Course Description
Course Name
Criminal and Forensic Psychology
Session: VLNF3423
Hours & Credits
20 UK Credits
Prerequisites & Language Level
Please note that students will not be able to enroll in combination with PSY020X366Y
Taught In English
- There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.
Overview
Assessment: essay (2000 words)
Excluded combination: PSY020X366Y
Criminal and forensic psychology play has an increasingly important role to play in modern psychology. The aim of this module, therefore, is to introduce students to some of the major theoretical explanations for criminal behaviour and how these are applied in a number of contexts and practice settings. Beginning with a consideration of the historical underpinnings of criminal and forensic psychology, the module continues with an analysis of the theoretical and conceptual issues germaine to this area. Major theories covered include psychoanalytic, social, biological, developmental, cognitive and personality. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate these approaches in linked seminars, workshops and Moodle activities. The unique contributions of psychological theories to understanding criminal behaviour are then examined within a number of contexts such as policing, the courtroom and prison and also with respect to the criminal profiling and the treatment of offenders.
Excluded combination: PSY020X366Y
Criminal and forensic psychology play has an increasingly important role to play in modern psychology. The aim of this module, therefore, is to introduce students to some of the major theoretical explanations for criminal behaviour and how these are applied in a number of contexts and practice settings. Beginning with a consideration of the historical underpinnings of criminal and forensic psychology, the module continues with an analysis of the theoretical and conceptual issues germaine to this area. Major theories covered include psychoanalytic, social, biological, developmental, cognitive and personality. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate these approaches in linked seminars, workshops and Moodle activities. The unique contributions of psychological theories to understanding criminal behaviour are then examined within a number of contexts such as policing, the courtroom and prison and also with respect to the criminal profiling and the treatment of offenders.
*Course content subject to change