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.

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.

One unseen 2 hour examination, contributing 100% of the overall module mark, which will assess outcomes 1-4.

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

Journal Articles, Case Studies, Guest lectures, Videos.
Support materials available on Blackboard VLE.

Students must be studying on a BSc Forensic Psychology or BSc Psychology and Criminology award.