Investigative Psychology MSc 2016-17

Investigative Psychology is a framework for the integration of a diverse range of aspects of psychology into all areas of criminal and civil investigation. This MSc course is a 1 year full time only course.

Overview

This is a unique course that provides in depth expertise in all aspects of Investigative Psychology as developed by the originator of the discipline Professor David Canter. The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and recognised as the first step towards status as a Chartered Forensic Psychologist in the UK for students who have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).

The course covers the full range of contributions that psychologists can make to the investigative process such as, evaluating the validity of suspect or witness accounts; the decision-making processes of detectives; developing profiling inferences about the characteristics of an offender and predicting their likely home location. This course is unique in that it is the only MSc accredited course of its type offered through blended learning making it accessible to people with a range of backgrounds.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Criminology or other related area OR have demonstrable ability to complete an MSc course at a higher level. This may be demonstrated through professional experience such as a background working with the police or other evidence that can be evaluated by the selection panel. Applicants with degrees from other disciplines or with a 2:2 are encouraged to apply as their application will be assessed on an individual level.

Blended Learning

Teaching is delivered in three one week blocks at the University in September, January and March and is supported by online learning that includes weekly study materials, quizzes, exercises, tasks using real life examples, audio-visual material, discussion forums and so on. A wide range of teaching and learning approaches are provided including lectures, tutorials, seminars with Professor David Canter, specialist guest speakers, time for self-study and online supervision throughout. The course offers flexibility and access for those with jobs, families or distance barriers. Our students have the advantage of studying Investigative Psychology while working or living anywhere in the UK or the world.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this course have become successful professionals in a variety of settings within legal and forensic contexts, often progressing to senior levels as crime and intelligence analysts, behavioural investigative advisors, forensic lecturers and researchers. They may work in prisons or with clinical populations or within commercial organisations and government agencies such as specialist crime units, the National Policing Improvements Agency or the Home Office. The field research skills central to the course are highly marketable and find their value in many areas of study, as varied as market research, or Home Office crime analysis, commercial fraud investigation or industrial intelligence gathering.

This article has been submitted by Dr John Synnott, Assistant Course Director for the MSc in Investigative Psychology, at the University of Huddersfield. For more information about the course follow this link http://www.hud.ac.uk/courses/full-time/postgraduate/investigative-psychology-msc