Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons)

This module will provide students with an understanding of key theoretical explanations embedded across the four core perspectives of psychology (i.e. developmental, social, biological and cognitive) which aims to explain aspects of human criminal behaviour. This will span both theoretical and applied applications and provide an insight into explaining motivations and antecedents of individual behaviour within different stages on the Criminal Justice System; incorporating the importance of mental health with forensic settings; and highlighting the importance of identity both as victims and perpetrators. 

Compulsory

This module takes a critical and international perspective examining how culture, gender and sexuality are understood across different historical and cultural contexts within forensic psychology. The module will introduce you to topics, debates, theories, qualitative methodologies and research evidence across diverse contexts (e.g. gender violence, debates in trans issues in the Criminal Justice System). 

Compulsory

This module aims to introduce you to theoretical explanations for cybercrimes, from deviant harmful behaviours (e.g., online bullying) to very extreme crimes (e.g. online grooming & sexual exploitation/technology-mediated sexual violence). You will get the opportunity to explore the differences between overt forms of criminal tendencies and online offending, such as real-life stalking verses online stalking. 

Compulsory

This module aims to build on existing knowledge of psychological theories across the four main perspectives (i.e., developmental, social, biological and cognitive) and how they have informed Practice. Throughout this module, you will gain an understanding of how forensic psychologists have contributed to the development of effective models and framework to better understand, support and interact with both victims and offenders across different points in Criminal Justice System.  

Compulsory

The module examines global crime issues with a focus on how psychology can explain the underlying reasons for crime and support tackling such challenges. You will be introduced to a range of national and international crime types (e.g. terrorism, hate crimes, and child maltreatment) which represent significant challenges to law enforcement. You will be encouraged to develop and apply their critical evaluation skills and their critical understanding of contemporary crimes using relevant psychological theories and literature. 

Compulsory

This module provides you with the opportunity to gain an understanding of how to conduct, report, and interpret a range of statistical tests using data associated with complex experimental and correlational designs. This module also aims to develop your ability to plan psychological research projects and guide them through the fundamental processes involved in developing and disseminating a research proposal (e.g. conceptual, methodological, and ethical considerations; quantitative and/or qualitative methods application). 

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module starts the dissertation process where you use their knowledge of research methods and theory to design a supervised independent research project to address an appropriate psychological research question. You will develop an understanding of CU, HCPC and BPS Ethics and complete an online Coventry University research ethics application.  

Compulsory

This module develops professional standards that equip you with key skills to conduct and report an independent piece of empirical research. This module also enables you to develop a critical understanding of psychological research methodology.  

Compulsory

This module is designed to equip you with a range of essential personal and professional skills that are required to be a successful student and graduate employee within the field of forensic psychology. You will engage with activities which will help you gain skills linked to research, communication and problem solving which can be applied to future employment. The module aims to develop your critical awareness of their own psychology skills and develop and enhance their employability skills. 

Compulsory

Choose three modules from the below (two in semester one and one in semester two)

• Addictive Behaviours  (20 Credits)
  This module aims to further your knowledge of key topic areas in the domain of psychopharmacology. The module will draw upon several areas of psychology (e.g. cognitive, social, biological approaches) to explain the aetiology of addictive behaviour (e.g. gambling addiction, exercise addiction, internet addiction, and substance misuse) in different contexts (e.g. clinical, health, forensic, sport).  
• Child and Educational Psychology (20 Credits)
  The module introduces you to disorders affecting development in pre-school and childhood through to adolescence and early adulthood. You are introduced to both assessment and remediation of difficulties within a classroom context. You are also introduced to broader theoretical and practical issues relating to special educational needs such as comorbidity, labelling, stigma and inclusion, across psychological, forensic and sports and exercise contexts.
• Criminal Behaviour and its Contexts (20 Credits)
  This module aims to explore the contribution psychology can make to our understanding of criminal behaviour across different contexts in society. By applying psychological theories and empirical research, various types of crimes will be critiqued including violent and sexual offences. At an applied level it will enable you to critically evaluate the impact psychology has made in specific areas of the criminal justice system, for example, the prevention of crimes related to the contexts examined and offender treatment and rehabilitation programmes. 
• Aggression and Violent Behaviour (20 Credits)
  This module will introduce key theoretical explanations of aggression and violence within different contexts (e.g. mental health hospitals; prisons; intimate relationships). You will integrate mainstream psychological theories across the core areas of psychology (i.e. developmental, social, biological, cognitive) to build an understanding of how aggression and violence can explain deviant/criminal behaviours and interpersonal conflict within different situations and professional relationships.
• Counselling Psychology (20 Credits)
  The module aims to introduce you to the broader concepts within Counselling Psychology and specifically you will gain an understanding of the key theoretical explanations and how to implement these in practice with diverse clients (e.g. Cross-Cultural Counselling, Sports Performers, Former Athletes, Victims and Ex-offenders). 
• Clinical Neuroscience (20 Credits)
  The module aims to develop an appreciation of neurological mechanisms underlying human thinking and behaviour (e.g. executive functioning in offending behaviour) and the clinical pictures that arise when the mechanisms are disrupted (e.g. impaired impulse control).  

*Optional module choices are subject to change in any given year 

Optional