Forensic Psychology

Course Details

This programme is designed for anyone interested in understanding the use of psychological principles to understand the behaviour of criminals and the value of psychology in the detection of crime. The course will enable learners to (1) to recognise how different research methods can help us research criminal behaviour, (2) Understand current theory in relation to the committing of offences, (3) Describe typical personal traits of offenders and how profiling can assist detection of crime, (4) Examine witness testimony and the behaviour of witnesses in the courtroom, and (5) Review the use of forensic psychology in prevention of re-offending.

Your Tutor will support you throughout the duration of the course. You complete the course by undertaking activities and assignments. You will receive the course manual, assignments and study guide plus tutor support. Our student support team are also available for any other queries that you may have whilst completing your course. You can be assured that support is available for your course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

Topics Covered in this Course

Unit 1: Introduction to forensic psychology

History and development of forensic psychology
Research design and methodology
Critical evaluation of psychological research

Unit 2: Theories of offending

Introduction to theories of offending
Theories of aggression and violent offending
Theories of child sexual offending
Theories of sexual aggression
Theories of fire-setting (arson) behaviour
Unit 3: Personal attributes of offenders

Personality disordered offenders
Psychopathic offenders

Unit 4: Forensic psychology in police investigations

An introduction to offender profiling
Approaches to offender profiling
Diagnostic evaluations
FBI Crime scene analysis
Investigative psychology
The effectiveness of offender profiling

Unit 5: Forensic psychology in the courtroom

Eye-witness testimony
Expert witness testimony

Unit 6: Forensic psychology in practice

Forensic psychology in practice
‘What works’ literature in reducing re-offending
Other roles of a forensic psychologist

Who should complete this course?

Anyone who works in the Criminal Justice sector and wishes to gain an insight into the psychological processes related to criminal behaviour.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites

None.

Assessment

Each element is followed by a written assignment, which is submitted and then marked by your tutor.  There is no external examination required.