BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology Bachelor's degree at the University of Portsmouth

On this module, you'll explore different research methods and discover how psychologists design studies to answer real questions. You'll learn how to collect, analyse, and interpret data using both qualitative and quantitative approaches whilst developing key skills in writing clear, well-structured research reports. By the end of the module, you'll understand how to choose the right methods for different research questions, gaining essential skills for later study and careers that value evidence-based thinking, while also meeting national standards for psychology education and developing the core research skills expected of psychology graduates.

You'll explore the key theories and research methods used in forensic psychology, learning how psychologists study crime, behaviour and decision-making. You'll examine how cognitive, social, biological and developmental psychology contribute to real investigations, from eyewitness memory to offender assessment and rehabilitation. You'll also learn how forensic psychologists work with other disciplines within the justice system, helping you understand the cross-disciplinary nature of forensic work and how research directly shapes professional practice.

On this module, you'll learn how psychology developed as a scientific discipline, exploring the key theories, methods and historical ideas that shaped modern psychological thinking. You'll examine major perspectives in psychology and apply them to contemporary debates, learning how different approaches explain behaviour and mental processes in unique ways. Alongside this, you'll also be introduced to core concepts in clinical psychology, gaining an understanding of diagnostic criteria, treatments and how psychologists address mental health challenges.

You'll develop essential skills for studying psychology and for pursuing psychology-related careers, including effective communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. You'll also have the opportunity to reflect on your personal development, such as managing workloads, adapting to new learning and social environments, and making the most of university life. Through interactive workshops, lectures, and a careers conference, you'll explore a wide range of psychology career pathways and develop strategies for academic and professional success.

On this module, you'll learn how biological mechanisms and cognitive processes work together to shape perception, memory, language, learning and emotion. You'll explore key theories and research in biological and cognitive psychology, developing a deeper understanding of how scientists study the mind and brain. Along the way, you'll design and conduct your own quantitative research, using statistical software to analyse data and gain practical experience in ethical, evidence-based psychological investigation.

You'll explore key theories of personality, intelligence and individual differences, learning how psychologists explain why people think and behave in distinct ways. Through psychometric testing and the use of statistical software you'll gain practical experience and develop the skills to assess reliability, validity and bias and to analyse real psychological data. You'll also examine the ethical and cultural issues involved in measuring human traits, helping you understand how research on individual differences informs practice across education, health and the workplace.

You'll explore and prepare for future academic and professional pathways in psychology by applying your learning in practical, real-world contexts. Through a choice of experiential options, you'll develop transferable skills, reflect on your career goals, and strengthen your ability to apply psychological knowledge in research, workplace, or community settings. This module will build your confidence, self-awareness, and employability, supporting progression into further study, professional training, or psychology-related careers.

You'll examine the psychological principles behind key investigative activities, including interviewing, deception detection, facial recognition, and decision-making. through practical workshops and exercises you'll develop skills used by real investigators and understand the challenges of gathering evidenceyou'll also evaluate research findings and apply them to real-world criminal investigations, learning to assess the strengths and limitations of different approaches while building critical thinking and practical expertise in investigative psychology.

You'll examine key theories and research in developmental and social psychology, learning how human behaviour changes over time and in social contexts. You'll take part in practical research activities, collecting and analysing qualitative data while developing skills in empirical reporting and data interpretation. You'll also design and manage your own qualitative research project, considering ethical issues and real-world applications, preparing you for advanced study or careers requiring strong research, analytical, and communication skills in psychology-related fields.

You'll explore how psychological theories explain crime in a connected world and how technology shapes offending, detection, and prevention across policing, policy, and security practice. Using real-world cases, you'll examine pathways to violent extremism, why people offend online, and evaluate tools such as cctv and body-worn video, considering ethics, human rights, and unintended consequences. You'll assess risk, analyse criminal behaviour, and design a research proposal or practical solution to a real-world crime or security problem, supported by dedicated assessment guidance.

You'll investigate the development and nature of offending behaviour, learning key psychological theories and how they explain criminal actionsyou'll take part in workshops and case analyses, applying theory to real-world scenarios and evaluating rehabilitation and intervention strategiesyou'll also develop the skills to critically assess offenders' behaviour, formulate evidence-based interventions, and understand the challenges of supporting rehabilitation, preparing you for careers in forensic psychology or related fields.

You'll explore the complex relationship between trauma, memory, and the law from a psychological perspective, focusing on memory distortion and the controversial concept around repressed memory in clinical and legal settings. Through lectures and seminars, you'll examine how psychological research and theory are applied in clinical and legal settings, and the challenges this creates when interpreting memory evidence. You'll develop critical thinking and evaluation skills, building confidence in applying research to complex cases and preparing for assessments that require clear, well-reasoned psychological analysis.

You'll explore how vulnerability affects witnesses, victims, and offenders, and examine the role of forensic psychology in supporting people within the justice system. Through lectures and workshops, you'll analyse existing approaches such as interview methods and courtroom adaptations, considering where they are effective and where improvements are needed. You'll apply psychological ideas to case examples, developing critical thinking and reflection skills that help you understand how support for vulnerable individuals can be improved in practice.

You'll design, carry out and present an independent research project based on a clear psychological question or hypothesis. alongside this, you'll complete a supervised work placement, gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting and applying psychology in real-world contexts. Through workshops, tutorials and supervisor support, you'll build confidence in research, analysis, communication and professional reflection, preparing you for further study, professional practice or a wide range of psychology-related careers.

On this module you'll design your own research project, developing your skills in gathering, analysing and interpreting data. You'll be paired with a supervisor who will support you in your research process of developing methodologies, obtaining ethical approval, and collecting and/or analysing data. This module will set you up with the research, analytical and communcation skills needed to navigate the rest of your degree.

You'll investigate how culture influences human psychology, from perception and emotion to social behaviour and language. By analysing research from societies around the world, you'll examine how psychologists study cultural differences and the methods used to understand diverse societies and their psychology. You'll reflect on the two-way relationship between culture and psychology, while developing the critical skills to evaluate theory and explain how cultural context shapes human experience.

You'll deepen your understanding of statistical thinking, learning why traditional significance testing has limitations and how newer approaches offer clearer, more informative insights. Using specialist software you'll carry out advanced multivariate analyses, gaining practical experience in interpreting data through effect sizes, confidence intervals and modern statistical tools. You'll also learn to report your findings clearly and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of statistical conclusions, preparing you for research-focused careers and further academic study.

In this module you'll examine the structure and function of the human nervous system, gaining a deeper understanding of how neural processes support thought, behaviour and health. You'll explore the tools neuroscientists use to study the brain, critically evaluating the strengths and limitations of modern techniques and what they reveal about neural activity. You'll also consider how neuroscience informs both clinical and everyday applications, helping you analyse current research and debates that shape this rapidly evolving field.

You'll investigate how psychologists explain, assess and support mental and physical health, exploring real-world issues faced by clinical and health practitioners. You'll compare different theories and evaluate current research, to see how evidence ishapes treatment, prevention and behaviour change. Through practical case examples you'll apply your knowledge and develop the critical skills needed to takle contemporary challenges in both clinical and health psychology.

You'll examine psychological theories and research across a wide range of topics relevant to modern workplaces: from selecting the right people for a job or improving employee wellbeing and reducing stress at work to what makes an inspirational leader. You'll gain insight into the advantages and disadvantages of different workplace practices, and explore how occupational psychologists can enhance the culture and effectiveness of organisations.

You'll explore how social, cultural and theoretical contexts shape our understanding of disability, learning key theories from critical disability studies and social constructionism. You'll take part in practical research, engaging with lived experiences and media representations while developing ethical, inclusive interviewing and analysis skills. You'll also apply theory to critically evaluate real-world experiences, reflecting on how power and knowledge influence perceptions of disability, preparing you for research, advocacy, or professional roles in psychology and related fields.