Key information

Duration: 1 year full time or 2 years part time

Institution code: R72

Campus: Egham

UK fees*: £14,900

International/EU fees**: £27,000

The course

Forensic Psychology (MSc)

Our Forensic Psychology Masters degree is jointly delivered by the Department of Law and Criminology and the Department of Psychology. By choosing this course at Royal Holloway you will be trained in the research-practitioner model for careers either in forensic psychology or applied psychology, and gain transferable skills that provide a valuable basis for careers in a wide range of fields.

A solid foundation in scientific research methods is developed so that you can design, conduct and analyse empirical psychological research. Teaching will be provided by academics from Psychology, Criminology and Law which will enable you to develop skills in integrating concepts and communicating on multidisciplinary levels. You will be trained in qualitative and quantitative methods and in ethical issues relating to research and practice.

Our balanced approach to research and teaching guarantees high quality teaching from both research and practice-led internal and external professionals, cutting edge materials and intellectually challenging debates. You will receive individual attention to enhance your personal and professional development.

On graduating you will have the foundation level knowledge to work towards becoming a qualified Forensic Psychologist and the understanding of the necessary interrelationship between scientific research and forensic psychological practice.

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society. Successful completion of the course fulfils stage one of the requirements towards Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society and full membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology.

We sometimes make changes to our courses to improve your experience. If this happens, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Course structure

Core Modules

In this module you will develop an understanding of many of the key research techniques that are used in social, health, forensic, clinical and developmental research. You will look at both qualitative and quantitative research techniques, covering forms of data collection such as questionnaires, online data, interviewing and focus groups, observational research methods, computerised cognitive measures, and social neuroscience techniques. You will also consider other forms of data analysis, including grounded theory, interpretative phenomenological analysis, thematic analysis, content analysis, and the use of secondary data and meta-analytic and systematic review techniques.
In this module you will develop an understanding of the main statistical methods used in psychology research. You will look at basic descriptive statistics before covering more complex techniques, including analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, correlation analysis, and simple and multiple regression. You will examine advanced statistical methods, such as structural equation modelling and factor analysis. You will gain hands-on experience in applying these methods of analyses to actual datasets and problems using statistical software, considering their respective strengths and weaknesses, and what type of problems each approach is best suited to address.
This module aims to provide knowledge of the legal and criminal justice context for forensic psychology, including theory relevant to legal and criminal justice processes. In addition, the module aims to engage you with key debates and issues in the legal and criminal justice context, such as the safeguarding of vulnerable witnesses and defendants, sentencing practices and disposal (including mentally disordered offenders). The module will address: The legal process pre-trial, Judicial contexts (civil, criminal, family, youth courts; tribunals; MHRTs; judicial review) Criminal Law and procedure, including the law of evidence, The Mental Health Act (1983, as amended in 2007) and the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and more.
The module aims to provide you with the context of research and practice in forensic psychology, including appreciation of ethical and professional considerations of forensic practice. You will learn to use and communicate information in forensic psychological practice, including approaches to assessment, treatment and consultancy and organisational interventions. A series of professional skills sessions will run alongside the core teaching and will address various topics.
In this module you will develop an understanding of cognitive, social and neuroscience approaches to forensic psychology. You will look at social approaches to different victim and offender groups, the neuroscience of psychopathy, interviewing victims, physiological approaches to deception, detection, and the role of eyewitness identifications in the legal system. You will also examine receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and confidence relationships as they apply to decision makers and estimator and system variables.
This module aims to provide forensic psychology students with a multidisciplinary perspective on young people and families in the criminal justice system. Criminological and psychological theories are integrated to inform the unique context of understanding and working with children and young people in conflict with the law or involved in the criminal justice system, and this forms the main emphasis of the module. The unique considerations of working with families and older adults as victims are also discussed. The aim is to engage with key debates and issues in the legal and criminal justice context for young people and families, such as the youth court processes, risk assessment, and systemic approaches to intervention and rehabilitation from offending.
The dissertation is a 60-credit module providing you with the opportunity to address a research question relevant to the field of criminology. This module aims to develop students' capacity to critically engage with contemporary empirical and theoretical research within criminology. Through this process, your ability to identify and formulate research questions and hypotheses that are firmly grounded in the existing empirical literature. The module places a strong emphasis on understanding and assessing the suitability of various research methods for data analysis, which is crucial for addressing specific research questions effectively. By the end of the module, you will have developed a thorough understanding of the research process in criminology, from the initial formulation of a research question to the final presentation of findings and will be equipped with the critical and practical skills needed to contribute to the field, whether in academic, policy-making, or applied research contexts.
This module will describe the key principles of academic integrity, focusing on university assignments. Plagiarism, collusion and commissioning will be described as activities that undermine academic integrity, and the possible consequences of engaging in such activities will be described. Activities, with feedback, will provide you with opportunities to reflect and develop your understanding of academic integrity principles.

All modules are core

Teaching & assessment

Knowledge and understanding is assessed by a broad range of both informal (i.e. class exercises and feedback) and by formal means (i.e. examination, presentations and oral reports, coursework and dissertation).

Entry requirements

2:1

Upper Second Class Bachelor Honours degree or equivalent in Psychology or any Psychology joint degree accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Applicants studying overseas will need to have been awarded the Bachelor degree before they can begin an application for British Psychological Society membership. British Psychological Society membership or accreditation is an essential requirement for entry onto this course.

Applicants are expected to have 60% or equivalent in dissertation from their undergraduate studies, and should have relevant practical experience and/or a relevant dissertation, project or other relevant research experience.

it is expected all applicants should have at least a basic appreciation of forensic psychology as well as good references.

All applicants will be interviewed before the outcome of the application is received.

International & EU requirements

Bachelor degree from the American University of Armenia or a Specialist diploma with 85% overall.

Bachelor degree (Honours) with a 2:1 or a Bachelor degree (Ordinary) with a Credit.

Bachelor degree or Fachhochschuldiplom/Diplom (FH) with a Grade 2.9 overall.

Bachelor degree (Bakalavr) or Specialist Diploma with 4.2 out of 5 or 80% overall.

4 year Bachelor degree from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) with a First Class Division or a Masters Degree following a 3 or 4 year degree.

Bachelor degree with grade 14 overall or the Licentiaat or Licence and other two cycle diplomas with grade 14 overall.

Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani with Grade 9.

Bakalavar or Diploma of Completed Higher Education with a Grade 4.5 out 6 overall.

4 year Bachelor degree with 73%, a GPA 3.1 out of 4, Grade 8 out of 12 or grade B overall OR 3 year Bachelor degree with 80%, a GPA of 3.5 out of 4, Grade 10 out of 12 or grade B+ overall, depending on the grading scheme.

4 year Bachelors degree with an overall 75% to 80% or GPA of 3.0 to 3.2 out of 4.0 depending on the institution.

4 out of 5 overall in the Baccalaureus Prvostupnik or Visoko Obrazovanja/Level VII/1 (second level degree obtained on completion of 4-6 year course).

Overall 8 out of 10 or a GPA of 3.5 out of 4 in a Bachelor degree from a public university, Ptychion (from University of Cyprus) or Bachelor degree awarded by a private institution (the programme must be accredited by the Ministry of Education and Culture).

Bakalar with Velmi dobre (excellent) or Grade B overall.

8 to 10 from 13 points grading system or 7 to 10 from 7 points grading system in a Bachelor degree, Candidatus Philosophiae or Professionbachelor.

University bachelors degree with a GPA of 3.0 overall or 75% overall

85%, 3.5 or B overall in a Bakalaurusekraad/Diploma, Magister or Magistrikraad

GPA of 2 where marks are in 1 - 3 system or GPA of 3.25 where marks are in 1 - 5 system in a Kandidaattii/Kandidat or Maisteri/Magister.

Licence awarded from 2009 with grade 13 or Maitrise (pre-Bologna) with grade 13.

Grade 2.3 overall in a Bachelor, Fachhochschuldiplom or Magister Artium.

Bachelor degree with a Second Class Upper Division overall.

7 out of 10 overall in a Diploma from the Faculties of Engineering and Agriculture or a Ptychion (Bachelor degree) awarded by an AEI.

Bachelors degree degree with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division.

Egyetemi Oklevel /Foiskola Oklevel/ Alapfokozat with 4 out of 5 overall.

Baccalaurreatus with grade 7.5 out of 10 overall or Kandidatsprof / Cadidatus Mag with 7 out of 10 overall.

Bachelor degree with 60% to 65% overall or a CGPA of 6.0 to 6.5 out of 10 overall depending on the institution.

Bachelor degree or Diploma IV with overall GPA of 3.0.

Bachelor Degree/Professional Doctorate with 15 out of 20 overall.

Bachelor’s degree (four years) with 75% overall.

Bachelors degree with at least 85% overall depending on the mark scheme.

Diploma di Laurea or Licenza di Accademia di Belle Arti with 94 out of 110 overall.

Bachelor degree (Gakushi) with a B+ overall, dependent on the mark scheme.

Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with 4 out of 5, 80% or 3.33 out of 4.33 overall.

Bachelor degree with a Second Class Honours (upper division) overall.

Bachelor degree with B+ or a GPA of 3.33 overall.

Bakalaura Diploms or Professional Bakalaura Diploms with Grade 7.5 overal

Bachelor’s degree (4 years) with 80% or a score of 15 out of 20

Dipl Ing (FH) or Dipl Arch (FH) from Liechtenstein Technical College with a Grade 5.5 overall.

8 out of 10 overall in a Bakalauras or Specialist Diploma.

Bachelor degree, Diplome d?Ingenieur Industriel or Dipl?me d'?tudes Sup?rieures Sp?cialis?es with 45 out of 60 or 16 out of 20 (Tres Bien) overall.

Bachelor degree with Class 2 Division i, B+ or 3.0 out of 4.0 overall.

Honours degree with a Second Class (Upper Division) overall.

Bachelor degree or Doctoraal with Grade 7.0 out of 10 overall.

Bachelor degree Honours or Ordinary with an overall Grade B or Grade 5 out of 9 points grading system.

Bachelor degree with a Second Class Honours, First Division or overall GPA of 3.5 out of 5.

Visoko Obrazovanja with 8.5 out of 10 overall

Bachelor degree, Candidatus Magisterii, Sivilingeni?r (siv. ing.) (Engineering degree ) or Sivil?konom (siv. ?k.) (Economics degree) Grade B or 1.6 to 2.5.

Bachelor degree with an overall GPA of 3.3.

4 year Bachelor degree or combined bachelors degree and Master degree for the duration of 4 years with 60% - 68% or a CGPA of 3.0 ? 3.5 overall depending on your institution.

Licencjat, Inzynier or Bachelor with grade 4.21 overall.

Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializadoswith grade 16 overall or Licenciado with grade 16 overall.

Bachelor degree with an overall GPA of 3.3 overall.

Diploma de Licenta, Diploma Inginer or Diploma de Arhitect with 8.0 out of 10 overall.

Bakalavr Bachelor degree or Specialist Diploma with 4 out of 5 or 80% overall.

Bachelor degree with 75%, 3.5 out of 5.0 or 3.0 out of 4.0 overall.

Diplom Visokog Obrazovanja (second-level degree obtained on completion of a four to six-year course) with 8.5 out of 10 overall.

Bachelor degree (from a public university) with a Class II (upper) overall.

Bakalar or Magister / Inzinier with v?born? (excellent) or Grade 1.5 overall.

Diplomirani / Diplomirani Inzenir from Visoko izobrazevanje, University Diploma or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) with 7.5 out of 10 (9 for Visoko Obrazovanja) overall.

Bachelor (Honours), Bachelor or Professional Bachelor degree with 70% or Second Class Upper Division.

Bachelor (Haksa) degree with 3.25 out of 4.5, 3.1 out of 4.3 or 3.0 out of 4.0.

Licenciado, Titulo de Ingeniero or Titulo de Arquitecto 7 out of 10.

Bachelor degree from National University or Private University with 73% to 78% or GPA 3.0 to 3.2 depending on your institution.

Bachelor degree with a 2nd Class Honours (Upper) overall.

Bachelor degree GPA 2.8 to 3.0 depending on your institution.

Bachelor degree (post 2007) or Specialist Diploma (after 1991) with a Grade 2, Excellent, 11 out of 12 or 4.5 out of 5 overall.

Bachelor degree with 85%, a GPA of 3.0 out of 4, B or Very Good overall.

Bachelor degree with a GPA of 3.2 overall.

Kandidatexamen with at least a Pass with distinction (val godkand) overall.

Bachelor degree or Bang tot nghiep dai hoc with 7.0 out of 10.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall. No subscore lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English: 67 overall. No other subscore lower than 64.
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
TOEFL iBT: 88 overall with Reading 22 Listening 20 Speaking 22 Writing 24.
Duolingo: 120 overall and no sub-score below 115.

Your future career

A Forensic Psychology masters degree at Royal Holloway, University of London can lead into a variety of career paths. Your career aspirations might change as you are exposed to the breadth of the subject through your course. You will be in a strong position to embark on a career in applied forensic psychological research and undertake a PhD or to pursue a career as a Practitioner Forensic Psychologist. You will also have developed an enviable amount of transferable skills that will be an advantage to you in a wide variety of fields.

Graduates will have completed the requirements of Stage 1 of the Qualification in Forensic Psychology, then you will be able to apply for Stage 2.
The knowledge gained and skills developed will make you highly employable in a variety of fields, such as: the NHS and private sector, prisons, probation, the police, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Justice, Home Office, Youth Support and Justice Services or research units (in Universities, charitable organisations and private companies).

Fees, funding & scholarships

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £14,900

EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £27,000

Other essential costs***: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course.

How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries.

* and ** These tuition fees apply to students starting their course on a full-time basis in the academic year 2026/27. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually. For further information, see fees and funding.

** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2026/27 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.