BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology Bachelor's degree at York St John University
BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology at York St John University covers specialisations such as clinical, cognitive, forensic, occupational, developmental, and health psychology, alongside neuroscience and research methods.
About this course
Explore the inner working of the mind and discover the psychological reasons for criminal behaviour. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at York St John University, based in YSJ Main Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Psychology graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 35% 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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (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.
Year 1 7 modules
- Biological PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
You will learn about biological psychology. You will start by exploring the historical development of the subject. You will then study the key concepts in structural and functional neuroanatomy, the study of the nervous system, and biological systems. We will also introduce you to the different research methods used in biological psychology.
- Exploring Individual Differences and Differential PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module explores how individuals differ in their behaviour, and consider what processes underlie such differences. You will also learn about the applications and history of differential psychology. We will consider this topic at 3 different levels: Individual (including intelligence and challenges around measurement) Interpersonal (such as helping behaviour and group dynamics) Global contexts (such as leadership and work-related personality)
- Foundations of Research 1Compulsory20 credits
Module details
Through this module we will introduce you to psychology as a science, and the principles of Open Science. You will learn about ethical principles, research design, and the development of research questions. This will be your first introduction to working with data on the course, and your theoretical learning will be supported by practical experience which applies these concepts in workshops.
- Cognitive PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module is your introduction to cognitive psychology. You will study its historical development and learn about the core theoretical models of the subject. We will look at the different research methods used in cognitive psychology including: Perception Attention Memory Language
- Psychology in PracticeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module is an opportunity to immerse yourself in various work-related experiences, and consider the career options open to you after graduation. In lecturers we will discuss how psychological theory, evidence, and practice can address issues and problems relevant to employment. You will also take part in workshops to develop some of the skills you need to confidently engage with such problems. Alongside this you will participate in an employer-led project, and conduct research on organisatio
- Foundations of Research 2Compulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will build on the knowledge and skills you gained on Foundations of Research 1, as you further develop your understanding of research design and analysis. We will focus on core concepts of data analysis, interpretation and dissemination, which can then be applied to more complex techniques later in the course. As in your previous Research module your theoretical learning will be complemented by practical experience working with data and key software.
- Psychological Research ParticipationCompulsory
Module details
This module gives you practical experience of participating in ethically approved psychological research projects. You can choose to take part in lab-based and online studies run by final year dissertation students, postgraduate students and academic staff. This helps you gain an understanding of the processes involved in good research practice. If you choose not to participate in these research studies, you can provide an online research skills portfolio instead.
Year 2 7 modules
- Developmental PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will learn about theoretical models of development, and we will encourage you to think critically about developmental psychology research. You will also practise your communication skills by conveying complex information to a non-specialist audience. The topics we discuss may include: Prenatal development Infancy Development of self Social cognition Physical reasoning Play Social relations
- Psychology in Practice 2Compulsory20 credits
Module details
Building on your previous work-related learning, this module will give you opportunities to further consider potential careers with a forensic focus. As part of the module you will participate in either work experience or an employer-led project. You will also connect this experience to recent theory concerning aspects of the working world, as well as practising applying for jobs and building essential skills that will be valuable in the workplace.
- Psychological Research Methods 2Compulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will further elaborate on concepts and skills in psychological research methods that you were introduced to in your first year. Through this you will develop a more in-depth knowledge and experience of research methods and analysis, as you are equipped with a range of tools to help you across the whole research journey. These tool with provide a basis for conducting your independent research project in your final year. You will also build skills for interpreting research findings you
- Brain and BehaviourCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module involves a deeper and broader exploration of cognitive and biological psychology than in previous years, as we investigate a range of methodologies and contemporary debates in the study of brain and behaviour. You will critically apply concepts, theories and principles to your own original mini cognitive research project, designed and conducted within small groups. The process and experience of conducting an experimental project from design to completion as a written report will help
- Advanced Social PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module builds on your learning in Exploring Social Psychology. You will study advanced topics in social psychology, focusing on contemporary theory and research in the field. Topics you will explore include: Attitudes Social influence Interpersonal and romantic relationships Prejudice Social constructionism
- Psychological Research 2Compulsory20 credits
Module details
This module follows on from Psychological Research 1, as you develop further design and statistical tools for research in Psychology. Through this you will build your confidence in analysing data using a variety of statistical techniques, and in interpreting results. This will prepare you to plan and conduct appropriate research designs and analysis for your independent research projects in your final year.
- Psychological Research Participation 2Compulsory
Module details
Develop practical, transferable skills while you study. You could also choose to participate in ethically approved psychological research projects run by students and members of staff. This will help to develop your understanding of good research practices.
Year 3 8 modules
- Independent Research ProjectCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module is your opportunity to conduct an independent research project on a psychological topic of your choice. You will start by reviewing relevant literature to generate research questions and hypotheses. Working closely with a member of academic staff you will design a study to address your research questions, obtain ethical approval for your study, and collect and analyse your data. Your final research paper will report the findings of your study.
- Professional Development 3Compulsory
Module details
This module will build on your previous Professional Development modules. By participating in individual and group tutorials throughout your degree, you will gain transferable skills relating to employability, self-reflection, communication and professional behaviour. This module continues this development with a focus on thinking about the future.
- Criminal PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
In this module you will consider a series of historical and contemporary criminal cases from alternative theoretical perspectives. You will interrogate the sociocultural contexts within which criminal acts are committed and judgements are made. Topics could include: International perspectives on crime Crime in popular discourse State, society and social control History of policing
- Investigative PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Gain the skills needed to interview witnesses, identify perpetrators and detect deception. During this module you will learn how to spot false allegations and confessions while using appropriate enquiry techniques. You will also understand how to analyse research relating to investigations and legal processes.
- Understanding Offending BehaviourCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Covering topics such as murder, stalking and gangs you will develop your knowledge in a range of offending behaviours. You will gain skills related to forensic psychology and learn how to communicate your knowledge relating to offending behaviours. Other topics you may explore are: Juvenile offenders Sexual offenders Female offenders Forensic psychology as a career
- NeuropsychologyOptional20 credits
Module details
On this module you will gain an understanding of neuropsychological disorders such as Alzheimer's and epilepsy. Learn about the neuropathology of these disorders and their cognitive profiles. You will have the opportunity to administer neurological tests and learn to interpret scores. You will be able to asses recent advances in neuropsychology and explore the role of neuropsychologists during rehabilitation.
- Applied Social PsychologyOptional20 credits
Module details
Gain an understanding of social psychology beyond the study of individual minds, by learning how to analyse interactions between people. On this module you will think critically about issues across naturally occurring contexts within research, education and professional practice. You will learn through a combination of theory, methodology and analysis.
- Advanced Cognitive Psychology: MemoryOptional20 credits
Module details
This module is your next step in advancing your cognitive psychology knowledge. You will examine the theory of memory and the history of memory devices known as mnemonics. Topics you
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
This course explores the psychological underpinnings of criminal behaviour and how the mind operates in forensic contexts. You'll usually begin with foundational psychology covering cognitive, social and biological bases of behaviour, alongside research methods and statistics. In Year 2, you'll progress to cognitive and developmental psychology, refining your research skills. Year 3 introduces specialist options such as clinical psychology, forensic psychology, neuroscience, child development and health psychology, alongside individual differences and psychopathology. Throughout, you'll develop competence in study design and data analysis, core to BPS accreditation. You'll conclude with an empirical dissertation: your own supervised research project from conception through data collection and write-up.
Who it's for
This course suits students with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent, with a typical UCAS tariff of 112–127 points. You'll study in English on the YSJ Main Campus.
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 of £22,250–£28,000 at 15 months, £19,125–£27,000 after three years, and £22,950–£32,400 after five years. These figures reflect the broader graduate outcomes landscape rather than university-specific guarantees.
University & format
York St John University is a university located at its Main Campus. This Bachelor's degree (BSc Hons) runs for 3 years on a full-time basis and is taught in English. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and its degrees are nationally recognised. The course carries BPS accreditation. York St John University achieved a Silver award in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 for teaching quality.
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 | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| an Access course | 5% |
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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at York St John 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
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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 | £22,000 – £26,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £20,500 | £17,000 – £23,500 | 140 |
| 5 years after | £25,000 | £21,000 – £30,500 | 155 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
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: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. 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.
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 15% of published destinations
- Welfare and housing associate professionalsSOC 2020 322 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,937
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
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: 100; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
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
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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
90% 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 8.5 out of 10: NSS 80.6% · in work or study 90% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
York St John 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 YSJ Main Campus
2,229 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 York St John University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £14,900 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 York St John 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 York St John University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at York St John 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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