What you will study
Forensic psychology is concerned with the psychological issues associated with criminal behaviour and the treatment of those who have committed offences. It refers to the investigation of deception, fraud, crime and the psychological aspects of legal and judicial process.
You will learn how psychology is applied in various forensic settings and be introduced to the role of the forensic psychologist in practice. You will gain knowledge of the legal aspects of forensic psychology, such as considerations for courts and sentencing, and examine the aetiology of criminal behaviour in depth.
Full time - 1 year
You will study four core, 30 credit, modules plus a Psychology Dissertation, worth 60 credits.
Core modules
Psychology Dissertation
60 credits
The dissertation project will be based on a critical literature review addressing complex and contradictory evidence and will usually require carrying out an empirical study using one or more methodologies of data collection such as experiments, observation, psychometric testing, surveys and questionnaires, interviews and field studies. In all cases, the dissertation will involve the analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data, as well as the presentation and critical evaluation of research findings. Through independent study and meetings with a project supervisor, the dissertation project will allow you to better understand the role of research methodologies, theoretical considerations and ethical issues in psychological research.
Research Design and Analysis
30 credits
The module provides an advanced coverage of the design and analysis of psychological research. Building on a revision of intermediate inferential statistics (eg. ANOVA, factorial ANOVA, regression and multiple regression), the course moves quickly towards a consideration of more advanced and specialised quantitative methods (eg., multivariate statistics, co-variance, structural equation modelling, factor analysis, meta-analysis and advanced regression techniques) and their applications. The course introduces principles of questionnaire design, evaluation and data analysis, along with advanced qualitative research methods. The laboratory workshops combine formal teaching with hands-on activities. The material provides an important foundation for the development and execution of the master's level research dissertation.
Antisocial behaviours across the lifespan; Treatment and intervention
30 credits
This module will enhance your understanding of the key processes that underpin prosocial and antisocial behaviour. You will gain understanding of how biopsychosocial processes can impact on the development of criminal behaviour and neurodevelopmental disorders. You will extend your understanding of the organisation of prisons and forensic mental health services and will achieve some understanding of the assessment and treatment of offenders. You will also learn to evaluate the evidence that supports psychological and biological treatments for those with mental disorders which will enable you to consider its application to forensic psychology practice.
Investigative and Legal Processes in Forensic Psychology
30 credits
This module covers a range of theoretical and applied topics regarding investigative and judicial processes. For example, psychological principles may be applied to investigative approaches to interviewing, detecting deception, bearing false witness, offender profiling, case linkage, eyewitness memory, jury behaviour and decision-making, examining the state of mind and assessment, and expert psychological testimony (ethics, code of practice, report writing and practice). By taking this approach you develop a critical understanding of pertinent stages in the investigative process where psychology may be used to improve interviewing strategies, as in the employment of the cognitive interview to assist in the improvement of witnesses' memory recall. This course then develops upon the investigative knowledge base provided by encouraging you to identify areas within the courtroom process where psychological techniques could be utilised. Thus, you are taken on an analytical and evaluative journey of the key criminal justice processes of the investigation and presentation of evidence in cases.
Applications of Forensic Psychology
30 credits
This module will enhance your understanding of the application of forensic psychology. You will gain knowledge and understanding about organisations in which you might work as a forensic psychologist and the systems and structures within these settings. You will gain an understanding of the skills required when working as a reflective scientist-practitioner. You will also gain knowledge of the foundations of assessment and intervention including theory practice links, critical evaluation, training and consultancy. You will engage with this material through a series of interactive workshops and your participation in either a forensic work based placement or an applied research placement.
