Overview
Embark on a captivating journey into the fascinating realm of clinical and forensic psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University. This psychology course offers a comprehensive exploration of mental health, the legal system, and the varied practical real-world applications.
Whether you're drawn to clinical psychology, working to improve mental wellbeing, or you find yourself intrigued by the complexities of forensic psychology, this course caters to your unique interests and aspirations.
This BPS (British Psychological Society) accredited course will give you the opportunity to attain the BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is a significant step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. Through this accreditation, a variety of career opportunities will be open to you upon graduation.
Throughout the course, you'll develop transferable skills that will prepare you for employment. From team working and effective communication to presenting and organisational skills, you'll continue to build your confidence so that, by the time you graduate, you'll be fully prepared to follow your career aspirations.
You'll also have the option to spend an additional year on professional placement between your second and third year. Choosing to study with a placement year is an excellent way of widening and developing your experience as you apply your learning to a specialist area that's in line with your chosen subject. What's more, a placement will provide you with contacts, personal development opportunities, and will enhance your employability.
We know employers are looking for dynamic, open-minded graduates who can adapt, innovate, and collaborate. This is why we have designed a new way of teaching and learning to ensure that you are work-ready for when you graduate. Our 2026 course will reflect this new approach. The 2026 course page will be made live shortly.
Accredited by the British Psychological Society
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), ensuring quality and giving students the opportunity to gain the BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
British Psychological Society
98%
of our Psychology students were in work or further study 15 months after finishing their course.
Graduate Outcomes Survey 202393%
of our Psychology students were satisfied with the learning resources on their course.
National Student Survey 2023Entry requirements
|
A Levels |
BBC |
|
BTEC |
DMM |
|
Access |
15 Distinctions and 30 Merits |
|
International Baccalaureate |
29 Points |
|
Combinations |
A combination of qualifications totalling 112 UCAS points |
We do not require you to have taken Psychology at A-Level, although a background in the subject is always helpful. We do, however, require a GCSE level 4 (or equivalent) or above in maths or equivalent (such as a GCSE in Statistics).
Find out more information about entry requirements.
If you have any questions about entry requirements for this course, please contact our Course Enquiry Team.
International students
Find more information on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) requirements on our website.
Depending which country you're from, there may be specific entry requirements. Check your country to see if this is applicable to you.
112
UCAS Points
Module information
As well as the core modules, you may also have the opportunity to study a number of option modules in your second and third year. Option modules will not be pre-selected for you. We provide examples of option modules. The availability of specific option modules may vary from year to year. The offer of an option will be subject to a minimum number of students choosing the module to ensure the appropriate student experience. The offer of option modules may also be affected by staff availability. It means we cannot guarantee the availability of a particular optional module. However, we will ensure you have a choice of option modules.
Core/optional modules
*Modules subject to approval
How you’ll learn
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, supervisions and directed studies. The precise mode of delivery, and the number of contact hours you will have per week, will vary depending on the modules you take in each semester.
You will be expected to attend the taught sessions and contribute to group activities. Discussions in smaller groups will enable you to develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures. In addition, you will be in close contact with your personal academic tutor.
When not attending lectures, seminars, workshops or other timetabled sessions, you will continue learning through self-study. Typically, this involves reading journal articles and books, undertaking research in the library, working on projects, and preparing for coursework assignments/examinations, workshops and seminars. Our Graduate Attributes modules are designed to support you in developing your self-study skills, to effectively engage with these tasks.
Your module tutor will direct you towards specific readings and/or activities to complete before class. You will be encouraged to develop your knowledge beyond the contents provided, by exploring the broader research literature available and pursuing your own lines of enquiry. For some assignments, you might undertake independent research. For this, you will work under the supervision of a member of the course team, and you will meet with your supervisor regularly.
Our students will complete six 20-credit modules per year (three modules in Semester 1 and three in Semester 2).
For a typical 20 credit module, you'll receive around 50 hours of academic direction, which could include face-to-face and online contact with teaching staff. You'll then be expected to complete a further 150 hours of independent study.
You will be supported at all stages of your degree by our research-active team of experienced academic staff including lecturers, senior lecturers, principal lecturers, technicians and postgraduate researchers, with additional input from external practitioners on selected modules.
Our lecturers have all successfully completed doctoral-level qualifications in psychology in their chosen specialist fields. Lecturers are responsible for the development and running of every module, both core and optional (with optional modules generally a reflection of an individual Lecturer's area of specialism). On core modules, lecturers may also be supported in delivering teaching to students by our postgraduate researchers (known as instructors), who are currently working towards doctoral-level qualification. Most of our teaching team have completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, while others are working towards it. Many are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.
Psychology is one of the most diverse and inclusive courses in the country. Our team offers a range of core and optional modules with exciting learning opportunities for everyone.
Julia UlberDeputy Section Director
93%
of our Psychology students were satisfied with the learning resources on their course.
National Student SurveyHow you’ll be assessed
In your final year, you will undertake your own research project and submit your dissertation.
Your future career
The Psychology (Clinical & Forensic) degree will equip you with versatile skills in research, analysis, and interpersonal communication, making you a valuable candidate for a wide range of roles within the field of psychology and related disciplines.
The course also provides a solid foundation if you wish to further your education and specialise in specific areas of psychology, offering rewarding and impactful career paths in both applied practice and academia.
Completing a BPS accredited degree is the first step to become a chartered clinical psychologist, providing mental health care in hospitals or private practices, or a chartered forensic psychologist, analysing and treating offending behaviour or perhaps providing expert testimony in legal settings. This course is currently under application for its BPS accreditation.
Other career options include counselling psychologist, mental health support worker, psychiatric technician, rehabilitation specialist, and youth offender case workers. Graduates can also choose to pursue further studies in specialised areas or work as researchers in universities or research institutions, contributing to advancements in the field of psychology.
The curriculum's focus on real-world applications and practical experiences will prepare you for the job market with relevant skills and knowledge. The University's emphasis on employability truly sets this course apart, giving you the edge you need to succeed in the competitive field of psychology.
Dr Emma BarrowcliffeCourse Director
Related courses
Fees
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,535 | £15,500 |
Tuition fees for all courses are payable on an annual basis, except where stated. The fees represented here are for study with Canterbury Christ Church University. If you are looking to study at a partner institution, please visit their website for fees information.
Please read the 2025/26 Tuition Fee Statement for further information regarding tuition fees and year on year fee increases.
Home (UK) Fees
The Government has announced that it will increase the tuition fee cap by 3.1%, in line with inflation, for the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to parliamentary approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 our undergraduate home tuition fees are expected to be £9,535.
Overseas/International Fees
Undergraduate / PGCE tuition fees for international students are not set by the UK Government.
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
Placement further information
The responsibility for finding, applying for and securing a placement ultimately rests with you. This is because if you make the initial investment in securing the role, you gain the most benefit at the end. However, the Psychology Team are on hand to help with your search and to find suitable placement roles to apply for.
The year-long placement is overseen by the academic lead for placements with mentor sessions for each student. Support is also available via the University Careers Team to develop your CV and covering letter, as well as help preparing for placement interviews.
Although a placement benefits you enormously, it is not guaranteed and if you are unsuccessful in securing a role you’ll continue on with the non-placement version of your course.
Industry links
We prioritise building strong links with industry and service providers to ensure you will gain valuable exposure and practical experience to develop your CV. Through contacts and volunteering opportunities with Canterbury Crown Court, Victim Support, the Samaritans, Keep Talking Services and local prisons you will have access to real-world settings where you can apply your knowledge and skills.
These industry connections not only enhance your learning experience but also open doors to various networking opportunities and potential career paths. Graduates are well-equipped with the insights and expertise needed to excel in the dynamic fields of clinical and forensic psychology, making them highly sought-after by employers in the mental health and legal sectors.
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Duration:
3 yearsUCAS code:
C805Location(s):
Canterbury