Module Descriptors
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY APPLICATIONS
PSYC60275
Key Facts
Faculty of Health Sciences
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Sarah Krahenbuhl
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 20
Independent Study Hours: 130
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Students must be studying on a BSc Forensic Psychology or BSc Psychology and Criminology award.
Module Resources
Journal Articles, Case Studies, Guest lectures, Videos.
Support materials available on Blackboard VLE.
Module Texts
Adler, J (2004): Forensic Psychology; concepts, debates and practice. Oregon, Willan Publishing.
Howitt, D (2009): Forensic and Criminal Psychology, Harlow, Essex, Pearson Education Ltd.
McGuire, J, Mason, T & O'Kane, A (2000): Behaviour, Crime and Legal Processes- a guide for forensic practitioners. Chichester, Wiley.
Towl, G & Crighton, D (1996): Handbook of Psychology for Forensic Practitioners. London, Routledge
Module Additional Assessment Details
One unseen 2 hour examination, contributing 100% of the overall module mark, which will assess outcomes 1-4.
Module Indicative Content
The role of psychology in a number of forensic applications will be considered, and the relevance, utility and validity of key psychological research and theory within these applications will be examined. The main areas covered will include psychological profiling; systems for risk assessment and prediction, including evaluation of models of predicting dangerousness; providing expertise and information for legal purposes; and the role of psychology in managing offending behaviour, including the planning, delivery and evaluation of interventions with offenders, including juvenile, violent and sex offenders.
Module Learning Strategies
There will be a series of lectures, discussions, debates, practical exercises and case study illustrations. In classes about half the time will be spent on lectures, and about half spent on other activities. Students will also be given a series of independent learning tasks, which will form the basis of some of the discussions and debates in class.

Formative learning will take place through class based activities, independent learning and practice exam questions. Peer and tutor feedback will be offered for activities, and tutor feedback on practice exam question will be available.