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    Study forensic psychology abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying forensic psychology as an international student.

    Find forensic psychology programs

    Explore forensic psychology programs abroad

    See other programs in forensic psychology

    Forensic psychology degrees abroad

    Forensic psychology is a fascinating area of study that uses psychological principles and processes to understand criminal behavior.

    As a forensic psychology student, you’ll analyze a range of psychological theories, research methods and techniques, and apply them to criminal justice scenarios. As well as explaining the psychological motives and consequences of crime, you’ll explore how psychological interventions could help to reduce reoffending.

    At its core, forensic psychology is concerned with how human thoughts and actions are shaped by our environments. Studying abroad will give you an invaluable glimpse into how different cultural and societal norms influence the behaviors of individuals around the world. These experiences will help you to become a more competent and adaptable psychologist.

    Forensic psychology program structure

    You can study a BSc in forensic psychology over a minimum of three years. These programs will provide you with a robust understanding of psychological models and their relevance to the legal system. Most bachelor’s degrees will also include an additional 12-month industry placement in a criminal justice setting, so undergraduate degrees lasting four years are common.

    Undergraduate degrees work a little differently in the US because most universities follow the American liberal arts model. Students complete four-year programs, spending the first two years working on their general education, before majoring in forensic psychology for the final half of their course.

    Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s, you can choose to pursue a master’s degree in forensic psychology. These programs are designed to extend your specialist knowledge and can be studied over one or two years.

    After finishing your master’s, you can enroll in either a PhD or a doctor of psychology (PsyD) program. Both courses normally take between five and six years of study, with a PhD being more research-based, while a PsyD focuses on preparing you for the clinical treatment of patients.

    Your schedule will mainly consist of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and practical laboratories. Assessment methods vary from module to module, but you can expect to encounter exams, essays, research projects, presentations, and debates.

    Every forensic psychology program will cover slightly different content, depending on the specialties of lecturers and the elective modules available. However, most courses will address these key topics:

    • Introduction to forensic psychology
    • Forensic psychology in context
    • Biological and cognitive psychology
    • Psychology of criminals
    • Sociology of crime and deviance
    • Criminal assessment
    • Clinical research methods
    • Mental health policy
    Forensic psychology program structure

    You can study a BSc in forensic psychology over a minimum of three years. These programs will provide you with a robust understanding of psychological models and their relevance to the legal system. Most bachelor’s degrees will also include an additional 12-month industry placement in a criminal justice setting, so undergraduate degrees lasting four years are common.

    Undergraduate degrees work a little differently in the US because most universities follow the American liberal arts model. Students complete four-year programs, spending the first two years working on their general education, before majoring in forensic psychology for the final half of their course.

    Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s, you can choose to pursue a master’s degree in forensic psychology. These programs are designed to extend your specialist knowledge and can be studied over one or two years.

    After finishing your master’s, you can enroll in either a PhD or a doctor of psychology (PsyD) program. Both courses normally take between five and six years of study, with a PhD being more research-based, while a PsyD focuses on preparing you for the clinical treatment of patients.

    Your schedule will mainly consist of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and practical laboratories. Assessment methods vary from module to module, but you can expect to encounter exams, essays, research projects, presentations, and debates.

    Every forensic psychology program will cover slightly different content, depending on the specialties of lecturers and the elective modules available. However, most courses will address these key topics:

    • Introduction to forensic psychology
    • Forensic psychology in context
    • Biological and cognitive psychology
    • Psychology of criminals
    • Sociology of crime and deviance
    • Criminal assessment
    • Clinical research methods
    • Mental health policy

    Alternative psychology degrees

    Best countries to study forensic psychology

    Best universities to study forensic psychology

    See all universities offering forensic psychology programs

    How to study forensic psychology abroad

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    Forensic psychology study abroad programs

    Forensic psychology undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in forensic psychology

    • false

      Applied Forensic Psychology - BSc/BA St. Francis Xavier University, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,249 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 20,436 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Applied Forensic Psychology
    • false

      Criminal Justice, Forensic Psychology - BA Stockton University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,605 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,605 USD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Criminal Justice, Forensic Psychology
    • false

      Criminology and Forensic Psychology - BSc University of Chichester, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,545 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,500 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Criminology and Forensic Psychology
    • false

      Forensic Psychology - BSc (Hons) Bath Spa University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,643 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,300 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Forensic Psychology
    • false

      Forensic Psychology - BSc (Hons) University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,177 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,600 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Forensic Psychology
    See all bachelor's degrees in forensic psychology

    Forensic psychology graduate programs

    Master's in forensic psychology

    • false

      Applied Forensic Psychology - MSc Buckinghamshire New University, UK
      • Blended learning

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      10,440 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 7,600 GBP

      Start date
      February, September
      Show program overview about Applied Forensic Psychology
    • false

      Forensic Psychology - MA John Jay College of Criminal Justice, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      20,362 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 20,362 USD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Forensic Psychology
    • false

      Forensic Psychology - MSc University of Gloucestershire, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      19,575 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,250 GBP

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Forensic Psychology
    • false

      Forensic Psychology - MSc University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      24,177 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,600 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Forensic Psychology
    • false

      Investigative Forensic Psychology - MSc Bournemouth University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      19,918 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,500 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Investigative Forensic Psychology
    See all master's degrees in forensic psychology

    Future forensic psychology careers

    As a forensic psychology graduate, you’ll be able to apply your knowledge and skills across a variety of fields, including the police force, probation service, social welfare, education, and private practice.

    Here are some of the interesting careers secured by previous forensic psychology graduates:

    • Experimental forensic psychologist
    • Clinical psychologist
    • Educational psychologist
    • Neuropsychologist
    • Counselor
    • Attorney
    • Lawyer
    • Police detective/inspector

    To stand the best chance of securing employment or a place on a postgraduate program, it’s important to gather as much relevant work experience as possible. Being able to demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field will make you a stand-out candidate.