What will I learn on this module?
You will learn how psychology has informed the development of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) in England and Wales and how individuals progress through from investigation to trial. You will also learn about the Civil Court System (CCS). Key concepts throughout each stage of the court system will be explored and critically evaluated, and the role of psychology and theoretical understanding will be applied to help develop knowledge. You will also have the opportunity to compare and contrast practices in England and Wales with others across the globe, therefore introducing you to international perspectives.
Indicative topics may include:
• Consideration of the overall structures of the CCS and CJS
• Examining how individuals enter the CJS and how vulnerability can be identified
• Understanding the investigative practices for victims, eyewitnesses, and suspects with a critical consideration of the role of psychology in eyewitness testimony and police interviewing
• Consideration of multi-disciplinary working with Appropriate Adults, Registered Intermediaries, and other allied professionals
• Understanding the trial process and the role of the expert witness in court
• Understanding similarities and differences in the English/ Welsh legal system when compared to other countries
This module meets the curriculum and core standards specified by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The assessment for this module requires the application of theoretical and research knowledge in the critical consideration of a case study within the role of an expert witness. This is designed to help assist you in developing your communication skills and reflective practice.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through interactive workshops which will include didactic teaching and practical work. These workshops will give you the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in the understanding and evaluation of investigative and legal psychology. Directed study will be encouraged through the provision of reading lists including pertinent research articles that accompany the workshops, and the provision of study questions and topics to read in preparation for subsequent sessions. You will be encouraged to engage in critical analysis and self-reflection throughout this module through which you will develop conceptual knowledge of the topic areas whilst considering their application in real-world settings.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Resources will be available via the e-learning portal, including lecture slides, supplementary materials and recommended readings. Discussion boards on the e-learning portal and drop-in sessions will support the delivery of workshops.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding
MK&U1. Develop a critical understanding of investigative and legal psychological practice, theory and research.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MIPSA1. Develop practical skills and abilities in relation to investigative and legal psychology, including the analysis of case study material.
MIPSA2. Develop written and verbal communication skills in relation to investigative and legal psychology.
MIPSA3. Develop reflective skills relating to learning and development.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
PVA1. Apply relevant ethical, legal and professional practice frameworks, e.g., BPS, HCPC and interact in a professional manner with a range of stakeholders.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment:
You will have the opportunity to engage in sub-group discussions and debates in order to develop your awareness of key psychological theory and research and how it applies to investigative and legal psychology. Feedback will be offered by the module tutor. [MK&U1, MIPSA2, MPVA1].
Summative assessment:
There is one integrated, expert testimony assignment, involving the analysis of a police interview transcript from a psychological perspective presented in two formats: A) a written report (2000 words including reflection) and B) oral evidence (a 10 minute ‘live’ cross-examination respectively).
This assessment assesses all module learning outcomes MK&U1, MIPSA1, MIPSA2, MIPSA3 and MPVA1.
Feedback:
Feedback will be provided on the summative assessment in the form of a level-specific rubric. Additional written comments will be provided that identify strengths and areas for improvement.
General feedback is provided via the eLearning Portal. Cohort mean, standard deviation and distributions of marks for the are provided so students can compare their performance with that of their cohort.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
You will cover the investigative and legal psychological principles, theory and research which underpin practices within the CCS and CJS in England and Wales. You will cover legal and civil court processes and procedures, including real-world police investigation and the accused’s progression through the justice system. You will learn how the justice system works with victims and witnesses of crime, including those who are considered to be vulnerable and compare and contrast policing / legal practices in the UK and internationally. Relevant literature will be explored and critically evaluated, and psychology and theoretical understanding will be applied to help develop knowledge. You will be taught by leading academics and practitioners in the field who will bring their applied practical knowledge of working in this area into class. Your understanding of investigative and legal psychology will be assessed, as well as your ability to reflect on learning from the module.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
Department Psychology
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2026
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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