PY7009 - Forensic Psychology Theory

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 forensic psychological literature. 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.

Module tutors will provide a variety of resources linked to the teaching sessions and assessments 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. Technology enabled learning will be embedded in the module via the e-learning portal.

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)

Knowledge & Understanding:
MK&U1. Develop An understanding of theoretical perspectives and research on crime.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MIPSA1. Develop skills in the critical evaluation of forensic psychological theory and research.

MIPSA2. Develop written and verbal communication skills in relation to forensic psychology theory and research.

MIPSA3. Develop reflective skills relating to learning and development.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
PVA1. Demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively and sensitively with stakeholders and service users.

How will I be assessed? (SRS 0006)
Please give details of all formative and summative assessment process indicating which MLOs will be addressed and how feedback will be provided.

Formative assessment:
You will be invited to a ‘drop-in’ session with the module tutor to which you can bring a plan for your summative assessment and be provided with feedback [K&U1, IPSA 1, IPSA 2, PVA1].

Summative assessment:
The module is assessed by one essay assignment, which has two parts: Part A: 3000-word essay on a topic from the module and Part B: A 500-word reflective account on learning from the module.

This assignment will assess all module learning outcomes MK&U1, MIPSA 1, MIPSA 2, MIPSA 3 and MPVA1.

Feedback:
Feedback will be provided on the electronic submission of 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.

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This module will introduce you to the core psychological theories and research which underpin forensic psychology. This will include perspectives on why people commit crime, as well as those which address victimology. You will learn the importance of critically evaluating theories of crime, and their application. The module will also explore public perceptions of criminal behaviour and how this is influenced by the media. Additionally, you will be introduced to the complex relationship between mental health and crime. You will be taught by leading academics and practitioners in the field using contemporary research findings and the most up-to-date theoretical perspectives, as well as understanding the connection between the two. You will be encouraged to critically reflect upon and synthesise information and to demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication. Your understanding of forensic psychology theory will be assessed, along with your ability to reflect on learning from the module.