Course information

Entry requirements

UCAS code

8C00

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
IB: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655

Length

3 years full-time

Department

Psychology

Course overview

This degree offers a scientific approach to the study of psychology and behaviour. You will be introduced to psychological theories, methods and processes relating to the legal, criminal and civil justice systems.

The degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership of the Society and also the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

Why study BSc Psychology with Forensic Psychology

  • You will develop a thorough understanding of the key issues and debates that relate to psychology and forensic psychology
  • As part of our mentoring scheme you will be allocated a member of academic staff with forensic psychology expertise, who will advise you on career options and employability, as well as opportunities to gain more relevant experience
  • You will gain a wide range of transferable skills associated with the practice of psychology, including critical thinking, analytical skills, reflection, self-motivation, planning and organisation
  • You will be actively encouraged to seek opportunities for summer internships or other work experience placements to further build on your skills and knowledge
  • During your final year of study you will carry out a research project under close supervision of a member of faculty in the Department of Psychology whose research interests and expertise are in the forensic psychology field.  You will learn about all aspects of research in the area of forensic psychology, which forms one of the roots of our research-led teaching
  • Working and learning in an applied fashion will allow you to gain an appreciation of how to use available evidence-bases to inform practice, and how research can feed back into the working process
  • Teaching in the style of small group tutorials and lab classes will provide you with particular focus on applying your learning to a forensic context

The psychology department has recently augmented a long-standing research strength in Forensic Psychology. In addition to Professor Tim Valentine’s research in eyewitness identification, recent appointments to the department have brought the following skills and experience in the following areas:

  • Dr Fiona Gabbert has an international research track record in investigative interviewing
  • Dr Ashok Jansari brings his interest in exceptional face recognition abilities from CCTV images
  • Dr Caoimhe McAnena a Chartered Forensic Psychologist with expertise in the assessment and treatment of offenders

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Fiona Gabbert.

What you'll study

Note about optional modules (if available): The below is indicative of the typical modules offered, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. The module content and availability is subject to change.

Year 1 (credit level 4)

In Year 1, students take introductory modules on the main topic areas within psychology (i.e., cognitive, developmental, social, individual differences and biological) and also practical courses training them in the principles, methods and techniques of psychological research. There will be an applied or forensic emphasis to the academic tutorials, which will be taught by an expert in this area. Furthermore, some assessments will be on a forensic-relevant topic.

Module title Credits
The Psychology of the Person 15 credits
Biological and Comparative Approaches to Psychology 15 credits
Information Processing and Cognition 15 credits
Design and Analysis of Psychological Investigations 30 credits
Practical Issues in Psychological Research 15 credits
Extended Essay in Psychology 15 credits
Skills and Employability in Psychology 15 credits

Year 2 (credit level 5)

Year 2 modules provide more in-depth knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories and empirical research relating to biological psychology, individual differences; cognitive psychology; developmental psychology; and social psychology. Students take a course in statistics, and carry out laboratory-based research both individually and within small groups of peers. It is expected that research projects undertaken in the second year will have a forensic psychology emphasis, and will be supervised by a member of staff with relevant expertise.

Module title Credits
Biological Substrates of Behaviour 15 credits
Personality and Individual Differences 15 credits
Social Psychology 15 credits
Developmental Psychology 15 credits
Design and Analysis of Psychological Studies 15 credits
Cognitive Psychology 15 credits
Research Methods in Psychology 30 credits

Year 3 (credit level 6)

In their final year, students will take two compulsory modules in areas of applied psychology:

Module title Credits
Psychology and Law 15 credits
Addictive Behaviours 15 credits

You also complete an individual Research Project (45 credits), which should have a forensic psychology focus. 

You also choose modules to the value of 45 credits. Examples that could be selected include: 

Module title Credits
Psychopathology: Cognitive behaviour models and treatments 15 credits
Multivariate Statistical Methods in Psychology 15 credits
Applications of Attention Research 15 credits
Anomalistic Psychology 15 credits
Topics in Neuropsychology 15 credits
Neurodevelopmental Disorders 15 credits
Behavioural Genetics 15 credits
Psychological Approaches to Music 15 credits
The Interpersonal Self 15 credits
Psychology and Education 15 credits
Social-Moral Development 15 credits
Cognitive Neuroscience 15 credits
Magic and the Mind 15 credits
Social Psychology of Social Problems 15 credits
Psychology of the Arts, Aesthetics and Attraction 15 credits
Cross-cultural and Individual Differences in Attention and Awareness 15 credits

Please note that some of the modules listed are 'compulsory', which means that you must pass them to progress to the next level of study. 

Teaching style

This programme is taught through scheduled learning - a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.

The following information gives an indication of the typical proportions of learning and teaching for each year of this programme*:

  • Year 1 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning
  • Year 2 - 15% scheduled learning, 85% independent learning
  • Year 3 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning

How you’ll be assessed

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, laboratory reports, group work and research projects.

The following information gives an indication of how you can typically expect to be assessed on each year of this programme*:

  • Year 1 - 53% coursework, 47% written exam
  • Year 2 - 34% coursework, 66% written exam
  • Year 3 - 53% coursework, 48% written exam

*Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for 2022/23. Each student’s time in teaching, learning and assessment activities will differ based on individual module choices. Find out more about how this information is calculated.

Credits and levels of learning

An undergraduate honours degree is made up of 360 credits – 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6. If you are a full-time student, you will usually take Level 4 modules in the first year, Level 5 in the second, and Level 6 modules in your final year. A standard module is worth 30 credits. Some programmes also contain 15-credit half modules or can be made up of higher-value parts, such as a dissertation or a Major Project.

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Entry requirements

Selection process

We exercise flexibility where entry requirements are concerned, and make offers based on your enthusiasm and commitment to your subject, as shown by your application and personal statement, qualifications, experience and reference. If you don't have academic qualifications may be invited to interview.

We frequently interview mature applicants (over 21) or those with alternative qualifications, and have a long tradition of encouraging students from all social backgrounds to study at our university.

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2

Additional requirements

You should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 in GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics or Statistics, and English.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Alternative qualifications

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

Fees & funding

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.

From August 2021 EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for 'Home' fee status. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will be classified as 'International' for fee purposes, more information can be found on our fees page.

  • Home - full-time: £9250
  • International - full-time: £20840

If your fees are not listed here, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our careers service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.

Careers

The BSc in Psychology with Forensic Psychology would allow you to progress to specialised MSc courses, such as our MSc in Forensic Psychology.

You will be encouraged (with full support) to actively seek opportunities for summer internships or other work experience placements to further build on your skills and knowledge, and increase your potential employability on graduating. You can find out more about career options after graduating on our Psychology careers page.

Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.

Postgraduate Progression

If you're interested in this Undergraduate programme, you may be interested in the following Postgraduate courses: