Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: B130 BSc/FPB
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
How to Apply
Why choose this course?
The Forensic Psychobiology course is unique in Scotland and is delivered by tutors at the forefront of research in the exciting field of Psychology and Forensic Psychobiology. Research projects include the development of interviewing techniques for police officers and investigators, improvements to surveillance systems, and the management of crowd behaviour. The tutors also work closely with local police forces so that they can test their research findings and are also involved in helping to train some police officers. Because tutors on this course have real-life experience relating to forensic issues, they are ideally placed to instruct you on this course.
The course involves the study of psychology, forensic science, biology, sociology, and research methods. Specialist topics include: evidence based investigative interviewing, psychopathology & crime, cognitive psychology, social influences in psychology and law, development & intelligence, the neuropsychology of mental health, and personality & social psychology. A highlight of the course involves completing a psychology research project of your own choosing that you work on independently in your final year of study. A number of modules focus wholly on forensic issues that address police interviewing, eyewitness memory, face recognition, crime scene investigation and other forensic issues. The causes of crime from a psychological perspective are examined in an introductory module and an advanced module on criminal behaviour. This course provides all of the benefits of a standard psychology degree and provides the necessary qualification from the British Psychology Society for continuing to train to become a psychologist. Because the course also contains classes on so many forensic topics you are well placed for continuing your studies on many of the post-graduate forensic psychology programs on offer throughout the UK.
How you learn
The skills required in Forensic Psychobiology are diverse and you will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods including lectures, laboratory classes, and small group seminars with an emphasis on active enquiry. As you progress through the course, more and more of your time is spent researching and gathering information yourself for your coursework, private and collaborative study, teamwork, scholarship and reflection. Typically, you will have classes for 12-15 hours per week, with approximately 20–25 hours independent study. Seminars and tutorials enable you to acquire an understanding of the shape, history, and contemporary relevance of Forensic Psychobiology.
How you are assessed
A variety of assessment methods are used throughout the course including formal examinations using seen and unseen papers, class tests, essays, laboratory reports, poster presentations and presentations. All Forensic Psychobiology degree students undertake a research project in their final year, this project allows you to use the research skills you have perfected over the three years.
Higher BBB; A Level CC; ILC (H) BBB; BTEC Diploma MMM (Applied Science)
UCAS Tariff 195 points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: literate subject (e.g. English) and a science subject.
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Your future
The choice of careers for graduates includes research, management, training, customer relations, police work, drug rehabilitation, and assistant psychologist in mental health. You can also apply to train as a professional Forensic Psychologist or take up a probationer post in clinical psychology. Because this degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, it confers eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartership which is essential for becoming a professional psychologist.
Graduates of this course also have transferable skills, which are in high demand in the general graduate job market, such as numeracy, statistics and information technology skills, communication skills and analytical thinking. Forensic Psychobiology graduates demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of their primary fields of enquiry.
Professional accreditation
The programme is accredited as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC), provided the minimum standard qualification of Second class Honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
| Fee Category | September 2012 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
The 2012 fee will be announced Apply to the Student Awards Agency |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7000 per year (max. amount payable You can apply for financial assistance, |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£9975 per year. Fees may be subject to annual increase. |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fees shown are payable annually, and may be subject to increase each year.
