PSY8101 : Vulnerability: Psychology and Law
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Mr Gary Pankhurst
- Lecturer: Dr Scott McDonald, Professor Gwyneth Doherty-Sneddon, Dr Barbara-Anne Robertson
- Owning School: Psychology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the interaction of psychological concepts of vulnerability across applied psychological practice and the intersection with a legal framework of protections and rights. This module will introduce a range of theoretical approaches that have been used to explain psychology and law and provide an understanding of relevant legal principles. This module will develop student’s understanding of the complex factors that influence their clinical practice when working with vulnerable populations. The following are some of the areas that will be covered:
• Examine vulnerability concepts across diverse populations, such as across the lifespan, marginalised
communities and social-economic deprivation
• Understanding of Legal Protections and safeguarding frameworks
• Apply Psychological and Legal Knowledge to clinical scenarios.
• Promote Ethical and Critical Thinking Skills in research and professional practice.
• Awareness of effective practice in Professional Contexts
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics covered by this module include:
• Introduction to concepts of vulnerability and the law
• Children and safeguarding and the procedures and concepts within professional contexts
• Vulnerability through the lifespan
• Trauma mechanisms and outcomes
• Mental health and the Law
• Vulnerability in marginalised populations
• Trauma informed approaches
• Professional conduct, vulnerability and communication
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | Student presentation and group discussion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Practical Scenario-based preparation of assessment session. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 168 | 1:00 | 168:00 | |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Present in person (PIP) and or lecture-based learning will be used as the primary way to meet the knowledge learning outcomes, impart core knowledge and stimulate interest in the wider topics and intersections to professional practice. To consolidate this knowledge it is essential that students conduct independent learning through private study around each lecture topic.
Small Group Teaching will be used to consolidate learning outcomes and develop applied analysis and evaluation skills.
Workshops will provide skills training and will foster active learning and collaboration. They will bridge theory and practice by engaging students in problem-solving, discussion and presentation activities using case study scenarios and provide preparation and guidance time for the assessment.
Academic Skills Activities will support the development of general and subject specific academic skills.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | 100 | Scenario-based professional report. Maximum 3000 words. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 2 | M | Group work presentation of 20 minutes followed by questions |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assessments for this module consist of one formative and one summative assessment.
Formative Assessment: An Oral Presentation on an aspect of vulnerability evaluated through a psychological and legal perspective. This is a group project and audio/visual presentation should be 20 minutes with a further 10 minutes allotted for questions and discussion. Formative feedback will be provided. This will test learning and skills outcomes looking at understanding of psychological and legal concepts of vulnerability applied to professional contexts. The feedback for this will directly assist in preparation for the summative assessment.
The summative assessment is a 3000 word professional report based on a case study scenario and will represent 100% of the total module mark. Students should demonstrate developed knowledge and understanding of the psychological theories and presentation of vulnerability and its impact on professional contexts. The student will evaluate information and provide intervention options based on their understanding of principles of professional practice such as, legal protections, safeguarding frameworks and trauma informed approaches.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSY8101's Timetable