Step into the minds of others and uncover the science behind criminal behaviour. This exciting Psychology with Forensic Science course combines two powerful disciplines to give you a unique insight into human behaviour and criminal investigation. You’ll explore psychological theories while learning how forensic techniques are used to analyse evidence and solve real-world cases. It’s the ideal starting point for careers in criminal justice, mental health, or investigative fields.
You’ll build core knowledge and develop practical skills in analysis, communication, and problem-solving — all essential in today’s competitive job market. From crime scene techniques to behavioural profiling, you’ll learn how to approach complex challenges with confidence. Whether you're aiming for university or stepping straight into work, this course equips you for a career that truly makes a difference.
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Entry Criteria
4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English, maths and science or a relevant Level 2 Diploma with English, maths and science at 4 or above.
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What will I study?
Year 1 modules include:
- Psychological Approaches: In this unit, you will learn key psychological approaches (social, cognitive, learning and biological) and then apply these approaches to areas of human behaviour including aggression, consumer identity and gender identity.
- Criminal and Forensic Psychology: In this unit you will learn different approaches to explaining criminal behaviour. We will also cover treating offenders and how to develop an offender profile.
- Principles of Science: This unit will cover the key concepts in the 3 hard sciences: Biology: including cell structure and function, cell specialisation and tissue structure and function, Chemistry: including atomic structure and bonding, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions and balancing equations, Physics: including working with waves, diffraction gratings and electromagnetic waves in communication.
- Forensic Investigation: You will learn how to collect evidence from a crime scene and analyse evidence such as fingerprint, DNA, blood and ballistics evidence. In this unit you will be required to write up your results in professional reports.
Year 2 modules include:
- Health Psychology: In this unit you will become familiar with the research which links stress to illness. The unit will look at the cause of self-destructive behaviours. You will also explore addiction as it relates to a number of areas including smoking, alcohol, gambling and shopping. Finally, the unit will cover how we facilitate behaviour change/recovery in patients.
- Conducting Psychological Research: This unit will develop your competency as a future psychologist. You will develop skills such as conducting qualitative and quantitative methods, plan psychological experiments adequately, run your experiment and report and analyse your data meaningfully.
- Practical Scientific Techniques: During this unit you will learn practical laboratory techniques such as calibration, chromatography and calorimetry. You will be expected to professionally report your results and reflect on your professional practice.
- Criminology: During this unit, you will learn some competing criminological theories which are used to explain criminal behaviour and assess their use for measuring and tackling crime in England and Wales.
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Future Prospects
Successful completion will set you up to progress to degree level study at university. You’ll be on track for a wide variety of potential career paths across both Psychology and Forensic Investigation including:
Students should always check the entry requirements for each degree programme with the relevant higher education provider, as some degrees require specific combinations of qualifications or other industry accreditations as part of their entry requirements.
