This module will explore some of the major psychological contributions towards understanding different crimes, criminal behaviours and serious offending. Developmental, social and genetic contributions towards understanding the psychology of criminality and the individual experience of crime will be considered, as will the considerations Psychologists must make working in this field. Also included will be critical evaluations of the methodologies adopted by researchers in the field and the contributions of this psychological research towards understanding contemporary key issues and debates in relation to crime and serious offending. Topics may change to reflect the debates at the forefront of the discipline and also to ensure contemporary issues around criminal behaviours are discussed. These may include areas such as juvenile offending, violent offending, sexual offending and terrorism.

Assessment 1: BPS ethics and conduct task on a chosen lecture topic demonstrating a psychologist’s conduct (learning outcomes 3 and 4)

For this task, you will choose one of the lecture topics covered during the module and put yourself in the role of a Forensic Psychologist being asked to advise on a case involving the chosen crime. You will be required to suggest how, in this role, you would apply the BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct, and review and reflect on your own skills development in light of this.

Formative assessment

The task takes the form of a short answer and is available for peer and tutor review prior to submission. The task will be discussed and formative examples provided within a designated workshop session.

Assessment 2: Case study analysis (learning outcomes 1,and 2) You will choose a factual case highlighted within the US/UK Criminal Justice System from a given list. You will be expected to apply theories and approaches from the explanations for crime and serious offending that have been covered in the course material to the case details. This will include analysing the contribution research can make towards explanations and evaluations based on the topic area selected.

Formative assessment

This will take place through class-based activities, practice case-study activities and independent learning, and will involve peer and tutor feedback. There will also be drop-in sessions where students can get assessment preparation focussed feedback.

Learning and teaching activities include lectures, workshops and assessment preparation sessions. The lectures will present theory and research covering a range of crime and serious offending behaviours with practical applied activities and interactive tasks. Workshops will be run across the semester in which students will be expected to complete a series of tutor guided tasks and investigations, which will form the basis of some of the discussions and debates in class and which will assist in the submitted assessment.

Guided independent study will involve developing independent learning skills, assessment support activities and guided reading for formative learning.

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and a systematic understanding of the critical concepts, ideas and issues around crime and serious offending and the limitations of how psychological theories contribute to the understanding of these topics.

Knowledge and understanding

2. Critically evaluate the contribution of research to the understanding of factual representations of the psychology of crime and serious offending by examining the strengths and weaknesses of key methodologies and theories.

Application and problem solving

3. Reflect on the application of acquired knowledge regarding ethics and conduct as a Forensic Psychologist.

Reflection

4. Review your continuing development of academic, professional and personal skills in relation to applying the Code of Ethics and Conduct.

Personal development and entrepreneurship

Access to specialist equipment such as eye-tracking and eyeblink systems, Biopac, driving simulator, virtual reality, and cold pressor equipment.

Access to simulation facilities and associated platforms (e.g., Virti).

Davies, G.N. & Beech, A.R. (2024). Forensic Psychology: Crime, Justice, Law Interventions (4th Edition). Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.

Gavin, H. (2024). Criminological and Forensic Psychology (3rd Edition). London: Sage.

Howitt, D. (2022). Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Psychology (7th Edition). Harlow: Pearson Education.

This module will explore some of the major psychological contributions towards understanding crime, criminal behaviour and serious offending. You will assess the role psychology has in understanding criminality and the contributions of this psychological research towards understanding contemporary and key issues such as juvenile offending and violent offending. You will also explore the considerations needed by Psychologist’s working in this field.