University of Kent

MSc Forensic Psychology

University of Kent

Course overview

The MSc Forensic Psychology at the University of Kent is a full-time Master’s that is fully approved by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as the first step (Stage 1) to becoming a registered forensic psychologist in the UK.

You will study why people commit crimes, how memory and lie detection work, how the courts and prisons operate, and how to assess and treat offenders. There is a big focus on research skills and statistics, plus a large dissertation where you carry out your own forensic research project.

Teaching includes lectures, small seminars, practical classes, guest talks from real prison and probation psychologists, and sometimes visits to prisons. You will also use advanced labs with virtual reality, eye-tracking, and brain-stimulation equipment.

Everything is assessed by coursework and no exams. You will write research reports, case studies, essays, stats assignments, presentations, and your final dissertation. By the end, you will have the knowledge, research skills, and professional report-writing ability needed for jobs in prisons, probation, police, or to go on to the Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (Stage 2).

Entry requirements

To apply, submit a personal statement that highlights your interest in the course, together with details of your academic background. A reference from a teacher or employer is also required, and a CV showcasing relevant experience.

Grade Requirements:

  • You will need a minimum 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent) in psychology that confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS.
  • Applicants with a 2:2 may be considered if they have substantial relevant research or forensic experience.
  • Relevant work or voluntary experience (e.g. prisons, probation, victim support, mental health settings) is advantageous.

English Proficiency:

  • Applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds must achieve a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each component.
  • Equivalent test scores, such as TOEFL or PTE, are also accepted

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship

    Scholarship value up to £10,000.

  • Kent Business School Beaconhouse PG Progression Scholarship

    Tuition fee discount scholarship of £6,000.

    Up to £6,000

  • Kent Business School Dean's Excellence Scholarship Award

    Awards of up to £3,000

  • Kent Business School MBA Scholarship

    50% off Tuition Fee.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Kent Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee reduction for post-graduate taught programmes at the University of Kent.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught

    Scholarship value - £5000

    Up to £5,000

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught (KBS)

    Scholarship value £3000

    Up to £3,000

  • Kent LLM Solicitors’ Practice Scholarship (Canterbury)

    £2,000 tuition fee discount (Home Students); £2,000 tuition fee discount (Overseas Students).

    Up to £2,000

  • Sasha Roberts Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The “Ambition” Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £1,500 for Full Time UK students; £750 per year for Part Time UK students; £3,000 for Full Time Overseas students.

  • The CAMEMS Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Widening Participation Ambition Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £5,000 for UK students (£2,500 per year for part time students).

Career opportunities

The University of Kent offers several helpful funding options for postgraduate students. International students with strong academic results can receive the Kent International Scholarship, worth up to £8,000. Kent graduates returning for a master’s qualify for the Alumni Loyalty Discount of 10–25% off tuition fees. There are also general Postgraduate Taught Scholarships and country-specific awards available to eligible applicants. All the latest details, exact amounts, eligibility rules, and application deadlines are listed on the university’s funding pages.

Cost of study

International students pay £23,500 for the MSc Forensic Psychology at the University of Kent. New fees are published on the University of Kent website each year.

Admission

Applications for the University of Kent MSc Forensic Psychology are submitted directly through the university’s online portal. For further assistance, kindly reach out to one of our trained counsellors.

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