Awards
Target Award
Award Description:Master of Science - MS
Programme Offerings
Full-Time
F2F-JMU-SEP
Educational Aims of the Course
This Liverpool John Moores University MSc in Forensic and Investigative Psychology has a strong emphasis on psychological investigation and exploring offending behaviour. The primary goal of forensic and investigative psychology as a discipline is to contribute to the understanding of why individuals engage in criminal behaviour and how they can be managed and rehabilitated back into society. Specific programme aims are: 1) To provide an academically rigorous framework through which students can study scientifically, the psychological processes involved in offending behaviour, and then use that knowledge to apply rehabilitative strategies. 2) To promote students' awareness of the range of applications of both forensic and investigative psychology.
Learning Outcomes
1.
Evaluate, synthesise and apply theoretical models to a range of offending behaviours
2.
Plan, design, execute and report on a programme of original, empirical research
3.
Employ skills of self-reflection
4.
Select, adapt, and apply advanced research methods and theoretical approaches to complex problems in forensic and investigative psychology in order to contribute to the development of psychological knowledge
5.
Compare and contrast a range of interventions and rehabilitative techniques applicable to forensic psychology settings
6.
Retrieve and organise information effectively
7.
Use a variety of psychological tools, including specialist software, laboratory equipment and psychometric instruments
8.
Carry out an extensive piece of independent research, applying skills of choosing and applying appropriate advanced research methodologies and the treatment of resulting data with appropriate analytical methods
9.
Apply skills of literature search, critical review and selection of relevant sources, and systematic synthesis and treatment of key material
10.
Implement and maintain systems for legal, professional and ethical standards in applied psychology
11.
Reflect and use feedback to evaluate knowledge base, performance and skills, and use this information to monitor progress and inform future professional development
12.
Critically evaluate the links between personality, mental health, and offending behaviours
13.
Use a variety of specialist data analysis software applications
14.
Demonstrate problem solving and reasoning skills
15.
Organise self-management of learning, utilising time-management skills and effective planning strategies
16.
Develop collaboration and co-operation in working with others
17.
Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills
18.
Identify, select and use qualitative and quantitative approaches to data analysis
19.
Critically appraise relevant evidence and theoretical approaches in the forensic and investigative field in relation to individual differences and offending behaviour.
20.
Synthesise knowledge to design, apply and conduct research in forensic and investigative contexts.
21.
Critically evaluate professional issues in forensic and investigative psychology, including the assessment and consultation processes with offenders.
22.
Synthesise information to design and evaluate of a range of forensic and investigative psychology interventions
23.
Critically analyse complex issues systematically
24.
Creatively appraise and integrate information from a variety of sources
25.
Analyse, interpret and summarise psychological data
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Lectures and directed independent reading are used to introduce core knowledge. These are supplemented by seminar and workshop activities in which students can explore ideas in more depth and contribute to, and benefit from, peer learning. In addition, students are expected to cover substantive course content through their own directed reading. These approaches are consistent with the learning outcomes of each specific module within the programme. While a number of course texts will be utilised to introduce students to the core concepts, critical examination of these concepts using primary sources including journal articles, and reports will form a major component of the teaching strategy. In formulating the assessment strategy, the programme team fosters in-depth and active learning to achieve an appropriate match between teaching and learning methods and assessment tasks. The provision of summative and formative feedback, an appropriate balance of assessment tasks over the programme, and inclusivity of a range of student approaches to learning. A variety of assessment methods is therefore utilised across the programme. Workshop activities provide opportunities for formative feedback from both peers and tutors. Similarly, tutor support during the preparation of coursework assignments provides opportunities for formative feedback. Coursework assessment is used to provide timely and detailed summative assessment. Individual tutors also build in opportunities for formative assessment during modules and take advantage of opportunities to provide formative assessment that arise from students' work and engagement with the tasks. Assessment methods include essays, reports, presentations, literature reviews, a research proposal and dissertation.
Programme Structure
Programme Structure Description
All modules must achieve a pass to complete the MSc. All students must pass the Advanced Research Methods in Forensic and Investigative Psychology module (7101PSYFIP) before they are permitted to submit the dissertation for the Empirical Project module (7100PSYFIP). There are no alternative exit awards for this programme.
Structure
Level 7
Entry Requirements
Alternative qualifications considered
Other international requirements
HECoS Code(s)
(CAH04-01) psychology