Clinical Forensic Psychology

Ottilie
Clinical Forensic Psychology MSc
The IoP was a place I was really keen to study at when I was doing my undergraduate degree at King's. It's hugely inspirational that many people here are world leading experts in their fields and the students are all of such high quality.

I'm doing this MSc as a preparatory year before I begin a PhD in September. My PhD will be broadly on the topic of clinical forensic psychology, so this course fitted perfectly as an introduction to the topic.

The course includes a 75 day clinical placement where students take the role of honorary assistant psychologist two days a week. This aspect was a big attraction as I have aspirations to complete a doctorate in clinical psychology after my PhD studies. The clinical placement so far has been a fantastic experience, allowing me to see first-hand how a secure forensic psychiatric service operates. This placement has been complemented by excellent teaching which translates directly to the work I do.

I now have a place to complete a 3 year PhD with the Biomedical Research Centre at the IoP for which I will be collecting data at Broadmoor Hospital looking to identify biomarkers of treatment outcomes in mentally disordered violent offenders. Following this, I hope to train as a clinical psychologist.

Susan Young
Clinical Forensic Psychology MSc
It has been with great pleasure and pride that we have set up the full-time MSc in Clinical Forensic Psychology. An innovative aspect of this MSc is its focus on mentally disordered offenders, particularly the interface between mentally disordered and/or psychologically vulnerable individuals and the police service and legal process. The programme represents an excellent opportunity to learn and understand the needs and requirements of this difficult and demanding population.
For many years I have worked in forensic services providing a forensic clinical psychology service to offenders with mental illness and/or mental disorder. As a Chartered Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, I recognise the important contribution of both disciplines in the rehabilitation and management of persons who present both mental disorders and a history of criminal offending and/or repetitive aggressive behaviour towards others.
We are fortunate to have excellent collaborative links with forensic services in the South East. In particular, we benefit from the long association between the Institute of Psychiatry and the renowned South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Furthermore, the Institute of Psychiatry is acknowledged across the world as a centre of excellence, and offers students the opportunity to develop specialist interests by attending open lectures provided by members of the Institute and esteemed visiting lecturers.
The programme is designed to deliver 'the best for the best'. We have been granted accreditation by the British Psychological Society until 2015 which will indicate that students have achieved the recognised academic standards of professional competence to practise independently.