
  • Conflict resolution

What does a Policy Officer do?

Policy Officers play a crucial role in shaping the direction and operations of an organisation by ensuring that policies align with its mission, goals, and legal obligations. They often work closely with leadership, researchers, legal teams, and other relevant stakeholders to create policies that are well-informed, practical, and effective, protecting the public whilst ensuring the justice system is proportionate and fair and human rights upheld. Many alumni currently hold Policy Officer positions within local or national government or third-sector organisations.

Daily tasks and responsibilities in this role may include: 

  • Presenting ideas and gathering feedback
  • Problem-solving
  • Policy research, development, and analysis
  • Stakeholder engagement and relationship development

What does a Researcher do?

Researchers or Research Officers are valuable to a wide range of agencies/organisations, designing and conducting research which underpins services and interventions as well as informing policy. For example, you might work in the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration, Violence Reduction Unit, or third sector organisations.

Daily tasks and responsibilities in this role may include: 

  • Designing and conducting research, including analysis
  • Consultation and engagement with stakeholders
  • Policy Analysis
  • Report writing

 

Police Scotland student placements at Torphicen Street Station sitting at a table talking to an officer