Course Catalogue

The aims of the Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice programme, in line with the two relevant subject benchmark statements, are to: Develop knowledge and critical understanding of a range of fundamental psychological theory. Produce a scientific understanding of mind, brain, behaviour, and experience, and of the complex interactions between them. Develop knowledge of, and the ability to critically evaluate, experimental methods and key research areas in psychology. Develop students' awareness of a range of real-life applications of psychological theory. Enable achievement of Graduate Membership (GM) and Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society (BPS). GBC is a pre-requisite for entry to BPS-accredited postgraduate programmes in Psychology. Provide a rigorous interdisciplinary study of criminal justice drawing on disciplines including, criminology, law, socio-legal studies, sociology, social policy, history and related professional practice. Link theoretical analysis with empirical enquiry and the operation and impact of policies on practice; Identify and understand different value positions in the criminal justice system and processes; Investigate the legal context and principal legal features of the criminal justice system; Provide students with an understanding of policy and experience of practice in the criminal justice system and so improve their employability in criminal justice and allied areas; and Encourage students to engage with the development of employability skills by completing a self-awareness statement

Lectures and directed independent reading are used to introduce core knowledge. Lectures 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. In formulating the assessment strategy, the programme team aims to achieve an appropriate match between teaching and learning methods and assessment tasks, including the provision of 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. Lectures are supported by appropriate learning resources and learning activities to provide practice in applying declarative knowledge to applied problems, with feedback from tutors and peers. Workshop activities similarly provide a forum for skill development through practice with feedback. Individual supervision meetings support students in developing, conducting and reporting an empirical investigation in psychology. Students are provided the opportunity for reflection and achievement in developing their own understanding in acquiring skills. A variety of assessment methods is used, including examination, essay, projects, portfolios and presentations, as specified in each module's guide. Lectures are used to introduce core knowledge and principles. Practical skills are prioritised within all level 4 modules, but particularly in the Introduction to Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice module (4021LAWCJ). Workshops provide opportunities for students to develop skills underpinned by this knowledge through practice with feedback (from peers and tutor) and through critical reflection. Individual supervision sessions are used to support students in the development and completion of their final year Dissertation (6022LAWCJ) project. Practical skills are the central focus of core module assessments across the programme, where information gathering, written and spoken communication, and group work are prioritised. A variety of assessment methods is used, including examination, essay, projects, portfolios and presentations. Lectures are used to introduce transferable skills including computer literacy, problem-solving and reasoning skills, self-management of learning along with time management, effective planning strategies and collaboration and cooperation in working with others. Workshops and group tutorials provide opportunities for students to develop skills underpinned by this knowledge through practice with feedback (from peers and tutor) and through critical reflection. Individual supervision is provided to guide the student through the development and completion of a final year project and dissertation. The main focus of these skills is introduced in level 4 through the Introduction to Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice module (4021LAWCJ). Transferable skills are an essential part of the activities throughout the programme, being further developed especially at level 6, and particularly in the Dissertation (6022LAWCJ) module. All of the transferable skills are assessed in the various assessment processes, exams, coursework, projects and portfolios across the three levels of the programme. Assessment methods addressing these skills include written assignments and examinations, together with practical skills assessment. All programme students seeking BPS accreditation complete a dissertation in their final year, which in itself covers all transferable skills listed in this document.

Aside from the self-awareness assessment contained within the teaching and assessment of the core Introduction to Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice module (4021LAWCJ),Work Related Learning will also be delivered in the Level 6 core module, Forensic Psychology (6201PSYSCI). Students have direct contact with the prison psychology service and other agencies as part of teaching delivery on this module. Also, in the Level 6 core module 6022LAWCJ (Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice Dissertation), students will study independently and will be able to have contact with a range of psychology and criminal justice-based agencies as part of planning and producing the research necessary to complete the module assessment.