PSY6402 - Applied Forensic Psychology

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of a range of psychological theories relevant to the field of forensic psychology and be able to apply them to the risk assessment and treatment of different types of offenders;
Critically evaluate the contributions of psychology at all levels (i.e. from the detection of crime to the prosecution, incarceration and rehabilitation of offenders);
Demonstrate a critical awareness of a range of ethical issues within forensic psychology.

Content:

This module allows students to apply their knowledge and understanding of Forensic Psychology to a range of contemporary issues within the Criminal Justice System and be able to develop evidence-based solutions in order to effect positive change.

Students will work in groups to discuss topics pertinent to Forensic Psychology in the UK and around the world. Students will apply their knowledge in order to suggest ways to reduce the risk of re-offending. Topics will include risk assessment, self-harm and suicide, forensic mental health and a range of approaches to treatment including cognitive behavioural therapy, positive psychology, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and group offending behaviour programmes.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module will use a variety of methods to engage students in the content across two semesters. The majority of sessions in this module will be workshops where students work in small groups to discuss issues and undertake a range of tasks. Some sessions will be delivered using a problem-based learning approach, where students will work in small groups which are facilitated by the tutor.

A wider range of materials will be provided on Moodle to support students in their independent learning. The time allocated for guided self-management activities will allow students to use a variety of library facilities such as book chapters, journals and online resources.

Workshops/Problem based learning
Hours: 40
Intended Group size: cohort/small groups/individual

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Further details relating to assessment
Practice Based Assessment: students will be asked to reflect on two practice-based scenarios relevant to working with offenders, and be asked to consider the approach they would take, based on a critical evaluation of the most recent literature.

Case Study: This case study is designed in order that students can implement a relevant risk assessment and design a comprehensive treatment plan to suggest evidence-based ways to reduce the risk of reoffending in a violent young person serving a custodial sentence.

Assessment:

001 Practice based assessment; 1,000 words; end of semester 1 20%
002 Case study; 3,000 words; end of semester 2 80%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Danielle McDermott
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6YL

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