Forensic Psychology (C8560)
Forensic Psychology
Module C8560
Module details for 2024/25.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Full Module Description
Our studies in this module are concerned with the application of psychological theory and research to forensic psychology in clinical and investigative contexts.
In this module, you explore how psychology can be used to understand and enhance aspects of police investigations and security screening, such as suspect and witness interviewing and the treatment of vulnerable people in the criminal justice system. In addition, you learn to evaluate connections between crime and mental illness, crime and criminal typologies and interventions to reduce reoffending.
The kinds of specific questions you encounter during the module include:
• what are the options for reducing recidivism among prisoners?
• do children make reliable witnesses, or is their testimony not to be trusted?
• how can deception be detected by investigators?
• what kinds of biases and errors affect investigators of serious crimes?
• what is the relationship between mental illness and crime?
• to what extent does the media portrayal of 'psychopathy' have any basis in psychological research?
Module Outline
Our studies in this module are concerned with the application of psychological theory and research to forensic psychology in clinical and investigative contexts.
In this module, you explore how psychology can be used to understand and enhance aspects of police investigations and security screening, such as suspect and witness interviewing and the treatment of vulnerable people in the criminal justice system. In addition, you learn to evaluate connections between crime and mental illness, crime and criminal typologies and interventions to reduce reoffending.
The kinds of specific questions you encounter during the module include:
• what are the options for reducing recidivism among prisoners?
• do children make reliable witnesses, or is their testimony not to be trusted?
• how can deception be detected by investigators?
• what kinds of biases and errors affect investigators of serious crimes?
• what is the relationship between mental illness and crime?
• to what extent does the media portrayal of 'psychopathy' have any basis in psychological research?
Module learning outcomes
Present coherent/detailed knowledge of contemporary psychological theories and research related to forensic analysis and investigation
Understand and critically evaluate findings from forensic research that address contemporary issues surrounding the criminal justice system
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (2000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Fri 16:00 | 70.00% |
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | T1 Week 8 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Thomas Ormerod
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/350668
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