BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology with foundation year Bachelor's degree at Coventry University
BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology with foundation year at Coventry University. The foundation year supports students who need additional preparation before progressing to the main degree.
About this course
CU Coventry is committed to high quality, cost-effective learning opportunities. We are also committed to keeping our pricing structure simple, transparent and easy to understand. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology with foundation year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Coventry University, based in CU Coventry. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Psychology graduates from this provider, 88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 43% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Psychology, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 100. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 88% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 77% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Foundation year 4 modules
- Skills for Professional DevelopmentCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module aims to familiarise you with the professional and regulatory standards relevant to professional roles across the wider health, education and social care sectors. You will explore the importance of effective communication and the purpose and benefits of self-evaluation and reflection in a variety of professional contexts. You will explore the impact and influence of personal and professional values on practice and be provided with the opportunity to examine the barriers and facilitato
- Psychology of Learning and DevelopmentCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module examines lifespan development and supporting psychological theories to enable you to develop an understanding of human behaviour. It emphasises the importance of psychology in the context of learning and behaviour and its application to enhance relationships with service users. By understanding the factors that influence people's behaviours we can provide interventions that will help people change their lifestyle choices. With this in mind, you will cover essential topics such as psy
- Health and DiseaseCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to fundamental knowledge of anatomy and physiology and its relationship with health and disease. During this module, you should learn to apply this knowledge and understanding of the working of the human body in order to explore how health and care interventions can address disease, along with how individual choices and health management decisions can affect overall health status.
- Promoting Health and WellbeingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
After identifying the concepts of inequality in society and the resulting impact, you'll get to work assessing, planning and implementing health promotion. You'll take into account various approaches such as social change and empowerment and consider current programmes including national campaigns, social marketing and mass media. With developed knowledge and confidence, you get to showcase your understanding of health and wellbeing by producing your own health campaign. At the end of this modul
Year one 4 modules
- Biological Basis of BehaviourCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module explores the relationship between behaviour and biology, examining how the nervous and other biological systems may help explain topics such as sleep, addiction and behavioural genetics. You will have the opportunity to develop your analytical skills and apply them through problem-based learning approaches within the context of biological psychology, with a focus on strengthening your understanding of quantitative research methods.
- The Psychology of Human InteractionCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module focuses on human interaction within both individual and group contexts. You will examine traditional and contemporary social psychology theories that aid in underpinning real-world issues such as aggression and gender identity. Through problem-based learning, this module aims to help you improve your understanding of the complexities of human interaction while developing your qualitative research method skills.
- Mental Processes: From Thought to ActionCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module offers insight into the complexities of cognitive processes and how our minds function. Explore the core principles of cognitive psychology, including attention, memory and decision-making. Learn how cognitive psychology underpins everyday actions and decisions through quantitative research methods and solution-focused learning.
- Development Across the LifespanCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module gives you the opportunity to explore psychological development across the lifespan, from infancy to older adulthood. You will examine cognitive, emotional and social milestones, considering how developmental psychology can be applied to real-world issues such as education and cognitive decline in later life. You should learn to explore and analyse the dynamic processes that shape human growth and change.
Year two 4 modules
- Science of the MindCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Enhance your knowledge of biological and cognitive psychology, exploring brain function and mental processes and their impact on behaviour. You will study neuroanatomy, experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience and see how they apply to global topics like behavioural disorders. This module aims to use more advanced quantitative research methodologies and analysis to examine these concepts.
- Developing Self and Identity in the Social WorldCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module aims to deepen your understanding of social and developmental psychology, exploring how thoughts, feelings, behaviours, relationships and identity are shaped by social influences and developmental stages. You will examine group dynamics, interpersonal relationships and cultural differences, using qualitative research methods and a problem-based learning approach to help develop your research skills.
- Forensic Cyber PsychologyCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module focuses on how the digital world evolves and re-shapes society, including criminal behaviours and victimisation. You will be introduced to psychological theories and research explaining cybercrime and its impact. You will also explore contemporary issues, ethical dilemmas, social harms and legal implications of technology's widespread use, examining how it impacts various contexts, people, and the challenges it presents.
- Psychology in Forensic ContextsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Discover how psychology has shaped effective models, frameworks and practical strategies in the forensic field that enhance the ability to understand, support and engage with individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. From policing to court systems and prisons, this module looks at how psychology plays a vital role in navigating and improving these complex environments through solution-focused learning.
Placement year 2 modules
- UK Work PlacementOptional
Module details
This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.
- International Study/Work PlacementOptional
Module details
This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.
Final year 5 modules
- Project Planning and Ethics in PsychologyCompulsory30 credits
Module details
You will start your independent research project process, with support from your project supervisor, in this module. You will apply knowledge of research methods and theory to design an independent research project to address an appropriate psychological research question. Learn about ethics across Coventry University (CU Ethics) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) before completing an online Coventry University research ethics application.
- Independent Research ProjectCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module helps you develop skills and behaviours expected in professional settings. You'll learn to carry out empirical research and write an independent piece on it with support from your project supervisor. You should develop a critical and further enhanced understanding of psychological research methodology.
- Forensic Risk and RehabilitationCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module will introduce you to the world of forensic risk assessment and the multi-agency management of individuals convicted of crimes. Understand key risk factors and psychological theories behind criminal behaviour and learn how to assess and manage risk while working to rehabilitate forensic client groups.
- Forensic PsychopathologyOptional30 credits
Module details
This module aims to develop your understanding of the intricate relationship between mental health and crime from several different psychological perspectives. Explore how psychological theories can help explain mental illness and its connection to criminal behaviour. You will have the opportunity to examine how crime can impact not only those who commit it, but also victims, including the mental health challenges they may face as a result.
- Aggression, Violence and Serious OffendingOptional30 credits
Module details
This module critically examines key theories behind aggression, violence and serious offending. Learn to understand why someone might commit a serious offence or engage in aggressive and violent behaviours from multiple psychological approaches. Applying your knowledge to authentic case studies and scenarios, you will consider how to support service users and professionals to overcome challenging behaviours.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study psychology from its foundations to forensic specialisation over a 4-year course that includes a foundation year. A course like this normally moves from core theory, introduction to psychology, biological bases of mind, and research methods, through cognitive and social psychology in the second year. By year 3, you'll typically pursue specialist options such as clinical psychology, forensic psychology, neuroscience, child development and health psychology, supported by modules on individual differences and psychopathology. You'll complete an empirical dissertation, your own supervised research project, drawing together what you've learned. Throughout, you'll study BPS-accredited research design and statistics, building skills in designing studies and analysing data.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in the psychology of criminal behaviour, investigative processes and the legal system. The foundation year makes it accessible to those without traditional A-level qualifications or those needing to strengthen their academic foundations. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent; the typical UCAS tariff among entrants was 112–127 points. You should check the university's entry requirements for the most current information.
Careers & job market
Across psychology courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 45% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £22,250 to £28,000, rising to £22,950–£32,400 after five years. These are national figures for psychology graduates, not university-specific guarantees. First-year retention is 85% across the student body.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) degree is studied full-time at Coventry University, a University founded in 1970 and based in Coventry. The course runs for 4 years and is taught in English. Coventry University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; its degrees are nationally recognised. The university holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 80% |
| another higher-education qualification | 11% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 4% |
| Other | 2% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
| an Access course | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Coventry University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Psychology graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £24,000 | £21,000 – £26,000 | 100 |
| 3 years after | £21,000 | £16,000 – £26,000 | 190 |
| 5 years after | £26,500 | £21,000 – £32,000 | 220 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 100. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Assistant / Graduate roleAssistant psychologist or research · 0–2 yrs
- 2Trainee / PractitionerDoctoral training or applied role · 2–6 yrs
- 3Qualified PsychologistChartered / HCPC-registered · 6–10 yrs
- 4Senior / ConsultantLeading services or research · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Psychology nationally
National figures for Psychology graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 100. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Psychology courses at the same study level.
Compared with 758 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 12% of published destinations
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 11% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 435; response rate: 53%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Psychology graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Survey scoring and data cleaning
- Literature-search summaries
- Routine report scaffolding
- Standard statistical runs
More human than ever
- Clinical judgement and formulation
- Empathy and the therapeutic relationship
- Designing and interpreting studies
- Ethics with vulnerable people
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Psychology graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- The NHS
- Schools
- Research & consultancies
- Charities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Psychology graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.1 out of 10: NSS 79.3% · in work or study 88% · continued 77%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Coventry University
Psychology across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around CU Coventry
2,605 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Psychology right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Coventry University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Coventry University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Coventry University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Coventry University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Coventry University
Psychology at other universities
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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