PY7010 - Contemporary Issues in Forensic Psychology

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 contemporary issues in forensic 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 via independent study 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 support you by making a variety of resources linked to the teaching sessions and assessments available on the eLearning Portal (e.g. PowerPoint slides, activities and tasks, supplementary materials, reading lists) to encourage further exploration of the topics. Discussion boards on the eLearning portal will be available for students to pose and respond to questions among peers and to module tutors. This enhances collegiality and also means that support is available to all students. Drop-in sessions will support the delivery of workshops. Technology- enabled learning through the use of eLearning Portal is embedded in the 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)

Knowledge & Understanding:
MK&U1. Develop a critical understanding of key contemporary issues in forensic psychology.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MIPSA1. Develop skills in applying forensic psychology theory and research to generate workable solutions for contemporary issues and challenges in forensic psychology.

MIPSA2. Develop written and verbal communication skills in relation to contemporary issues in forensic psychology.

MIPSA3. Develop reflective skills relating to learning and development.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MPVA1. Apply relevant ethical, legal and professional practice frameworks, e.g., BPS, HCPC and interact in a professional manner with a range of stakeholders.

Formative assessment:
You will have the opportunity to take part in sub-group work where you will be asked to take on the role of a team of psychologists who have been commissioned to apply forensic psychological principles to find a solution to a range of real-world (contemporary) issues. [MK&U1, MIPSA 1, MIPSA 2, MPVA 1]

Summative assessment:
The module comprises one integrated magazine articles and reflection assignment, which has three parts:

Part A: A 1500-word article intended for publication in a magazine with a professional (psychologist) readership which critically evaluates a chosen contemporary issue from the module [MK&U1, MIPSA 1, MIPSA 2, MPVA 1]

Part B: A 1500-word article intended for publication in a magazine with a forensic service user readership which critically evaluates a chosen contemporary issue from the module in an accessible manner, keeping in mind the intended audience. [MK&U1, MIPSA 1, MIPSA 2, MPVA 1]

Part C: A 500-word reflective account summarising your learning and development of knowledge from this module MPSA3].

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 current ‘hot’ topics and challenges in forensic psychology practice and across the CJS in England and Wales, and internationally. You will learn about the importance and influence of these topics and how psychology can be applied to working on solutions. Issues will include LGBTQ+ communities in prison settings, current police practices and how they are influenced by real life case studies. You will apply forensic psychological principles, theory and research to better understand contemporary issues, influence policy, practice and decision making. You will work in groups to find ‘solutions’ to real-world problems, through the lens of forensic psychology. Leading academics and practitioners who will bring their applied knowledge of working in this area into class. Your understanding of contemporary issues in forensic psychology will be assessed, as well as your ability to reflect on learning from the module