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An image to illustrate the MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies
This masters degree enables you to gain an advanced understanding of forensic psychology, while enhancing your analytical and communication skills, as well as your research literacy. Taking a case-based approach where you examine real-life criminal cases, you’ll learn about a broad range of topics relevant to forensic psychology, including investigative decision making, witness memory, profiling, and lie detection. You’ll develop an understanding of the relationship this field of research has with law enforcement, legal practice, policy, public opinion and the media. This qualification also considers international differences in forensic theory, research and practice.
Please note that this masters degree is not accredited by The British Psychological Society, and be aware that when studying forensic psychology, you will encounter sensitive topics and case details (e.g. relating to murder, rape, child sexual abuse) which may be upsetting.
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits. You'll study one compulsory 60-credit module and one compulsory 120-credit module.

ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study the following:
Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801)
This module aims to equip you with critical research literacy skills that provide a crucial foundation for your continuing postgraduate studies within psychology and the social sciences.
Next start date: 03 Oct 2026
See full description
6003 Oct 2026
Investigating forensic psychology (DD802)
This module uses real criminal cases to enhance your critical understanding of how forensic psychological knowledge contributes to understanding and investigating crime.
Next start date: 03 Oct 2026
See full description
12003 Oct 2026
Please note that Investigating forensic psychology (DD802) is worth 120 credits. Fees for postgraduate modules are based on the number of credits you study. Therefore, the fee for this module will be double that of the 60-credit module, Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801).
The MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies will no longer be available to new students after 17 September 2026. You must complete your study by 31 December 2028. If you would like to discuss your options with one of our advisers, please contact us.
By studying the MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies, you’ll:
You’ll study online with guidance from expert tutors and bespoke learning materials.
You’ll be awarded a Master of Science in Forensic Psychological Studies upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MSc For Psych (Open) after your name.
Your masters degree may be awarded with a distinction or a merit. The qualification regulations explain the criteria you’ll need to meet to earn one of these classifications.
You’ll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You’ll study the MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies part-time, completing one module per year over a two-year period. Typically, this translates to 16–20 hours of study per week for the 60-credit module and 20–25 hours of study per week for the 120-credit module.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.

You must complete the MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies by 31 December 2028.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
You must hold a UK honours degree (2:2 at least) or equivalent to be accepted for the MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies. Your first degree need not be in forensic psychology or psychology, but you must have the skills expected of a social sciences graduate.
This qualification has a required study order. You will begin with Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801), which will help equip you with the requisite skills needed to undertake postgraduate-level study, but it does not offer remedial training for those with an unsuitable bachelors degree or inadequate experience. You will have the opportunity to study with a cohort of peers throughout, while the modules and assessments build on one another systematically.
You must be able to:
Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 6.5 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details.
If you’re in any doubt about the suitability of your qualifications or previous experience, please contact us before you enrol.
You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£8,365*
Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.
There are some additional costs that aren’t included.
Further information is available in the module descriptions.
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
Learn more about postgraduate loans and our other funding options below.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.
You may be eligible for:
By studying forensic psychological studies at postgraduate level, you will develop skills relevant to a broad range of careers, including all areas of the criminal justice system, such as the police, crown prosecution and probation services, youth offending teams, various areas of social work, as well as the civil service or third sector. The skills developed will be recognised by employers in all fields who value people who can complete a complex project independently, communicate clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, analyse and evaluate complex information, and are capable of independently seeking out and selecting research evidence relevant to real-life issues.
This qualification is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you'll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice, including: online forums, a website, interview simulation and vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
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