PSY4415 - Forensic Psychology in Context

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 Describe the core principles, theories, and concepts that underpin and inform research and practice within counselling psychology.
2 Illustrate an evidence-informed and practical understanding of various interventions and approaches used in counselling psychology practice.
3 Explain the contribution that counselling psychology can make to individuals, communities and society and its role in promoting human values of equality and social justice.

Content:

Indicative Module content

This module introduces the core principles, theories, and concepts that form the foundation of research and practice within forensic psychology. Through a problem-based learning approach, you will engage in real-world scenarios, developing an evidence-informed understanding of various psychological interventions and approaches. This hands-on approach will help you to apply your learning to practical settings, honing your problem-solving skills. Through both theoretical and practical insights, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of how forensic psychology supports positive change in diverse contexts and you will be introduced to core forensic psychology principles, theories, and interventions. Content may include key forensic psychology theories, including criminal behaviour, risk assessment, and rehabilitation. You may explore evidence-based interventions in offender rehabilitation, eyewitness testimony, and investigative psychology. Emphasis will be placed on psychology’s role in justice, reducing reoffending, and promoting equality, ethical practice, and social justice within legal and correctional systems.

Learning and Teaching Information:

You will be taught using a series of on-campus interactive workshops, combining staff- and student-led elements. In these sessions, you will take part in a range of learning activities, such as group discussions, presentations and other interactive activities. You will be asked to complete up to 30-minutes of preparatory work before each live on-campus session. Preparatory tasks may include reading set texts, sourcing independent reading, watching pre-recorded taught material, watching relevant online videos, or thinking and responding to questions for discussion. You will be assigned further guided learning activities to complete following the live on campus sessions.

Practical workshops
hours: 25
intended group size: 50

Guided independent study hours 125

Further details relating to assessment
The assessment for this module is a negotiated capstone assessment, which will be a response to a problem-based scenario, reflecting real-world challenges that forensic psychologists may encounter in practice. You will be required to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the problem, identify key facts, recognise potential assumptions, and analyse emerging themes. Your response should integrate relevant psychological theories and evidence-based interventions. The format of your assessment will be negotiated with the module tutor. Possible formats include, but are not limited to a presentation, video presentation, written report, viva, written case study, or seminar presentation/role play. This end-of-year assessment will draw upon the whole level’s learning.

Through this assessment, you will develop key skills essential for forensic psychology practice, including critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and the ability to apply theory to real-world situations. Additionally, you will enhance your communication and presentation skills, independent research abilities, and reflective practice, preparing you for professional roles within forensic psychology and related fields.

Assessment:

001 Negotiated capstone assessment; 1500 words; end of integrated assessment period 100%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Shames Maskeen
Level - 4
Credit Value - 15
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S2

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