Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology

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

Explore the intersection of psychology and law with an online master’s in forensic psychology

Forensic psychology plays a vital role in understanding criminal behaviour, supporting the justice system, and improving outcomes for individuals within it. An online master’s in forensic psychology equips you with the skills to assess, analyse, and contribute to complex legal and clinical cases — all while studying flexibly from anywhere in the world.

Why choose an online master’s in forensic psychology?

Study without interrupting your career

This flexible, fully online programme is designed to fit around your existing work and personal commitments, making it ideal for those already working in psychology, criminal justice, or mental health services.

Build expertise at the interface of psychology and law

You’ll explore the psychological factors that influence criminal behaviour, legal decision-making, and offender rehabilitation. Programmes combine theory and applied skills to prepare you for work in a wide range of forensic and legal settings.

Prepare for specialist roles across justice and healthcare sectors

Graduates typically progress into roles such as forensic practitioner, probation officer, caseworker, offender rehabilitation specialist, or court advisor. Some pursue further clinical training or registration as a forensic psychologist.

Gain applied skills with an online master’s in forensic psychology

This degree develops the knowledge and capabilities needed to contribute effectively within criminal justice, legal, and clinical environments:

Criminal behaviour and psychological assessment

Understand the psychological foundations of criminal conduct and learn to assess risk, personality, and mental health in forensic contexts.

Legal and ethical frameworks

Explore how psychology is applied within legal systems, including court procedures, expert witness work, and ethical responsibilities.

Mental health and forensic populations

Gain knowledge of psychological disorders in forensic settings and learn how to design and evaluate interventions to support rehabilitation and care.

Research methods and critical evaluation

Develop research literacy and evidence-based practice skills to critically appraise studies and contribute to policy or service development.

Professional communication and reporting

Learn how to communicate psychological findings clearly, both in written reports and in multidisciplinary or legal settings.

FAQs

Graduates pursue careers in criminal justice, mental health services, law enforcement, prisons, and rehabilitation programmes. Roles include forensic psychological practitioner (with further training), case manager, behavioural analyst, criminal justice specialist, or court liaison officer.

Programmes typically take 1 to 3 years, depending on your pace of study and whether you enrol part-time or full-time. Many offer flexible start dates and modular formats.

Costs vary by institution and location, but online degrees are generally more affordable than on-campus programmes. With FutureLearn, you can find competitively priced master’s degrees in forensic psychology from respected global universities.

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.

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