Psychology with Forensic Perspectives

Psychology with forensic perspectives is a degree that combines the scientific study of the mind and behaviour with a focused exploration of how psychological knowledge applies in criminal justice and forensic contexts. Psychology provides the foundational science: understanding how people think, feel, develop, and behave; how cognition, emotion, and social influences shape action; and how psychological research is conducted and evaluated. The forensic dimension adds the application of these insights to crime, investigation, the court system, offender behaviour, and the factors that contribute to criminal conduct and to rehabilitation.

At Teesside University, this four-year full-time degree with foundation year includes an introductory foundation year that develops the academic and research skills you need before entering the core psychology programme. You will be introduced to the development of social science disciplines, explore how different research traditions approach similar questions, and develop the interdisciplinary awareness that forensic psychology requires. The main programme builds your understanding of psychological theories and research methods while applying that knowledge to the forensic context, examining how psychology contributes to criminal investigation, witness testimony, offender profiling, risk assessment, and the treatment of offenders.

Ethical awareness and research skills are central to the curriculum throughout.

Teesside's north-east location and its connections to the criminal justice sector provide a context in which the practical relevance of the degree is tangible.

Graduates go on to careers in the criminal justice system, probation, the police, victim support, social work, mental health services, and a range of applied settings where forensic psychological knowledge matters. Many pursue postgraduate training to work as forensic psychologists, or continue to further study in psychology, criminology, or social work. The BPS accreditation status should be confirmed at the time of application for those seeking the graduate basis for chartership.