The Forensic Psychology Practice Doctorate (CPD route) offers qualified Forensic Psychologists the opportunity to build on their existing MSc and achieve Doctoral-level recognition through Continued Professional Development.
This programme is tailored for Forensic Psychologist professionals who hold a valid Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) certificate and ideally have Chartered Psychologist status with the British Psychological Society to ‘top up’ their existing MSc qualification to Doctoral level.
Please note, this is not a BPS-accredited doctorate programme.
The programme requires you to attend nine days of taught classes, aimed at developing advanced research skills. These are delivered in blocks (September, November, January and March).
During the course you will complete a number of assignments and you will be required to incorporate this work into a thesis that will be examined via oral examination.
You will meet at least monthly with your primary academic supervisor (either in person or remotely) throughout the duration of the programme.
Successful applicants may register as full-time students for a minimum period of one year and a maximum of two years, or as part-time students for a minimum period of two years and a maximum of three years.
You will complete the following modules and associated assignments:
Proof of the following qualifications must be presented:
Work experience required: Experience working as a Forensic Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Applicants who meet our minimum criteria are short-listed according to the information presented on the application form. This includes elements such as academic/research competence and relevant experience. Applications for 2026 entry will open on 1st December 2025 and will close on Friday 27th February 2026. Interviews will take place on the 30th March, 31st March and 1st April 2026.
Home applicants will attend the University of Birmingham for half a day (morning or afternoon) and overseas applicants will be interviewed virtually. This includes a half-hour interview, and written exercises designed to assess competence in research and writing. Experts by experience and course staff are involved in the interview process. After the final interview date, offers are made to the most suitable candidates subject to satisfactory DBS disclosure and Health and Immunisation checks. Please note: the offer process at the University of Birmingham has several steps, and the final formal offer will be made by the University of Birmingham Admissions Team.
At Birmingham, we prepare our researchers to make an impact across every sector of society. Our PhD graduates are global change-makers: advancing knowledge, shaping policy, leading industries, and educating future generations.
You'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored to your unique paths. Our expert team of Careers Advisers, including a dedicated postgraduate research adviser, offer one-to-one guidance to help researchers navigate career decisions both within and beyond academia.
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We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
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Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
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