A Masters in Criminal Psychology and Criminology can lead to a wide variety of careers.

There is a demand for this qualification in the policing and criminal justice sectors as well as pure psychologists who specialise in Criminal Psychology.

For more information on law-related postgraduate programs and careers go to LLMstudy.com. Here is a roundup of 10 of the best Masters in Criminal Psychology*.

Who Is A Forensic Psychologist?

Forensic Psychologists can be defined as professionals who practice psychology within the criminal justice system and civil courts.

They focus on understanding the reason behind certain behaviors and also help in reducing and also preventing the occurrence of such behaviors.

Furthermore, Forensic psychologists are often involved in both criminal and civil cases such as civil lawsuits, custody disputes, and insurance claims.

In recent times, Forensic Psychologists are seen working with those who are demonstrating extreme emotional states. Therefore, the job of forensic psychologists can sometimes prove to be both physically and mentally demanding..

How long does it take to become a forensic psychologist?

Schooling for forensic psychology takes a total of 10-11 years to become a professional and licensed forensic psychologist.

• 4 years for the undergraduate study
• 2 years for the master’s program
• 4 to 5 years for the doctoral program.

What Does A Forensic Psychologist Do?

Basically, forensic psychologists apply their knowledge of psychological principles in criminal justice and the legal system.

Forensic psychologists use the principles of psychology such as the study of the mind, perception, to work with attorneys, judges, and other legal specialists in order to analyze and understand the psychological details of various cases. 

Usually, they use their knowledge to provide a motive for a crime or narrow down a suspect list. Meanwhile, in some cases, the testimony of a forensic psychologist can be the last piece of the puzzle when trying to convict a criminal.

However, the duties and roles of forensic psychologist include but not limited to the following:

• Criminal profiling services.
• Child custody evaluations.
• Investigate reports of child abuse.
• Evaluating suspected criminals for mental competency and their ability to stand trial.
• Evaluating convicted criminals to assist in the creation of rehabilitation plans.
• Expert witness/​courtroom testimony regarding psychological questions before the court.
• Evaluating potential jurors and consulting with prosecuting defense, and plaintiff’s lawyers regarding the selection of juries.
• Evaluating witnesses, such as children, to verify the truthfulness and/or ability to remember key facts and circumstances.
• Consulting with, and providing training and curriculum development for law enforcement and corrections agencies.
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as at law schools for Juris doctorate candidates.
• Evaluating potential police officers for employment through psychological screenings.

Top Universities For Criminal Psychology UK

MSc in Criminology and Criminal Psychology – University of Essex

Duration: 2 years part-time by distance learning online

Cost: £4,500 for all students

What You Will Study:

Focusing on the important current issues and topics within criminology and criminal psychology, the course at the University of Essex is delivered online and equips students for future careers in the police force, working with offenders and in organisations like the National Crime Agency.

MSc in Criminal Psychology – University of Portsmouth

Duration: 1 year full time or 2 to 3 years part time

Cost: £4,700 (UK or EU Students) / £12,600 (International Students)

What You Will Study:

This course at the University of Portsmouth can be on campus or by distance learning. The aim is to develop students understanding of offending behaviour and how to work with offenders in order to reduce re-offending.

MSc in Criminology with Forensic Psychology – Middlesex University

Duration: 1 year full time or 2 years part time

Cost: £7,500 (UK or EU Students) / £12,500 (International Students)

What You Will Study:

The MSc in Criminology with Forensic Psychology at Middlesex University aims to give students an understanding of offender management, gangs and policing. It also focuses on an appreciation of reoffending, interventions and punishments.

MA in Criminology with Forensic Psychology – Kingston University

Duration: 1 year full time or 2 year part time

Cost: £5,700 (UK or EU Students) / £13,300 (International Students)

What You Will Study:

Students at Kingston University will focus on contemporary criminal justice policy, practice and politics in a local, national and global context. The course includes extensive fieldwork at prisons, courts and political institutions in London.

MSc in Forensic and Criminological Psychology (by research) – University of Nottingham

Duration: 1 year full time

Cost: £4,121 (UK or EU Students) / £14,850 to £35,010 depending on research topic (International Students)

What You Will Study:

The research dissertation takes up most of the MSc in Forensic and Criminal Psychology at the University of Nottingham. The modules concentrate on subjects such as theories of criminal behaviour, forensic child psychology and law and criminal justice.

MSc in Forensic Psychology and Crime – Coventry University

Duration: 3 years part time online and classroom based

Cost: £5,799 (UK or EU Students) / £11,280 (International Students)

What You Will Study:

This course at Coventry University in the UK is designed for those students in employment and is delivered online with some teaching blocks on campus. It is accredited by the British Psychological Society. Modules studied include violent crime, criminal and civil justice responses to crime, psychology in forensic decision-making and risk assessment and offender programs.

MSc in Criminology and Criminal Psychology – University of Greenwich

Duration: 1 year full time or 2 years part time

Cost: £8,250 (UK or EU Students) / £12,500 (International Students)

What You Will Study:

The compulsory modules on this MSc in Criminology and Criminal Psychology at Greenwich University aim to give students an understanding of the theories, methods and practice in criminal psychology.

MSc Psychology – University of Hertfordshire

Duration: 1 year full time or 2 years part time

Cost: £6,450 (UK or EU Students) / £12,100 (International Students)

What You Will Study:

The MSc in Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire is a general psychology masters program, but you can specialise in an area that you are interested in – and Forensic and Criminal Psychology is one of the specialisation options. The course is recognised by the British Psychological Society.

MA in Criminology – Dublin Institute of Technology

Duration: 1 year full time or 2 years part time

Cost: €7,400 (EU Students) / €11,500 (International Students)

What You Will Study:

This MA in Criminology at the Irish-based university is for students wishing to pursue a career in a wide range of sectors including policing and justice. With a strong emphasis on criminal psychology, it is also suitable for those wishing to continue onto a PhD.

MSc in Forensic Psychology – Maastricht University

Duration: 2 years full time

Cost: €3,495 (EU Students) / €13,000 (International Students)

What You Will Study:

Focusing on theory and practice in the criminal justice sectors, the MSc in Forensic Psychology at Maastricht University in the Netherlands aims to give students training in forensic assessment, therapy and expert witness skills.

Deciding which masters course is for you is important. For example, in some careers it is important that your degree is recognised by the British Psychological Society and in other careers it is not. Check with administrators on your chosen course to find out more. There are other great options for studying Criminal Psychology and Criminology at masters level, our course search has all the information you need.

best universities for criminal psychology in the world

Forensic psychology is a fascinating and challenging career path. Like every other career in criminology, a forensic psychology degree can open the door to many chances. So, in this article, you’ll get vital information on forensic psychology education requirements, steps to becoming a forensic psychologist, and most importantly the best schools where you can study it.

Brief History of forensic psychology

Forensic psychology’s first seed was planted in 1879, when Wilhelm Wundt, often called the father of psychology, established his first lab in Germany. Since Wundt, the field of forensic psychology has blossomed, with contributions by many other experts.

James McKeen Cattell, for instance, handled some of the earliest research on the psychology of testimony. He postured a series of questions to students at Columbia University, asking them to give a response and rate their degree of trust in their answer. He found a surprising degree of inaccuracy, encouraging other psychologists to conduct their own experiments in witness proof. With witnesses being uncertain of themselves, this raised serious issues about the validity of their usefulness in court.

Forensic Psychology is simply an interaction or combination of the practice and study of psychology and the legal system.

The American Board of Forensic Psychology defines Forensic psychology as the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system.2.4M100machine learning project vintage colorizer

Generally, it involves applying psychological principles to the field of criminal investigation and the law. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poz546BUuCk

What are the best Forensic Psychology schools in the world?

Forensic psychology exists at the intersection between psychology and criminal justice.

Here is a list of best forensic psychology schools in the world

• California State University, Los Angeles
• Holy Names University
• Roger Williams University
• Marymount University
• University of New Haven
• Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Irvine Campus)
• California Baptist University
• University of Denver
• University of North Dakota – Grand Forks
• City University of New York – John Jay College of Criminal Justice

#10. California State University, Los Angeles

California State University, Los Angeles’ Master of Science in Forensic Psychology is intended for students with interest in the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system.

Faculty mentors guide each student through the program. Needed courses comprise Courtroom and Legal Issues in Criminalistics, Psychology and the Law, and a seminar in Abnormal Psychology. Students must also take a quantitative course linking to statistics or research methods.

Elective offerings encompass seminars in Developmental Psychology, Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Psychology, and Social Psychology. The degree’s 33 to 34 units of coursework constitute a nine-month practicum experience in a forensic setting. such as a family services counseling center, a sexual abuse crisis center, or a prison. Each student culminates in the program with a master’s thesis.

Cal State LA was established in 1947 by the California legislature as The Los Angeles State College. Now a public land-grant university, Cal State LA is a constituent of the California State University system. It is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution. The university is home to the acclaimed Luckman Jazz Orchestra. Its hilltop campus in the greater Los Angeles area is home to a NASA-funded space program, a Rockefeller-supported humanities center, and a National Science Foundation-funded environmental research center. U.S. News & World Report ranks Cal State LA No. 52 in the West, No. 26 for the best value, and No. 13 among national public institutions.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,176 in-state; $16,680 out-of-state

#9. Holy Names University

Holy Names University’s Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program incorporates evidence-based practice and self-reflection. The course content also highlights cultural proficiency and social justice.

The 39-unit MA program is based on the philosophies of therapeutic restorative justice. It is fitting for individuals who wish to work in correctional facilities, court programs, and community advocacy positions. Course topics address mental health, substance abuse, post-traumatic disorders, and more. The plan of study comprises essential courses in Human Diversity in Counseling, Domestic Violence Assessment and Treatment, and the Psychology of Criminal Behavior.

A Roman Catholic university, Holy Names University was founded by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in 1868. Despite its religious origins and connection, the school welcomes students from different religious and cultural backgrounds. The private university is located in the Oakland Hills near the Montclair district of Oakland, California.

Students may get included in The Center for Social Justice, which involves the school’s Service-Learning and Community-Based Leadership programs. U.S. News & World Report ranks Holy Names No. 61 in Regional Universities West and No. 22 in Best Value Schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,054

#8. Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University gives a Master of Arts in Forensic & Legal Psychology through its Feinstein School of Social and Natural Sciences. The two-year full-time program is designed to equip students to pursue Ph.D. studies. The program trains students in clinical assessment, psychological testing, research design, and statistical analysis.

The core course sequence is made up of 11 needed courses, including Multicultural Proficiency in Psychological Practice, Professional Ethics in Psychology, and Psychology and Law. Additional course choices cover Assessment in Criminal Law, Child Assessment, and Developmental Psychopathology. All students must finish an independent analysis or a research practicum along with a master’s thesis.

The origins of RWU can be tracked back to classes held in 1919 in the YMCA building in Providence, Rhode Island. The school developed over the next few decades and was officially established in 1956. It was named after Roger Williams, a theologian and the co-founder of the state of Rhode Island. Now a nonsectarian private liberal arts university, RWU is located in Bristol, Rhode Island. In 2012, The Daily Meal named the university among the nation’s best colleges for food.

The school also highlights civil discourse and has welcomed campus speakers including Bob Geldof and Salman Rushdie. U.S. News & World Report ranks RWU 43rd in Regional Universities North and 71st for the best value.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,936

#7. Marymount University

Marymount University offers an interdisciplinary program driving to a Master of Arts in Forensic and Legal Psychology. The degree program combines study in psychology with the areas of criminal justice, law, and public policy. Students can also seek a concentration in Intelligence Studies. The program also gives students opportunities to study abroad in countries such as Israel, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

The curriculum covers courses in Bases of Psychopathology, Death Penalty and Mitigation, and Wrongful Convictions: Case Analysis. Students may also finish a research project in an area of interest or a 300-hour internship and accompanying seminar.

Marymount was originally a two-year women’s school. Today, it is a private Roman Catholic university. It is a member of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, which allows students to take courses at or borrow books from any of the other 13 member institutions.

The university emphasizes community engagement, and it recently established the Saints’ Center for Service for sustainable community service programming. U.S. News & World Report ranks Marymount No. 65 in Best Value Schools and No. 58 in Regional Universities South.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,550

#6. University of New Haven

The University of New Haven grants a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. The Forensic Psychology concentration is designed for individuals already working or planning to work in the justice system.

General Criminal Justice courses cover Mental Health, Law, and Criminal Justice and Theories of Criminal Behavior. Forensic Psychology concentration courses comprise Abnormal Psychology in Forensic Populations, Forensic Assessment, and Mental Health Law. All students complete either a thesis project or a comprehensive final exam.

The University of New Haven was established as the New Haven YMCA Junior College in 1920. For approximately 40 years, the school shared facilities with Yale University. It is now a private university that merges liberal arts with professional training. The graduate campus is located in Orange, Connecticut. Criminal justice and forensic science programs are the most popular. Leading forensic scientist Henry C. Lee has been a UNH faculty member since 1975. The Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science started on the university campus in 1998. The Institute welcomes forensic experts to speak on topics such as bloodstain analysis and evidence photography. U.S. News & World Report ranks UNH 93rd in Regional Universities North and 62nd for the best value.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,020

#5. Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Irvine Campus)

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology grants a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program at its Irvine, California campus. The two-year, full-time program integrates study in psychology, law, and public policy. Beyond theoretical foundations, Forensic Psychology students work in the school’s Forensic Training Institute to render services in clinical treatment, forensic assessment, and program measurement. Sample courses involve Trauma and Crisis Interventions, Mental Health Law, and Tactical and Field Psychology.

Students may also achieve the Professional Counselor Licensure Track to qualify for Professional Clinical Counselor licensure in California. Irvine students also have the choice to concentrate on Police Psychology and gain hands-on experience in settings such as the Irvine Police Department or the Coroner’s Office.

The Chicago School is a private, not-for-profit institution based in Chicago, Illinois. The school operates campuses throughout the United States, in Illinois, Texas, California, and Washington, D.C. The Irvine campus is positioned in the heart of University Plaza, next to UC Irvine, in Orange County, California.

The Irvine campus is also home to the school’s counseling centers, which allow students the opportunity to gain real-world experience and get a behind-the-scenes look at running a private exercise or mental health clinic. The school has also been known as a leader in diversity and multicultural training. It operates a Center for Multicultural and Diversity Studies, has long offered culturally sensitive courses, and hosts an annual Cultural Impact Conference.Visit School

#4. California Baptist University

California Baptist University awards a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology. The program builds an understanding of the biological nature of the crime, criminal profiling, human development, psychopathology, and psychology and law. The 57-unit curriculum includes courses in Legal Research and Reasoning, Criminal Investigations, and Theory and Perspectives in Criminal Behavior.

Students can seek a master’s thesis, or follow a non-thesis track culminating in a comprehensive exam. During their second year of study, students gain field knowledge in a forensic setting. The degree takes two years to complete.

Cal Baptist was established in 1950 as California Baptist College in El Monte, California. Now located in Riverside, California, it is a private Christian liberal arts university and affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention. The university gives students opportunities to participate in International Service Projects, which involves overseas community service work. U.S. News & World Report ranks CBU No. 32 in Regional Universities West, No. 20 in Best Value Schools, and No. 7 in Most Innovative Schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,287

#3. University of Denver

The University of Denver first gave a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology in 1999, when interest and development in the field of forensic psychology were growing. The program incorporates coursework and practicum practices in psychology and law. It also highlights the principles of diversity and cultural competencies. The curriculum includes courses in Group Interventions, Lifespan Development and the Cultural Context, Mental Health Law, Trauma and Crisis Intervention, and Conflict Resolution.

The private research university is located in Denver, Colorado. The campus is a 125-acre designated arboretum with historic buildings built in Collegiate Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. In 2015, DU was first amidst the nation’s doctoral research institutions in the percentage of undergraduate students in study abroad programs. U.S. News & World Report ranks DU No. 96 in National Universities and No. 58 in Best Value Schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $47,520

#2. University of North Dakota – Grand Forks

The University of North Dakota – Grand Forks gives a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology. The 30-credit curriculum includes essential courses such as Behavior Pathology, Experimental Design, and Psychology and Law. Elective offerings include Cognitive Psychology, Human Nature and Crime, and Victimology.

The program does not incorporate a comprehensive exam. However, students can choose to follow a thesis track with six thesis credit hours or to finish a non-thesis independent study option. Overall, the degree takes about two years to achieve.

UND was founded in 1883 by the Dakota Territorial Assembly. Located in Grand Forks, the public research university has a strong foundation in the liberal arts. National research institutions on campus cover the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, the Energy and Environmental Research Center, and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Finally, additional campus facilities incorporate the North Dakota Museum of Art, Memorial Stadium, and the Chester Fritz Auditorium. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university No. 205 in National Universities and No. 112 in Top Public Schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,688 in-state; $20,526 out-of-state

#1. City University of New York – John Jay College of Criminal Justice

The City University of New York is home to Grad School Hub’s No. 1 best master’s degree in Forensic Psychology. The university offers a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology through its John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

The degree program focuses on the evaluation, treatment, and understanding of both offenders and victims. It covers areas of psychopathology, personality assessment, therapeutic techniques, and research methods.

Furthermore, the 42-credit curriculum includes four required courses: Mental Health Professionals, Social Science, and the Law; Research Design and Methods; Psychopathology; and Intermediate Statistics in the Social Sciences.

Moreso, students may choose to complete an externship, which involves a minimum of 300 hours spent in a supervised psychological setting. Alternatively, students can opt to pursue a master’s thesis.

In addition, CUNY is the public university system of New York City. It’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a public senior liberal arts college. Established in 1965, the college was named after founding father, New York native, and the first chief justice of the United States, John Jay.

The college was established as the nation’s only liberal arts college with a focus on forensics and criminal justice. Finally, the school’s student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. John Jay is ranked No. 139 in Regional Universities North and No. 46 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,450 in-state; $19,320 out-of-state

top universities for criminology uK

Criminology is the study of crime, its definitions, causes and consequences. It examines the function of the criminal justice system and our response to crime beyond the criminal justice system, as well as the treatment of victims and those defined as criminals. Criminologists work behind the scenes to support law enforcement and criminal justice in society.

Criminologists adopt different theoretical perspectives and use a range of research methods to increase our understanding of crime and criminal justice. Criminology graduates go on to enjoy varied careers, including criminal profiling, investigation and forensic psychology.

Many UK universities offer degrees in criminology, but selected institutions excel. Factors that go into a university performing well include graduate prospects, industry connections and student satisfaction scores, and you can learn more about the top five UK universities (Guardian University Guide 2021) to study criminology below.

Top Five UK Universities for Criminology

1. University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is globally recognised as one of the best universities in the world, and is currently ranked 27th in the QS World University Rankings 2021. The University currently has 25 Nobel Prize winners among current and former staff and students, and 91% of Manchester’s recent graduates go straight into employment or continued studies.

What the University say: “As a student at The University of Manchester Law School, you’ll be able to build your skills and contribute to your community through extensive opportunities to volunteer and make a difference. By studying BA Criminology you’ll gain an understanding of criminality and the institutions of criminal justice within their social, economic and political context. The course seeks to promote an appreciation of the role of justice and the ‘rule of law’ in the criminal justice system.”

• Course to consider: BA Criminology

2. University of Leicester

The School of Criminology at the University of Leicester is a research-intensive, multi-disciplinary community of criminologists. The University is a former Times University of the Year winner and is currently 170th in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

What the University say: “Leicester has one of very few Schools in the country exclusively dedicated to teaching and researching criminology, and we are home to some of the UK’s leading criminologists. As such, you will benefit from a pure, focused and definitive education in the study of crime.”

• Course to consider: Criminology BSc

3. University of Stirling

The University of Stirling is a leading university in Scotland, and regularly ranks well in the areas of international student satisfaction and student experience. It was named the 2020 Sports University of the Year (Times University Guide) and is home to over 14,000 students.

What the University say: “You’ll explore fascinating questions surrounding the criminal justice system, the social contexts of crime, and the relationship between behaviour and punishment. Why and how do people break the law? How can the criminal justice system define this, and how do we police, prosecute and punish people?”

• Course to consider: BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology

4. University of Derby

Derby is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK and is home to the University of Derby, a Gold rated Teaching Excellence Framework university. Located in the centre of the UK, the university is home to around 20,000 students and many choose to join Derby because of its emphasis on “real world learning”, where the university works closely with employers.

What the University say: “Thanks to our strong professional partnerships with the police, probation service, prisons and other criminal justice agencies, there are exciting opportunities for you to apply your skills and knowledge to ‘real-world’ situations.”

• Course to consider: Criminology BSc

5. Swansea University

Swansea University ranks in the top 30 universities in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2021) and is regularly considered one of the best universities in Wales. The University was awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework and almost all undergraduate and postgraduate Swansea programmes comes with work placements.

What the University say: “Our flexible degree structure with a range of optional modules in your second and third years gives you plenty of scope to tailor your studies to your particular interests, career goals, or ambitions for postgraduate study.”

• Course to consider: Criminology and Criminal Justice, BSc (Hons)