Renowned worldwide, this MSc in Investigative and Forensic Psychology is a high-quality master's course providing academic and research knowledge of forensic practice. This includes crime reduction and intervention; investigative procedures, forensic interviewing, court processes, custody and rehabilitation.
Why Choose Investigative and Forensic Psychology at Liverpool?
This course is for you if you have a high 2:1 bachelor’s degree in Psychology (65% or above) and want to pursue a career in forensic psychology, law enforcement, investigations, intelligence, or go on to study a PhD and work in research/academia.
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage 1 Forensic Chartership training (if applicants UG degree is accredited by BPS); recognised by the Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP, British Psychological Society), and also counts towards Chartered Forensic Status.
Applicants do not need to have completed a psychology degree recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Graduate basis for chartership (GBC). However, if applicants do not have GBC then they need to be aware that unless they obtain GBC from the BPS before completing the masters they will not be able to progress to Stage 2 Forensic Chartership.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Criminal Behaviour (see module details below)
Examples of previous visiting speakers on this module:
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR (PSYC702) | 30 |
| RESEARCH METHODS AND STATISTICS (PSYC640) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Policing and Emergency Response (see module details below)
Examples of previous visiting speakers on this module:
Assessment and legal processes (see module details below)
Examples of previous visiting speakers on this module:
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| POLICING AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE (PSYC703) | 30 |
| ASSESSMENT AND LEGAL PROCESSES (PSYC706) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Dissertation (see module description below)
Examples of previous dissertations:
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (PSYC705) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will gain conceptual knowledge, skills and critical awareness via:
Assessment is by primarily through coursework. There is an in class exam for the module PSYC640 Research methods and statistics. Assessments align with the University of Liverpool commitment to have relevant, authentic and varied activities and are designed to lead directly to enhanced professional and personal objectives as well as being appropriate to the academic discipline.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and complete 60 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) for the work you have completed. This usually amounts to one semester when completed full-time.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and have completed 120 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) for the work completed. This usually amounts to two full semesters when completed full-time, without having to complete the final dissertation module.
You will benefit from excellent online and on-campus teaching with a strong academic and pastoral support framework.
There are opportunities to develop skills to improve employability.
You will have access to excellent recreational and sports facilities and can enjoy membership of hundreds of student societies and sports clubs.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
The course content is excellent, there are vast research opportunities, the staff are incredible and supportive and we get to see the real-world impact of what we’re learning in class.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
On completion of the programme, your resulting knowledge, skills and attitudes will enable you to put psychological principles into effect in a variety of settings including research, practice and the interface of applied research.
The scientific aspects of the course, including the application of a reasoned approach, problem solving and manipulation of data, provide useful tools for careers in healthcare, law enforcement, finance, IT and research.
This Programme provides a solid grounding for careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, government agencies, education, commercial or industrial sectors.
Forensic and Investigative Psychologists can work in various fields, including:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Full-time place, per year - £28,300
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting this master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | To apply, you must have a high 2:1 bachelor’s degree in Psychology (65% or above) with high marks in research methods and statistics. You do not need to have completed a psychology degree recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as a Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC). However to progress to Stage 2 Forensic Chartership you must obtain GBC from the BPS. All applicants must have some relevant work experience with a vulnerable client group (voluntary or paid), but not necessarily in a forensic setting. Applicants who meet the minimum entry requirement will be invited to attend an online interview. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 21, reading 21, writing 21 and speaking 23. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 135 overall, with writing not less than 140, speaking and reading not less than 125, and listening not below 120 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 69 overall, with no component below 61 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 75 overall, with no skill below 70 |
| PSI Skills for English | C1 Pass in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 28 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions