Kristy Horton

Kristy Horton is a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at the University of Bedfordshire's School of Psychology (Faculty of Health and Social Sciences). She joined the university in February 2020 as a Lecturer and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in July 2025. As a registered Forensic Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS), she serves as Programme Director for the MSc in Forensic Psychology.

Her educational qualifications include:

• Stage 2 Training in Forensic Psychology (BPS, 2025)
• Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills Status (Society for Education and Training, 2020)
• PGCE in Post-compulsory Education (University of Bedfordshire, 2018)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2014)
• PgCAP Academic Practice (University of Bedfordshire, 2014)
• MSc Forensic Psychology (University of Bedfordshire, 2012)
• BSc Psychology and Criminal Behaviour (University of Bedfordshire, 2011)

Dr. Horton's research centers on team dynamics and decision-making processes within forensic mental health and custodial environments, with emphasis on evaluating interventions and services to improve operational effectiveness. Her work bridges psychological theory with practical applications in high-security settings.

As Programme Director for the MSc in Forensic Psychology, she leads curriculum development and instruction across core units including Legal Psychology, Criminal Psychology, Victimology, Investigative Psychology, and Professional Skills for Forensic Psychologists. Her academic leadership extends to mentoring students and maintaining active membership in the Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP).