Postgraduate - Glasgow Caledonian University

MSc Forensic Psychology/Psychology in Criminal & Penal Contexts
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Contact: Natalie Cohen
E: n.cohen@gcal.ac.uk
T: +44(0)141 331 8611
W: www.caledonian.ac.uk/sls
Mode of Study & Duration:
Full-time: One year
Part-time: Two years
Number of Places:
At discretion of admissions tutor
UK/EU Fees & Funding:
Self or employer-funded £4,080 (2008/09
fees). Some PSAAS funded places available
Application:
Download a form from our website on
www.caledonian.ac.uk/postgrad
For further information, see page 124 or use
the paper form at the back of this prospectus
Assessment:
Coursework and one examination, plus
Research Dissertation
Programme Structure:
Semester A: Psychology of Criminal
Behaviour; Psychology & the Legal Process;
Professional Skills in Forensic Settings;
Research Methods & Statistics
Semester B: Interventions with Offenders;
Psychological Assessment; Children, Young
Persons & the Law; Policing & Prisons: On
completion of taught modules, MSc
candidates must complete a supervised
research based dissertation
Forensic Psychology is one of the significant areas of development in contemporary
psychology. Forensic psychologists work in, or with, the prison services, special hospitals,
secure units, the courts, the police and social work, probation and community mental health
services; others are employed in academic or commercial settings.
The Glasgow Caledonian programme is the only one of its kind in Scotland. It is designed to introduce
students to relevant applications of psychology; forensic, criminological and legal issues and contexts. The
programme also aims to enable students to adopt an independent, analytical and evaluation approach to
learning and practice. For those with the requisite entry qualifications, it provides an important step towards
professional practice and chartered status in this field: the MSc in Forensic Psychology is accredited by the
British Psychological Society (BPS). It entails completion of eight taught modules and an additional research
Dissertation.
The programme is also designed to be of particular interest to current professionals wishing to extend
or update their knowledge of a number of specific areas. It is possible to register for the diploma (eight
modules), certificate (four modules) or for individual modules. Assessments for the Forensic Psychology
programme are written assignments, an examination for the Research Methods module and a research
dissertation.
Career opportunities can range from the application of psychological techniques to the detection,
assessment and treatment of offenders, to advising on selection and training of staff and the development of
services. Some of the students on our programme are staff from the Scottish Prison Service.
Entrants to the Forensic Psychology programme must have a good Honours degree in Psychology
(2.1 or above) that is recognised by the BPS as providing the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR), and
work experience either paid or voluntary, in the field. Individuals lacking GBR, who have other relevant
qualifications or experience, can be admitted to a parallel programme in Psychology in Criminal and Penal
Contexts. This would normally require a 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline. We welcome
applications from overseas students.
International Students:
International students whose first language
is not English shall be required to
demonstrate evidence of satisfactory
competence by completing an IELTS test
with a score of at least 7.0 or by holding
another recognised qualification. Please refer
to pg 12 for details
Overseas Fees:
£9,500 (2009 fees)
Scholarships:
Partial scholarships are available and
applicants will be advised of these
arrangements upon receipt of an offer