The module critically examines the application of psychological research and expertise to the criminological domain. The module is centered on two underlying themes; Theme one focuses on the psychological explanations of criminal behavior and theme two critically examines the application of psychology to the criminal justice system. The aim of the module is to facilitate MA Criminology students to develop a critical understanding of the role of mental health in criminal behaviour along with an in-depth psychological knowledge of a range of criminal offences such as terrorism, human trafficking, homicide, sexual offending and crimes of violence and intimidation. A further aim of the module is to enable students to develop a critical awareness of the psychological factors that may inform and impact on key investigative and courtroom processes in the criminal justice system with particular emphasis placed on the accuracy of eyewitness evidence and the psychological practices used to profile, interview and detect deception among suspected offenders.
| Theme One: Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour - Introduction to criminal psychology / Psychological Theories of Criminal Behaviour. - Mental Health and crime: classification and assessment of mental disorders; mental disorders and criminal behaviour; insanity and competency. - Violence and intimidation: psychological explanation of domestic violence and stalking. - Sexual offending: Psychological explanations of rape and child sexual offences; interventions for sex offenders. - Homicide and serial killing: psychological explanations of various forms of homicide. - Terrorism: psychological explanations, consequences and responses to terrorism. - Human Trafficking: experiences and psychological impact of human trafficking; responses to human trafficking. Theme Two: The Application of Psychology to the Criminal Justice System - Criminal profiling: criminal profiling methods; utility of criminal profiling. - Criminal investigation: interviewing suspects; detecting deception, false confessions. - Eyewitness Evidence: the role of perception and memory; accuracy of eyewitness evidence. - The role of psychology in prison: risk assessment; psychological interventions; working with individuals in prison.
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The module will be taught using a range of active and collaborative learning and teaching methods including lectures, group discussions and problem-solving activities, case studies, critical thinking exercises, video-based material and guest speaker sessions.
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |