Psychology with Forensic Psychology | BSc (Hons)

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Brain, Behaviour & Cognition 2022-23PSY1160MLevel 42022-23This module aims to introduce students to a wide range of topics outlining the structure and functions of the brain and nervous system, and the relationship between these brain structures and the behaviours, both covert and overt, resulting from them. The module serves as the foundation for the second year core module in cognition, and a number of elective modules expand on ideas introduced here.CoreConceptual & Historical Issues in Psychology 2022-23PSY1161MLevel 42022-23This module considers the history of psychology, critical psychology, the criteria that we can use to determine whether theories in psychology are scientific or not, and the interaction between psychology and society.CoreDeveloping Individual in Society 2022-23PSY1162MLevel 42022-23This module provides an introduction to three major areas of psychological theory and research, Developmental, Social and Individual psychology. The topics are covered in Semesters A and B respectively and grouped thematically. Content across all topics is embedded in the context of major, relevant general, developmental, social and individual differences theories.CoreFoundations of Forensic Psychology 2022-23PSY1167MLevel 42022-23This is an introductory module introducing the theory, research, and practice in Forensic Psychology. In the module students consider aspects of investigation and policing and particular types of major crime offending. The module will then move on to consider the courts and the dispersal of convicted offenders/patients into forensic settings such as prisons and secure units. This will also include a focus on assessment of risk and treatment programmes.CoreResearch Skills I 2022-23PSY1164MLevel 42022-23An appreciation of research methods is critical for an understanding of an empirical discipline like psychology. This module introduces students to some of the basic concepts underlying the quantitative treatment of research data. The module aims to provide the foundations for research in psychology that students will be able to build on during their degree and beyond.CoreResearch Skills II 2022-23PSY1165MLevel 42022-23This module aims to build on the foundations of research methods and statistics from Research Skills I and works to prepare students for more independent and advanced study in Research Skills III and IV. The module provides an introduction to, and experience of, survey and qualitative methods in Psychology, covering study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting. Students are introduced to the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of non-experimental research and have the opportunity to consider practical applications.CoreCognition 2023-24PSY2006MLevel 52023-24The module extends the investigations of cognition that began in the first year. Topics critical to our understanding of cognition are considered in more depth, with consideration of both classic and current research into cognitive processes from both a cognitive and cognitive neuroscience approach. Topics covered will be from areas that are critical to our understanding of human cognition and may include a selection from the following areas: memory, attention, recognition, language, decision making, thinking etc. By covering a range of topics within cognitive psychology students can develop a comprehensive understanding of how our cognitive processes function and develop an appreciation of the role of empirical evidence in guiding the formation and assessment of different psychological theories. Teaching will cover different topics and links will between different areas to develop students appreciation of how a wider perspective can enhance our understanding of an area.CoreDevelopmental Psychology 2023-24PSY2004MLevel 52023-24This module aims to examine the concepts, theories, research methods and influencing factors in child development relevant to the period from birth to pre-adolescence.CorePsychological Assessment & Psychometrics 2023-24PSY2174MLevel 52023-24The module aims to provide an introduction into psychological assessments using psychometrics, including questionnaires and scales. Based on the established theoretical and research context, this module will consider a range of assessment tools used in psychology to assess an individuals behaviour or behavioural disposition, and provide an introduction into psychometric test development. The modules also aims to provide students with the opportunity to administer, score, and interpret psychological tests.CorePsychology of Prisons 2023-24PSY2186MLevel 52023-24CoreResearch Skills III 2023-24PSY2175MLevel 52023-24This module aims to build on and develop the experimental research skills that were acquired at Research Skills I. Students are introduced to a range of statistical and non-statistical topics. In parallel, a series of workshops are designed to teach the practical skills associated with experimental design and analysis, and students can also carry out a research project in small groups supervised by members of staff.CoreResearch Skills IV 2023-24PSY2176MLevel 52023-24This module aims to build and develop non-experimental research skills that were acquired at Level 1 (Research Skills I&II). These will include research design, analysis and data handling. In lectures, students are introduced to a range of statistical and non-statistical topics. In parallel, a series of workshops will teach students practical skills associated with non-experimental design and analysis, and students will also carry out a research project in small groups supervised by members of staff.CoreSocial Psychology 2023-24PSY2003MLevel 52023-24This module seeks to explore some of the central issues of social psychology, including how people deal with social information, such as the causes of behaviour and social categories, and how groups function and interact.CoreUnderstanding Offending Behaviour 2023-24PSY2178MLevel 52023-24This module aims to introduce students to the main theories that have been developed to explain various forms of offending behaviour. Students can critically examine a range of offending behaviours in terms of their aetiology. Both seminal and up-to-date empirical research studies will also be covered to help in the critical appraisal of the theories covered. In addition, the field of mental health as it applies to offending behaviour (e.g., personality disorders) will also be examined, allowing for some of the content from the Mental Health and Disorder module to be applied in a forensic context. By introducing students to the systematic use and application of psychological theory and scientific methods within a forensic context, and applying them in a reflective and critical way, the module aims to contributes to students development as competent scientist-practitioners.CoreInternational Study 2023-24PSY2179MLevel 52023-24The School believes that an option to study overseas is a valuable educational opportunity for our students. The optional year is intended to: - Enable students to benefit from studying within a cross cultural environment; - Expose students to a wider academic and cultural experience; - Enhance their future employment opportunities; - Increasing their cultural and professional mobility. This module is optional for students within the School of Psychology. Study Abroad is a year long module which enables students to spend a year studying abroad at one of the Universitys approved partner institutions. Eligible students must have completed their second year of study to a satisfactory standard and successfully completed the application process for the year abroad. During the year spent abroad, students share classes with local students and study on a suite of locally-delivered taught modules which have been approved in advance by the University. Upon their return, as part of the assessment for this modules, students are required to critically reflect upon their experience of living and studying in a different cultural environment and the skills acquired.OptionalWork Experience Year 2023-24PSY2187MLevel 52023-24OptionalApproaches to Treatment in Forensic Settings 2024-25PSY3002MLevel 62024-25The module is designed to cover the relevant evidence for working with different forensic interventions and general information relating to assessment and motivational engagement in forensic settings. Initially students have an opportunity to develop their knowledge of problem formulation. Later students may examine in detail some approaches to treatment and therapy used in forensic settings. This aims to include specific information about a range of different client groups including: sexual and violent offenders; individuals with personality disorder, mental illness and learning disability; as well as women offenders, arsonists and individuals with drug and alcohol problems. For each of these groups, students have the opportunity to develop knowledge regarding what is effective with each client group (including the appropriate assessment and intervention methods). There is the opportunity to hear practice issues from professionals working in forensic practice, as practitioners will deliver the majority of lectures.CoreIndependent Study (Psychology) 2024-25PSY3121MLevel 62024-25This module expects students to carry out empirical research culminating in the production of a dissertation. The Independent Study is designed to test a students ability to identify an appropriate research question and to design and implement an appropriate study. The role of the supervisor is to guide them through these processes.CoreRisk Perception, Assessment and Management 2024-25PSY3003MLevel 62024-25This module is designed to give students the opportunity to develop a critical awareness and understanding of psychological issues typically related to the assessment, perception, communication, management and governing of risk as it affects professional practices in such areas as public health, politics, the environment, science and technology, corporate communication, and clinical/forensic psychology.CoreAddictions 2024-25PSY3017MLevel 62024-25OptionalAdvanced Multivariate Statistics 2024-25PSY3006MLevel 62024-25The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive introduction to advanced multivariate techniques. The module seeks to explore the theoretical rationale underpinning each analysis.OptionalApplications of Organisational Psychology 2024-25PSY3187MLevel 62024-25This module specialises in presenting the psychological scientific foundations of 'intervention science' in an organisational context. It covers the process of developing interventions to investigate and address key organisational problems.OptionalApproaches in Coaching Psychology 2024-25PSY3189MLevel 62024-25OptionalApproaches in Organisational Psychology 2024-25PSY3188MLevel 62024-25This module provides a critical evaluation of the way the Organisational Psychology literature approaches common workplace issues.OptionalAutistic Spectrum Disorders 2024-25PSY3012MLevel 62024-25This module aims to examine the developmental disability of Autism (and Autistic Spectrum Disorders). It aims to cover a range of approaches to understanding Autism, from diagnosis and etiology.OptionalBody image and eating disorders 2024-25PSY3186MLevel 62024-25OptionalClinical and Experimental Neuropsychology 2024-25PSY3010MLevel 62024-25This module aims to draw on aspects of cognitive and clinical neuropsychology to examine the consequences of brain dysfunction. A particular focus will be upon the interdependence of clinical and experimental neuropsychology, and it is within this context that the role of neuropsychology in research, diagnosis and patient management can be explored.OptionalCognitive Neuroscience of Visual Attention 2024-25PSY3164MLevel 62024-25This module aims to build on the cognition of visual attention taught in year two. It aims to teach the developing understanding of the biological basis of visual attention. Features, i.e. lines, curve and areas are computed early in the visual system. This is not a passive process. Attention can be shown to influence, at a neurological level, the features that are computed. The module considers how this early processing leads to the representation of real world objects. The locus and functions of top down attentional biasing will also be examined.OptionalCross-Cultural Psychology 2024-25PSY3125MLevel 62024-25This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to discuss concepts, theories and research methods in cross-cultural psychology, including analysis of psychological definitions of culture and cultural variables. Specific topics in social and developmental psychology are considered from a cross-cultural perspective, for example, cultural values, social roles and relationships, family organisation, and selected topics in child development.OptionalDevelopmental Cognitive Neuropsychology 2024-25PSY3011MLevel 62024-25This module offers an in-depth review of the current literature on developmental cognitive neuroscience, using interdisciplinary approaches from research areas of cognitive psychology, neuroscience and child psychology. Students can consider several domains of cognition, such as vision, orienting and attention; memory and learning; knowledge of objects, faces and space. For each of them, consideration is given to questions such as: How is cognitive function represented in the developing brain? What kinds of developmental changes occur? What are the effects of different developing experience, including those presented by genetic deficits, environmental deprivation and brain damage? What is the developmental time course within which such damage can affect cognitive development?OptionalDevelopmental Psychopathology 2024-25PSY3007MLevel 62024-25This module aims to emphasise the importance of a developmental framework for understanding how children come to exhibit adaptive and maladaptive behaviour. The module will seek to address the changing nature of problems, influences and risk factors over the course of development.OptionalDiscourse 2024-25PSY3009MLevel 62024-25This module aims to develop students' knowledge of the development, theory and applications of the Discourse approach, which is a growing field within psychology. The module aims to introduce the Discourse perspective, in which language is seen as a means for people to do social actions: from blamings and invitations, to the establishment and maintenance of social relationships.OptionalFantasy Neuroscience 2024-25PSY3165MLevel 62024-25This module is designed to introduce the background, theories and techniques of Social cognitive neuroscience. SCN seeks to understand socioemotional phenomena in terms of interactions between the social (socioemotional cues, contexts, experiences, and behaviors), cognitive (information processing mechanisms), and neural (brain bases) levels of analysis.OptionalFrom Molecules to Mind 2024-25PSY3181MLevel 62024-25This module explores contemporary research and understanding of the mind and brain through examining both molecular (neurotransmitter and drug function) and psychological (processes of sensation, memory, mood, consciousness) evidence.OptionalIntroduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 2024-25PSY3177MLevel 62024-25This module aims to introduce you to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) theory and practice and help you to develop introductory therapy skills. Students can learn about the evidence base for CBT for a number of presenting mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety. The module also looks at the strengths and weaknesses of CBT as a therapeutic approach. It offers an introduction to the therapeutic process from the assessment of a persons mental health difficulty, through to CBT formulations of the presenting problem, some initial insight into CBT interventions, and finally evaluating therapy. Students are taught within the reflective scientist-practitioner framework, which informs undergraduate psychology degrees at the University.OptionalInvestigative and Courtroom Psychology 2024-25PSY3178MLevel 62024-25The module aims to introduce some of the key areas in Forensic Psychology that occur during the pre-conviction stage of a criminal investigation. Specifically, the module will focus on the police investigation and courtroom stage of the criminal process. It will explore a variety of established theoretical work and research within these domains and consider how this knowledge can be used to inform several key areas of the criminal investigation. The module will highlight the applied importance of Psychology to significant issues in the real-world.OptionalOccupational Psychology 2024-25PSY3173MLevel 62024-25This module is designed to provide a broad overview of this sub-field, which can be divided into three main areas; job related issues, inter and intra psychological issues, and workplace psychology. Theories from mainstream psychology aim to form the basis for a detailed discussion of key topics in occupational psychology.OptionalPatterns of Action 2024-25PSY3168MLevel 62024-25OptionalPerception and Visual Art 2024-25PSY3174MLevel 62024-25This module presents a broad overview of these findings and theoretical perspectives, and considers how they help us to deepen our understanding of visual art. Students critically evaluate scientific approaches to understanding art during seminar discussions, and are encouraged to find and bring relevant examples of visual art to the discussion.OptionalPsychodynamic Therapy: Theory and Practice. 2024-25PSY3013MLevel 62024-25OptionalPsychology of Music 2024-25PSY3180MLevel 62024-25This is a module designed to help students to develop their knowledge of human interactions and responses to music. Over the course of the module, students will consider the ways in which we engage with, listen to, perform, and learn about music. This course will aim to provide a better understanding on the role of music in attachment, emotion regulation, social affiliation, the neurological overlap between music and language processing, and the development of humans as a species who enjoy music. Through explaining the research underlying the Psychology of Music we also aim to provide an understanding of how this field builds on and connects with other areas in psychology.OptionalPsychopharmacology: Drugs, Brain and Behaviour 2024-25PSY3021MLevel 62024-25This module aims to explore the science behind the effects that drugs have on mood, sensation, thinking and behaviour. The history and actions of medications currently in use for the treatment of mental health disorders will be described along with an overview of the known actions and effects of illicit drug compounds.OptionalSleep, Cognition and Well-Being 2024-25PSY3179MLevel 62024-25This module examines the potential benefits of sleep, focusing in particular on two areas. First, the role of sleep in memory and cognition will be looked at in depth, which is an important and growing body of literature. This will be followed by a wider examination of some of the other benefits of sleep for well-being, which may include effects on mood, physical health and aspects of behaviour. The module may also briefly touch upon the question of how and when sleep goes wrong and what consequences this may have for different groups of people. The module will introduce you not only to the way in which cognition and well-being benefit from sleep, but also the experimental paradigms used to demonstrate this. The aims of the module are to consider in depth the potential role of sleep in both cognition and well-being, and develop the skills and knowledge that will enable the critique of the different approaches taken in this field leading to the ability to interpret and integrate current research findings and design original further research studies.OptionalSleep, Dreaming and Circadian Rhythms 2024-25PSY3175MLevel 62024-25This module aims to build on the module, Brain Behaviour & Cognition. It applies that background knowledge to the topic of Sleep, Dreaming and Circadian Rhythms. The module aims to introduce students to the neurobiology of sleep and dreams. It also aims to integrate current understanding of key issues in sleep research such as the purpose of sleep and the role of dreams.OptionalSolution Focused Coaching in Practice 2024-25PSY3190MLevel 62024-25OptionalVision Research 2024-25PSY3131MLevel 62024-25This module aims to represent advances in vision research through the research contributions made by staff delivering the module. Emphasis is placed on methodology and the results they generate and how these are used to in turn to both inform and challenge conventional theory.Optional

Key Information

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic Psychology

Key Information

Welcome to BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic Psychology

Accreditations and Memberships

How You Study

What You Need to Know

An Introduction to Your Modules

How you are assessed

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Entry Requirements 2022-23

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