PC6051 - Forensic Psychology (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Forensic Psychology | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module introduces you to classic and contemporary theory and research in Forensic Psychology on topics such as the causes of crime; the impact of crime; types of offences and offenders (e.g., mentally disordered offenders; violent offenders); the prosecution and outcomes of crimes; the psychology of the court room and criminal justice system; treatment of victims in the criminal justice system; and the rehabilitation of offenders. It will develop your ability to apply theoretical perspectives from different branches of psychology and criminology to the study of contemporary issues in the criminal justice system, including systemic injustices in the system. It will provide you with opportunities to develop critical knowledge and skills in areas such as risk assessment, treatment planning for offenders with complex psychological needs, and specialised areas such as cybercrime and stalking. These outcomes will leave you well positioned to progress to postgraduate training and employment in varied forensic and criminal justice settings.
Syllabus
Topics will be drawn from: classic and contemporary issues and processes in the investigation of crime (e.g., eyewitness reliability; false confessions); types of offences (e.g., cybercrime; violent crimes and offenders) and offenders (e.g., mentally disordered offenders; repeat offenders); processes and outcomes in the criminal justice system; courtroom psychology; vulnerable victim treatment and impact; evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation of offenders.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The learning objectives will be achieved through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops and seminars, supplementary guided web-based learning, and self-managed independent study. Formative assessments and group work in seminars will provide you with constructive tutor and feedback. You will be encouraged to reflect on your learning throughout the module and to take responsibility for your own learning including identifying your developmental needs.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Critically engage with a range of issues related to the criminal justice system through a psychological lens.
2. Understand the role of power defining concepts such as criminal and victim and how these power structures can drive practice in the forensic field.
3. Integrate different lines of psychological theory and research to draw informed conclusions and make persuasive evidence-based recommendations in relation to case information for different audiences.