Scholarships available, see Fees & Funding section for more information.
The Forensic Mental Health course is designed for students with a clinical or academic interest in the complex relationship between mental disorders and criminal behaviour. You will be taught by a multi-disciplinary team of clinical academics. The course constitutes an ideal first step towards clinical psychology training, a PhD or MD degree.
Taking the course has been an incredibly enriching and enlightening experience. The course material was comprehensive and well-structured. As a young black student, I appreciated that the course consciously incorporated social issues to encourage reflection and self-development.
Our course aims to equip you with the knowledge and advanced skills necessary for a career that will involve clinical and/or research work with mentally disordered offenders.
You will develop an understanding of key neuroscientific advances in the field, and engage in a critically informed review of forensic services and the criminal justice system. There is an emphasis throughout on the clinical relevance of research findings.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
You will be required to choose one of two pathways. This means that the combination of modules chosen will lead to a qualification which reflects your chosen focus of study. There are specific entry criteria for each pathway.
Please note there are two pathways:
1. Clinical Forensic Psychology (full-time only) - accredited by the BPS as Stage 1 in forensic psychology training.
2. Forensic Mental Health Research (full-time or part-time) - NOT accredited by the BPS.
Students on the Clinical Forensic Psychology pathway will undertake a 60-day (minimum) clinical forensic placement working at the level of an assistant clinical psychologist and complete a module on Forensic Psychology Practice.
Students on the Forensic Mental Health Research pathway will not complete a clinical placement but will complete additional research methods training and can also benefit from a 10-day voluntary clinical observation period in a forensic setting.
“The IoPPN is the main postgraduate research and education centre in this field, in the UK. Because we explore psychology, psychiatry and neuropsychiatry, students develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the area”
Dr Nigel Blackwood, Course Leader
Course type:
Master's
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time / Part time
Duration:
1 year full time (part time option available for Research Pathway only). See Course Essentials for more information.
Credit value:
UK 180/ECTS 90 (MSc)
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026
Denmark Hill, in Southwark, London, is a vibrant area known for its historical landmarks and green spaces. Home to King's College and the Maudsley Hospitals, it also features Ruskin Park, named after John Ruskin, and the Camberwell College of Arts.