Course Resources Archive

The module aims to introduce students to the principal theories and applications of forensic psychology. It enables students to develop a critical understanding of how psychological theory is applied to various forensic settings and to criminal offending behaviour. It develops a critical approach within students and promotes their employability skills.

1. Introduction, history and role of forensic psychology.
2. General psychological theories of crime, and offending behaviour.
3. Juvenile offenders and early criminogenic factors.
4. The psychology of weapon carrying, and its relationship with culture and crime.
5. Women offenders, and issues regarding the imprisonment of female offenders.
6. The nature of sex offending, and the role of fantasy in sexual offending.
7. Crime and mental disorder, and suicide amongst offenders.
8. Victims of crime and victimology.
9. Ethical issues in conducting research and practice in forensic psychology.

i. Knowledge and Understanding

On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate that they have
1. Increased knowledge of how psychological theory and research can contribute to forensic issues.
2. A critical understanding of the aetiological explanations of various crimes.
3. Reasoned understanding of controversial issues within forensic psychology.
4. An appreciation of the issues concerning mental disorder and crime, including self harm and suicide amongst offenders.

ii. Skills

On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate that they can
1. Investigate applied problems, in selected forensic contexts, by integrating theory and practice.
2. Critically evaluate the viability and validity of a range of aetiological explanations of various crimes and draw logical and appropriate conclusions.
3. Critically appraise the strengths and weaknesses of various models and empirical research within this area of applied psychology.
4. Critically evaluate the implications of the practice of the forensic psychologist within the criminal justice system.
5. Demonstrate a number of transferable skills including essay writing, independent reading, the ability to draw on material from a range of sources and to synthesise them.

Staff/Student Contact: 20%
Student Independent/Private study: 80%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.