The MSc Forensic Psychology is a unique programme designed to prepare students for numerous diverse or specific careers within the general context of the Criminal Justice System. The programme is built around the fundamental theoretical, methodological and applied areas of Forensic Psychology.
In terms of the programme philosophy, the MSc Forensic Psychology reflects the academic skills underpinning the application of psychology to a forensic setting. It provides a strong emphasis on the application of Forensic Psychology in professional practice and how theoretical concepts are applied. Furthermore, the programme attends to victims and offenders. With regard to the latter, it follows the progression of an offender from their first contact with the criminal justice system until their eventual release into the community and/or transfer to conditions of less security. Attention is given to the victim and pre-trial issues (including civil justice). The role of on-going assessment, intervention and through-care are emphasised throughout the curriculum.
To foster professional growth, the programme places a strong emphasis upon developing professional report writing and presentation skills, methodological rigour, research expertise, independent learning and critical thinking. To facilitate this, students will be exposed to a learning and research environment that is rich in mentoring opportunities from members of the programme team with academic and/or practical forensic experience.
Within the programme, students have the option to take the practical experience module, which includes 1000 hours of supervised practical training.
The 2nd year of the MSc Forensic Psychologyconsists of a multi component module which includes a series of practical workshops designed to enrich the trainees’ practical assessment and treatment skills. An indicative list of seminars is provided below:
Assessment skills
Forensic assessment interview
Professional issues (ethics in correctional facilities, confidentiality, conflict of interest, treatment refusal)
Core counselling skills
Assessment & diagnosis
Introduction to person-centred counselling
Formulation practice
Group processes
Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Introduction to trauma-focused CBT
Introduction to play therapy for children that faced trauma
Anger management interventions for offenders
Problem solving interventions
Introduction to Contextual Behaviour Science
Introduction to Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Psychometric Testing and use of Projective Tests
Substance misuse treatment in forensic settings
Legislation awareness/ being an expert witness/ working as a forensic psychologist in criminal cases
Psychopharmacology in forensic settings
Child custody assessments
Competency to stand trial
Malingering
Suicidality in forensic mental health and prison setting
Special population (i.e. female offenders, minors etc.)
Substance and prison
Civil Law
In addition, the practical experience module provides trainees with the opportunity to have internships in a number of organisations, including weekly individual and group supervision.
Career Options
The course covers a range of forensic psychology topics and allows candidates to strengthen the knowledge and skills that are essential for becoming Certified Forensic Psychologists. The course has been specifically designed to reflect the academic skills required to apply psychology to a forensic setting, including universities, prisons, secure hospitals, probation, police services and the courts. Overall, the course can prepare students for numerous diverse or specific careers in the public as well as the private sector. It provides graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers within the general context of the Criminal Justice System. Students who complete the practical experience module (1000 hours of supervised training) will be able to become registered Forensic Psychologists and practise the profession in Cyprus.
Christodoulos MonogiosAssistant researcher at TEPAK and UCLan
It was greatly helpful to study in such a welcoming environment and have the opportunity to grow as a professional. Especially throughout my practical year, opportunities given helped me start of my career and be able to adapt as an independent professional to any given project. Skills and knowledge gathered whilst collaborating with staff and fellow students, also contributed in developing a productive, professional mindset that I maintain this day. Lastly, my years in the University, assisted me in growing as an individual.
Stavroula Andreou Facilitator at EpiDRASI Zois
My experience at UCLan Cyprus was great and has been a contributor to my professional development. UCLan Cyprus provided me with opportunities to participate in research programs which I am still involve with until today. It provided me a variety of different placement opportunities for my practical experience and training. UCLan Cyprus also provided me with the opportunity to commence a full scholarship for a PhD program in collaboration with the UCLan UK.
The MSc Forensic Psychology programme was significant for my career. It has helped me improve and develop a variety of new skills and knowledge. The academics throughout the degree were very supportive and excellent. I would highly recommend this degree.
Viron ErotocritouMSc Forensic Psychology Alumni
Studying the MSc Forensic Psychology at the School of Sciences at UCLan Cyprus was one of the best decisions I made. The degree helped me develop the skills I needed to work as a Forensic Psychologist and register as a Forensic Psychologist in Cyprus. The academics of the programme were all experts, with years of research and industry experience in their respective fields. A reason I would recommend this degree specifically at UCLan Cyprus is the academics willingness to provide support and guidance whenever necessary.
Mariam MahdesianMSc Forensic Psychology Student
As an MSc Forensic Psychology student, I had and have the opportunity to expand my knowledge and research with the help and guidance of the academics. The reason I choose this degree is because I was also BSc Psychology student and I was very happy with the programme. As a result, I decided to continue my studies at UCLan Cyprus. The lecturers and academic throughout my studies have given me the opportunity to research and expand my knowledge in the field of Forensic Psychology.
Anastasia SavvaCompleted MSc Forensic Psychology at UCLan Cyprus in 2022
The Forensic Psychology postgraduate programme at UCLan Cyprus provided me with invaluable knowledge that I use and implement in my daily practice. I specifically appreciated the program’s balance between providing theoretical knowledge as well as opportunities for practical application and experiences. This equipped me with the necessary skills to apply the theory into practice. Additionally, I am grateful for the support and guidance offered by the course leader, Dr Lilia Psalta, the practicum leader, Dr Vasiliki Christodoulou, fellow students and the staff within the program.
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