Module Catalogue 2024/25

PSY3030 : Foundations in Forensic and Criminal Psychology

PSY3030 : Foundations in Forensic and Criminal Psychology

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Nicole Adams-Quackenbush
  • Owning School: Psychology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To provide students with an insight into the general area of forensic psychology and to develop critical understanding of:

how psychological research has been applied to understanding the causes of criminal behaviour, including the assessment and treatment of offenders, and:

the way such research can be used in an applied setting through investigative psychology.

Outline Of Syllabus

•       Introduction to Forensic and Criminological psychology
•       Theories of crime and offending
•       Assessment and treatment of offenders
•       Psychological disorders e.g. Antisocial and Narcissistic Personality Disorders, Psychopathy.
•       Investigative and legal psychology

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

After completing the module, students should be able to:
1.       Describe and evaluate key psychological paradigms which have been used to explain criminal behaviour;
2.       Recognise ethical dilemmas in assessment and treatment and to manage the implications by identifying and
evaluating appropriate information required for risk assessment/functional analysis;
3.       Compare and contrast knowledge of different methods of assessing and treating offenders;
4.       Evaluate the importance of investigative psychology and research in this area
5. Identify the different interview and interrogation techniques used when conducting investigations;
6. Explain how psychological disorders may result in criminal behaviour and the subsequent implications
of such behaviour on society and the subsequent behaviour;
7.       Compare the many careers associated with forensic psychology and have an insight into what working in
that area entails.

Intended Skill Outcomes

After completing the module, students should be able to:
1.       Gather information from a variety of sources and have the ability to select those most appropriate for
the specific task;
2.       Work collaboratively with peers to articulate their understanding of the topics within forensic and
criminological psychology;
3. Critically evaluate theoretical arguments and research evidence in relation to forensic psychology;
4.       Formulate independent views on a range of topics associated with forensic and criminological psychology;
5. Develop the skills necessary to undertake a formulation of offender behaviour;
6. Develop reflective practice skills.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture112:0022:00Present in person
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion160:0060:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading162:0062:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops22:004:00Present in person: Assessment preparation
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study152:0052:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture materials and structured learning activities will be used as the main way to impart knowledge and to stimulate interests in the topics. The private study time will allow students to carry out an in-depth review of the knowledge imparted through lecture materials, to generate their own views on the topics and to follow these out by carrying out independent reviews of the literature, thereby taking control over their learning and preparing them for the final assessment. The workshops will give students the opportunity to prepare for each assessment. One workshop will focus on presentation skills and group work, and one workshop will focus on writing in forensic contexts.

The contact time for this module reflects the amount of preparation students are expected to do for the assessment.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise1M70A 1500 word paper answering one of three questions based on a real case.
Oral Presentation1M30Recorded group presentation answering 1 question from a battery of past exam questions. Students will work in groups 5-7 (students will receive individual marks).
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The group presentation will develop their skills to work collaboratively towards a common goal and will provide students an opportunity to articulate their understanding of a topic. It will also develop their written and oral presentation skills, as well as critical formulation and evaluation of the topic question. Although the assessment will be completed as a group, students will receive individual marks for their contribution.

The final assessment is a 1500-word report answering one of three predetermined topic questions. Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the topic and provide their own supported and evidenced views on the subject. Finally, an assessment of this nature provides the student with an opportunity to articulate their comprehension of the main themes and topics presented throughout the module.


FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The form of assessment will not vary from the original

If the module is failed, Stage 3 students may only be offered a resit if an honours degree is not awarded on the first occasion. Failed assessments will be the same format during the August resit period.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.