Psychology with Criminology

This module develops key research,  academic and professional skills expected from psychology students during their studies, and to understand the transferability of these into the workplace. In this module you are introduced to the principles of research design, and to basic techniques of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Key conceptual and historical issues relating to the philosophy of science are addressed, and ethical issues are covered. Students will carry out practical investigations in small groups to develop key skills in research design, data collection, analysis and report writing. Students are also encouraged to see how data analysis relates to research design, and hence to understand and value the insights that can be gained by a competent knowlegde of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Students will have the opportunity to develop reflective skills, cognitive flexibility, communication skills and resilience. Students will be provided with greater awareness of their strengths, values and areas for development. 

This module further develops key research,  academic and professional skills expected from psychology students during their studies, and builds on understanding the transferability of these into the workplace. The module covers further aspects of research design, and additional techniques of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Key conceptual and historical issues relating to the philosophy of science are discussed, and ethical issues are covered. Students will carry out practical investigations in small groups to further develop key skills in research design, data collection, analysis and report writing. Students are encouraged to develop their understanding of how data analysis relates to research design, and hence to understand and value the insights that can be gained by a competent knowlede of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Students will have the opportunity to develop reflective skills, cognitive flexibility, communication skills and resilience. Students will be provided with greater awareness of their strengths, values and areas for development.

This module introduces students to the main sub-disciplines of psychology: biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences and social psychology, as outlined in the British Psychological Society's required curriculum. You will look at core topics within each of the sub-discipline areas, gaining an understanding of how psychology (and its sub-disciplines) developed over time and an understanding of key conceptual and historical issues that are relevant to the discipline as a whole. Seminars with further develop this understanding by fostering discussion and debate on the key concepts and studies, helping you to better understand the relationship between theory and research. 

Criminology is considered as a ‘rendezvous’ but specialist discipline; a study of crime and criminal activity that serves as a meeting point for Social Science disciplines. This module introduces and explores the various disciplinary approaches to the study of crime. However, it will have as its starting point an exploration of common-sense and everyday perceptions and the social construction of crime, as well as the representation of crime and the criminal justice system. The module will also begin to introduce and explore the range and scope of issues and topics examined by the specialist discipline of Criminology.

This module develops students’ quantitative and qualitative psychological research skills, expanding on knowledge and experience gained at Level 4. We will cover quantitative and qualitative research designs (e.g., full factorial designs) and data collection methods (e.g. interviews, vignettes, story completion tasks, surveys and experiments). Students will learn about quantitative analytical methods (e.g., ANOVA, multiple regression, power analysis) and qualitative analytical methods (e.g., thematic analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis, discourse analysis).  The module will cover the conceptual and historical development of research methods and the theoretical perspectives underpinning quantitative and qualitative psychological research. Students will acquire research skills (collecting and analysing data), critical skills (e.g. evaluating research and methods), and communication skills (e.g., writing reports and research results). Students will gain further understanding of statistical software (e.g., SPSS) and a broader awareness of ethical issues relating to quantitative and qualitative psychological research. 

This module provides students with a broad overview of fundamental topics in key areas of psychology: biology, cognition, and individual differences. Topics related to biological processes include typical and atypical neuropsychology, neuroscience, and behavioural genetics. Topics related to cognition include sensation and perception, attention, language, learning, memory, problem solving, and consciousness. Topics related to individual differences include personality, intelligence, and psychometric test development. Conceptual and historical issues relevant to biological, cognitive, and individual differences psychology are also covered. Students will gain critical understanding and practical experience of research methods used by psychologists working in biological, cognitive, and individual differences topics. 

This module aims to provide students with opportunities to develop and enhance a range of skills and competencies expected of a psychology graduate. Students will build on their subject specific knowledge from other modules to prepare for conducing independent psychological research, developing an empirical research proposal for a research project to complete at Level 6. Students will evolve their career goals and aspired professional identities, develop tangible career tools (e.g. employability audit, Personal Action Plan) and gain an awareness of the psychology related career pathways available upon graduation. Students will gain experience of applying psychological knowledge and theory in different contexts. The assessment structure encourages experience of verbal and written communication as well as self-reflection on personal and professional development, and how the degree prepares for further study or career pathways both within and beyond Psychology.

Violent crime often triggers social outcry and political response when targeted towards particular vulnerable groups within society. However, the notion of violent crime moves beyond the obvious offending into areas such chastisement of children, violence in social disorder and domestic violence/abuse. The aim of this module is to explore the range of violent offending currently criminalised within the criminal justice system, the social and political responses to such offending and the treatment of violent offenders.

Drawing on theoretical considerations from sociological, penological and psychological fields of knowledge alongside political, social and media reactions, the module offers a multi-disciplinary view on this particular form of offending.

The project takes the form of an original independent empirical investigation in a psychological topic area. 
Students are required to select their topic/research question and produce a research proposal before the end of Semester 2 of Level 5. Supervisors are allocated according to research topic. Data collection may only commence once ethical approval has been granted by the ethics committee.  The indicative length of the project is 5,000 words for quantitative and 7000 for qualitative projects. Additionally, this module will facilitate future employability through one-to-one tutorials between students and their FYP supervisor; providing individualised support concerning post graduate aims and specific job searches.

This module builds on the coverage of developmental and social psychology at Level 4 by exploring contemporary theories and applications of developmental and social psychology in greater depth. Students will be introduced to the major historical and contemporary theoretical perspectives on child and adolescent development, as well as key conceptual and historical debates in social psychology. For developmental psychology, key empirical studies, applied issues, and developmental diversity will be critically examined in areas such as attachment, social relations, language, and cognitive development. Students will gain critical understanding and practical experience of observational research methods with child participants.  For social psychology, key topics such as identity, attitudes, prejudice, stereotyping, attribution theory, and leadership will be covered, as well as critical approaches to social psychology and traditions emerging from these, such as social constructionism. Across both developmental and social psychology, the influence of diverse sociocultural environments will be considered, as well as the importance of cultural context upon experience and behaviour.

In semester one, students can choose one of the following 15 credit modules. 

Criminal Bodies - 15 credits

Identity, Equality and Crime - 15 credits

In semester two, students can choose one of the following 15 credit modules. 

Substance Abuse and Misuse - 15 credits

Sport and Crime - 15 credits

Students can choose one of the following 30 credit modules.

Forensic Psychology: The investigative process and offender rehabilitation - 30 credits

This module will consider current research, theory, and debates relevant to psychology’s application to the Criminal Justice System, from crime through to offender rehabilitation. Students will draw on theories of cognitive, social and development psychology, and apply these to the real-world concerns of both forensic and investigative psychologists. Within the module students will become familiar with a range of topics relevant to police and jurors (such as interview procedures, line-up construction and juror decision making), witnesses and victims (such as memory, suggestibility, and individual vulnerabilities) and offenders (such as theories of criminal behaviour, false confessions, detection of deception, and rehabilitation). Students will critically engage with this evidence and communicate their knowledge of these issues to a non-psychology audience.  

Clinical and Health Psychology - 30 credits

This module will outline current literature, research, theory, and conceptual debates in the field of clinical and health psychology. It aims to familiarise students with mental health issues and the treatment within clinical psychology. Similarly, it provides insight into the approaches, interventions and areas of research and practice associated with health psychology. The module builds on previous knowledge imparted at lower levels and expands student understanding of clinical and health psychology into areas of application and practice. The module invites students to look closely into a set of mental and physical health problems, and issues that are typically encountered in clinical and health psychology. Students are encouraged to engage critically with public research in each of the respective areas. 

Social and Occupational Psychology - 30 credits

In this module students will learn about contemporary social and occupational psychology theories, approaches, and research that will help them to understand life and people in a globalised and fast-changing 21st century world. Within social psychology, this will include topics such as: collective identities and civic engagement, prosocial behaviour, groups processes, and social influence.

You will also critically engage with how social psychological theories have contributed to our understanding of social phenomena and look at ways in which social psychology can or should be used to address issues of contemporary concern. Within occupational psychology, research and practice will be explored from different perspectives and levels within the organisation, including individuals, groups, the organisation, and wider society, offering insight into the wide ranging and diverse competencies required as an occupational psychologist. You will gain an understanding of designing and implementing evidence-based practices in the workplace as well as the complexities that come with achieving this.