Forensic Psychology (C8560)

15 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

In this module, you'll explore how psychology can be used to understand and enhance aspects of police investigations and security screening, such as suspect and witness interviewing and the treatment of vulnerable people in the criminal justice system.

In addition, you'll learn to evaluate connections between crime and mental illness, crime and criminal typologies and interventions to reduce reoffending.

The types of questions you'll encounter during the module include:

• what are the options for reducing recidivism among prisoners?
• do children make reliable witnesses, or is their testimony not to be trusted?
• how can deception be detected by investigators?
• what kinds of biases and errors affect investigators of serious crimes?
• what is the relationship between mental illness and crime?
• to what extent does the media portrayal of 'psychopathy' have any basis in psychological research?

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• Psychology (with a professional placement year) BSc
• Psychology BSc
• Psychology with Business and Management BSc
• Psychology with Clinical Approaches BSc
• Psychology with Criminology BSc
• Psychology with Neuroscience BSc