Course Catalogue

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This course addresses the contribution of Psychology to the legal system.

10 hours of lectures over a 5 week block

At least 2:1 honours degree in a science subject.

Examination 100%, answer 1 question from a choice of 3.

The course aims to allow students to investigate and evaluate areas where Psychology has been influential in understanding criminal behavior (e.g. Personality, Mental Health).

By the end of this course students will be able to : 

Subject-specific/practical skills

■ Evaluate the challenges associated with the assessment of risk within forensic psychology

■ Use structured interviewing skills within a forensic setting and be aware of the limitations and problems associated with such approaches

■ Demonstrate an understanding of the role of psychological evidence within the criminal justice system

Intellectual skills

■ Identify, conceptualise and define the challenges associated with the prediction of criminal behaviour and the problems associated with the core definitions of criminality

■ Critically evaluate the role of psychological as well as ideological and theological drivers in shaping certain aspects of criminal behaviours

■ Demonstrate an understanding of the core theoretical perspectives used with forensic psychology

■ Assess the challenges associated with the identification of hostile threat actors both within organisations (insider threats) and in wider social settings and the role of forensic psychology in that proces

Transferable/key skills

■ Demonstrate skills in the use of information from multiple sources in dealing with complex ill-defined problems

■ Critically evaluate the predictive validity associated with assessments where the burden of proof is limited

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.