Course structure
Core modules
Applied Qualitative Research Methods
You will gain the requisite skills needed to analyse, conduct and assess qualitative research within the applied psychology setting. You will also gain an understanding of key theoretical approaches in designing qualitative research projects as well as practical experience in collecting and analysing qualitative data. The module aims to facilitate the development of a knowledge of and skills in using advanced qualitative research designs, specifically it will develop your knowledge and skills in qualitative research design and methods as applicable to applied psychology at MSc level. You will understand the relationship between theory and practice of interpretative approaches in psychological research, and explore different modes of investigation and analysis employed within these interpretative approaches.
Applied Quantitative Research Methods
You develop knowledge of and skills in using advanced research designs, including the use of quantitative analysis techniques. Specifically, you will develop additional knowledge and skills in research design and methods, appropriate statistical analysis, as applicable to applied psychology at MSc level. Quantitative analysis of advanced research designs includes effect size, power analysis, confidence intervals, multiple regression, logistic regression, factor analysis and reliability analysis, mediation analysis, moderation analysis.
Applied Skills in Forensic Psychology
You gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of the range of therapeutic approaches available and their application to a diverse array of forensic clients. You develop logical, structured, critical narrative following a formal request for information pertaining to practice recommendations and the communication of this knowledge. The module will also provide an understanding of the roles which forensic psychologists play within third sector, government and public organisations, ethical and professional considerations with regard to professional competencies, evidence-based practice and required skills of a forensic psychologists within their varied roles, including trainer, consultant, supervisor and practitioner.
Assessment and Interventions in Forensic Practice
This module is designed to develop a thorough understanding of the theoretical explanations of offending behaviour, its origins and the purpose and principles of the assessment and intervention process. It emphasises the importance of psychological assessment (including risk, personality disorder and cognitive assessment) and specialist intervention, exploring issues specific to a group of offenders including but not exclusive to: sexual offenders, violent offenders, young offenders, mentally disordered offenders, offenders affected by issues of intellectual functioning and cognitive impairment, female offenders and those with personality disorder.
Integral to this module is an understanding of the role of the psychologist as a practitioner. Through the use of case studies, you will develop the skills required of a forensic psychologist and demonstrate the importance of skills for sharing knowledge and information. The module will describe the role the forensic psychologist plays in assessment and intervention, effective communication, project management and training others. You will gain an understanding of the requirements of independent working, ethical and professional considerations and multi-disciplinary work.
You will gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of the theoretical explanations of offending behaviour, psychological assessment, interventions with offenders and the process of training other professionals. The module will also provide an understanding of ethical and professional considerations with regard to professional competencies, evidence based practice and required skills of a forensic psychologists within their varied roles; trainer, consultant, supervisor and practitioner.
Indicative content
Theoretical explanations of offending behaviour, exploring issues specific to a group of offenders including but not exclusive to: sexual offenders, violent offenders, young offenders, mentally disordered offenders, offenders affected by issues of intellectual functioning and cognitive impairment, female offenders and those with personality disorder
Purpose and principles of psychological assessment process, notably risk assessment, personality disorder assessment, case formulation and cognitive assessment
Offending and morality, excuses and justification for offending behaviour
Crime, victim and offender interaction/mediation, including restorative justice
“What works” literature and evaluation of offending behaviour interventions with various groups of offenders; sexual offenders, violent offenders (including domestic violence) and personality disordered offenders
The role of a forensic psychologist as a practitioner
Independent working and reflective practice as a forensic psychologist
The relevance and importance of multi-disciplinary working.
This module will be assessed by way of a 5,000 word Psychological Risk Assessment and Case Formulation Report of a case study (ICA 60%) and 3,000 word Training Plan Report underpinned by a critical review of literature (ECA 40%).
Forensic Psychology Project
This gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your research competency within a specialist area of forensic psychology. You are required to produce an original empirical research project of 12,000 words on a specialist area of your choice within forensic psychology.
Law, Justice and Psychology
You are introduced to the multi-disciplinary nature of forensic psychology, and to the application of psychological knowledge to the criminal justice system. You discuss a range of theoretical approaches that have been used to explain crime, and gain an understanding of the principles of studying the justice process.
The module also introduces you to civil and criminal law. It includes discussion of the issues relating to jury selection and jury decision making, the nature of expert evidence, child witnesses, assessment and interventions with victims and witnesses, and the role of the psychologist as an expert witness.
The development of the new replica courtroom at the University offers an excellent opportunity for you to practise key professional skills such as presenting specialist court reports in an appropriate context and to undertake research related to this area.
The Psychology of Investigations
This module gives you a critical understanding of the psychological and legal issues regarding the psychology of investigations. It analyses the ways in which psychological theories can be applied to the investigative process (including the gathering of evidence) and considers the investigatory process of victims, witnesses and suspects of crime.
