Rea Johnston

Investigative Psychology MSc (Distance Learning)

Rea chose the Investigative Psychology MSc in a flexible study mode, so that she could continue to work full-time as a Mental Health Care Worker in Northern Ireland without having to relocate. Read more to hear about her experience.

Studying Investigative Psychology MSc at Huddersfield

Rea knew she wanted to pursue a career in forensic psychology, and the Investigative Psychology MSc (Distance Learning) was the first step towards British Psychology Society (BPS) Stage 2 training. The University of Huddersfield stood out to Rea because the course was delivered online, allowing her to study flexibly. The Distance Learning format meant she could continue her studies from Northern Ireland without relocating, which was essential while working full‑time. The structure and academic focus of the course aligned closely with her professional ambitions and provided a clear pathway into advanced forensic study. Rea found the course content to be exceptionally well designed.

Huddersfield: leading the way in Investigative Psychology

The Investigative Psychology MSc (Distance Learning) course exceeded my expectations in every way; it has genuinely been the highlight of my academic journey so far. The quality of teaching is exceptional, the lecturers are incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and clearly leaders in their field. Huddersfield is truly in a league of its own, and I don’t say that lightly. The learning experience felt both challenging and inspiring, and it really reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in forensic psychology.

The content was brilliant, each module was so different yet equally related to forensic psychology, The course almost mirrors the full journey of offending, from how and why crimes are committed, through crime scene analysis and suspect interviews, and finally to how evidence is presented in court. It’s genuinely riveting; you almost forget you’re learning.

David Canter, the creator of Investigative Psychology

From MSc graduate to Trainee Forensic Psychologist

Since completing the course, my academic and professional journey has progressed even further. With the support of my supervisor at Huddersfield, I successfully published my thesis on femicide, a milestone that opened doors to multiple conference invitations, allowing me to share my findings with wider professional audiences. My growing expertise helped me secure an Assistant Psychologist role in a medium secure hospital, and I have since advanced to a Trainee Forensic Psychologist position, beginning the HCPC chartership route with Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2024. I often reflect on how the course equipped me with a strong set of transferable skills, from critical thinking and research capability to statistical analysis and effective time management, all of which I now apply daily in clinical and investigative settings.

My long‑term ambition is to become a HCPC Registered Forensic Psychologist, complete a Doctoral Thesis Top‑up focused on domestic abuse and femicide, and ultimately work as an expert witness within criminal law, goals that were shaped and strengthened through my academic experience at Huddersfield.

Advice for others

Having completed the Investigative Psychology MSc while balancing full‑time work and personal commitments, Rea is keen to share her experience with others considering the Distance Learning route.

“In this digital age we are very much catered for studying online. I would say the main barrier for prospective students considering flexible study is the fear of isolation and not meeting their peers. But the experience is very different: students are introduced to their group during induction and the support is there should you require it.”

Rea also highlights the exceptional quality of teaching on the course. She feels the academic team make a meaningful difference to the student experience.

“The entire academic team that teach the modules are established, respected experts in their field and so are uniquely able to present to students not only the theory but how their form of psychology is applied in real-world settings. It garners a real respect and honour to be taught by them and really inspires students to forge ahead as they can see an exciting future is possible in a range of specialisms once they’ve qualified.”

Useful links

Renowned Psychologist and the creator of Investigative Psychology, Professor David Canter, worked at the University of Huddersfield between 2009 and 2018. Watch this video where he discusses what Investigative Psychology is, how it supports police decision-making and the biggest legacy of the discipline.

Dr John Pearson, an alumnus of the University of Huddersfield, discusses his experience on the Investigative Psychology MSc (Distance Learning) course and explains how it has benefitted his career in crime analytics at Merseyside Police. Watch the video here.