BSc Forensic Psychology (with Foundation Year)
Undergraduate
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Discover how psychology can help us understand crime, support rehabilitation and contribute to a more just society. The BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology at Birmingham Newman University offers a professionally accredited and intellectually engaging route into the study of psychology within criminal and legal contexts. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the course provides eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), a key step for those pursuing a career in professional psychology. You will explore the psychological foundations of criminal behaviour and examine how theory informs justice, intervention and social change.
Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University
Start with confidence. Progress with purpose.
The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at Birmingham Newman University. It offers a flexible route into higher education for students who may not meet standard entry requirements or who are returning to study after time away. Whether you are exploring a new direction or looking to strengthen your academic foundations, this additional year of study provides the structure, support and space to help you succeed.
You’ll apply through UCAS for your chosen degree with Foundation Year. Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression criteria, you’ll move into Year 1 of your undergraduate course.
Who is the Foundation Year for?
• This route is designed for students who:
• Are returning to education after a break
• Do not currently hold the qualifications for direct entry onto a three-year degree
• Want to build confidence and academic skills before starting undergraduate study
• Are seeking a structured and supportive introduction to university life
You’ll be part of a learning community that recognises your potential and supports your development from the very beginning. The Foundation Year is not just a pathway into university. It is a purposeful and personalised start to your academic journey.
What Will I Study?
The Foundation Year focuses on helping you become a confident, reflective and independent learner. You’ll begin by exploring how you learn and identifying strategies that work for you. You’ll also engage with wider themes such as identity, inequality and the human experience in a digital world. These topics encourage critical thinking and personal insight, while connecting across subject areas.
You’ll develop core academic skills including writing, research, digital literacy and communication. These are taught through seminars, workshops, online activities and one-to-one support. The aim is not only to prepare you for your chosen subject, but to help you feel connected to your learning and to the university community.
‘For someone returning to education after a hiatus, this foundation (year) was essential in helping me regain my academic footing and feel prepared for the challenges ahead.’ – Alix Wyatt, Birmingham Newman University Alumna
What Happens After the Foundation Year?
Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression requirements, you’ll begin Year 1 of your undergraduate degree. You’ll already be familiar with the university environment, your subject area and the expectations of academic study, giving you a strong foundation to build on.
Why Study This Course?
Studying Forensic Psychology at Birmingham Newman University gives you the opportunity to explore the complex relationship between psychology, crime and justice in a supportive and engaging environment. You will build a strong foundation in core psychological principles while developing the skills to apply them in real-world settings. Guided by experienced tutors, you will be encouraged to think critically, ask questions and reflect on how psychology can make a meaningful difference in society. The course is designed to support both personal growth and professional development.
Explore the Psychology of Crime
Forensic Psychology is rooted in understanding behaviour, evaluating risk and promoting rehabilitation, and this course helps you apply these principles in practice. You will study topics such as criminal behaviour, risk assessment, intervention and the role of psychology in justice systems. Each year builds on the last, offering increasing opportunities to apply theory to real-life scenarios and develop your own areas of interest. In your final year, you will complete an independent research project, supported by expert supervision, allowing you to explore a topic of personal or professional relevance.
Supportive and Personalised Learning
At Birmingham Newman, you will be part of a welcoming and inclusive learning community that values collaboration, integrity and professional growth. Teaching is delivered through small-group seminars, one-to-one academic support and applied learning activities. You will be taught by psychologists with expertise in forensic and broader psychological fields, and benefit from a curriculum informed by current research and practice. The course is designed to help you grow in confidence, develop your professional identity and prepare for a wide range of careers.

Got a question you’d like to ask?
Entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2025 entry: 48 UCAS points Those with significant work and life experience of a complexity that demonstrates an aptitude to study at degree level, but with no formal qualifications, will also be favourably considered. Different degree pathway options available at the end of the foundation year may have different additional entry requirements. If you require any further information or clarification of entry requirements please contact our friendly, helpful Admissions department, who will be happy to help.
The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is: £9,535
Additional Costs
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
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Where this course can take you. Graduates of this course are prepared for a wide range of careers in the criminal justice system, mental health services, youth work and related fields. You will develop skills in critical thinking, ethical judgement and psychological analysis, all of which are valued across professional settings. The course also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study or professional training in areas such as forensic, clinical or counselling psychology. With a degree in Forensic Psychology from Birmingham Newman University, you will be ready to contribute to safer and more inclusive communities.
Accreditations and Exemptions
This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), and students who achieve at least a Lower Second Class Honours will be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). This accreditation is an important step towards becoming a professional psychologist and opens the door to further postgraduate training. With forensic-focused modules embedded throughout the course, you will gain a strong understanding of how psychology is applied in criminal contexts, from exploring offending behaviour to supporting rehabilitation and reintegration.
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