Online Master’s in Criminal Psychology

Kickstart or transform your career with our online criminal psychology master’s degrees from world-class universities. Earn your degree at your own pace from anywhere in the world.

Explore the psychology behind crime with an online master’s in criminal psychology

Criminal psychology offers critical insight into the minds of offenders and the factors that contribute to criminal behaviour. An online master’s in criminal psychology equips you to analyse criminal motivations, support criminal investigations, and contribute to the justice system — all while studying flexibly around your existing commitments.

Why choose an online master’s in criminal psychology?

Study without stepping away from your career

Our fully online programmes are designed for professionals in psychology, criminal justice, or related fields. You can develop specialist knowledge while continuing to work, with the flexibility to study at your own pace.

Understand the psychological drivers of crime

Explore the cognitive, emotional, and social factors that underpin criminal actions, from antisocial behaviour to violent offending. You’ll examine offender profiling, risk assessment, and intervention strategies.

Prepare for diverse roles in criminal justice and mental health

Graduates move into roles such as criminal psychologist (with further qualifications), behavioural analyst, caseworker, probation officer, or investigative consultant. Many also pursue further training or clinical licensure.

Build in-demand skills with an online master’s in criminal psychology

Gain the analytical and applied skills to contribute meaningfully across criminal justice and mental health systems:

Theories of criminal behaviour

Explore psychological models explaining offending behaviour, including developmental, cognitive, and social approaches.

Offender profiling and behavioural analysis

Learn how to assess behavioural patterns, identify risk factors, and support criminal investigations through profiling techniques.

Forensic assessment and mental health

Understand how to assess mental health conditions in offender populations and support rehabilitation or treatment planning.

Victimology and trauma

Examine the psychological impact of crime on victims and how professionals can support recovery, safeguarding, and justice.

Research and evidence-based practice

Gain experience in designing and conducting research, interpreting data, and applying findings to improve practice and policy.

FAQs

Graduates work in roles such as criminal justice consultant, offender rehabilitation specialist, probation or case officer, behavioural analyst, or victim support advisor. Some go on to doctoral study or clinical psychology training.

Most programmes take 1 to 2 years, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. Many institutions offer flexible start dates and modular structures.

Costs vary by university, but online degrees are typically more affordable than traditional campus programmes. With FutureLearn, you can access competitively priced criminal psychology degrees from top institutions worldwide.

Explore related subject areas

Browse similar fields of study that align with your interests. These related subjects can expand your options or complement your chosen degree path.

Behavioural Psychology Clinical Psychology Cognitive Psychology Consumer Psychology Counselling Psychology Developmental Psychology Forensic Psychology Mental Health Psychology Conversion Social Psychology Psychology

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