Forensic Investigative Psychology

This module develops the 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.

You will carry out practical investigations in small groups to develop key skills in research design, data collection, analysis and report writing. You are 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 knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. You will have the opportunity to develop reflective skills, cognitive flexibility, communication skills and resilience. You will be guided to a greater awareness of your strengths, values and areas for development. 

This module further develops your key research, academic and professional skills and builds on your understanding of 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.

You will carry out practical investigations in small groups to further develop key skills in research design, data collection, analysis and report writing. You will be encouraged to develop your understanding of how data analysis relates to research design, and hence to understand and value the insights that can be gained by a competent knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. You 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 you 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 will 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. 

This module introduces you to the topic of mental wellness and the research basis (psychopathological) for understanding how individuals might experience mental health conditions. In this module, the academic, clinical and everyday are combined to give a broad understanding of how an evidence-based approach to discussing mental health contributes to a variety of applied domains.

The content covers core theoretical and research-informed perspectives on how psychopathology research (such as biopsychosocial, cognitive, and non-western approaches) defines and treats mental health conditions. The module then connects these core ideas to everyday contexts where psychologists may comment on mental health and wellbeing, such as in the media, business, or law enforcement. You will be assessed on your critical analysis of empirical evidence, your ability to present scientific research and complex ideas in an engaging yet accessible style, and your ability to write concisely.

This module develops your quantitative and qualitative psychological research skills, expanding on the knowledge and experience you gained at Level 4. You will cover quantitative and qualitative research designs (e.g. full factorial designs) and data collection methods (interviews, vignettes, story completion tasks, surveys and experiments). You will learn about quantitative analytical methods (ANOVA, multiple regression, power analysis) and qualitative analytical methods (thematic analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis, discourse analysis).

The module covers the conceptual and historical development of research methods and the theoretical perspectives underpinning quantitative and qualitative psychological research. You will acquire research skills (collecting and analysing data), critical skills (evaluating research and methods), and communication skills (writing reports and research results). You will gain further understanding of statistical software like SPSS and a broader awareness of ethical issues relating to quantitative and qualitative psychological research. 

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. You 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. You 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.

This module provides you 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. You 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 you with opportunities to develop and enhance a range of skills and competencies expected of a psychology graduate. You will build on your subject specific knowledge from other modules to prepare for conducting independent psychological research, developing an empirical research proposal for a research project to complete at Level 6.

You will evolve your career goals and aspired professional identities, develop tangible career tools (employability audit, Personal Action Plan) and gain an awareness of the psychology-related career pathways available upon graduation. You 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.

The project takes the form of an original independent empirical investigation in a psychological topic area. You will be required to select your topic/research question and produce a research proposal before the end of Semester 2 of your second year. Supervisors are allocated according to your research topic and data collection can only commence once ethical approval has been granted by the ethics committee.  

The indicative length of your project is 5,000 words for quantitative and 7,000 for qualitative projects. Additionally, this module will facilitate future employability through one-to-one tutorials between students and their Final Year Project supervisor; providing individualised support concerning postgraduate aims and specific job searches.

This module considers current research, theory and debates relevant to psychology’s application to the Criminal Justice System, from crime through to offender rehabilitation. You 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 you 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). You will critically engage with this evidence and communicate your knowledge of these issues to a non-psychology audience.  

Students can choose one 30 credit module.

Advanced Topics in Developmental and Educational Psychology - 30 credits
The developmental psychology content focuses on contemporary topics drawn from fields such as children’s social, cognitive and emotional development and development within the family context. For each topic, you will be supported to undertake an in-depth examination of theoretical perspectives, empirical studies, methodological approaches, and potential applications. Appreciation of the potential diversity of developmental pathways is encouraged through consideration of sociocultural contexts and children with varied abilities.   

The educational psychology content will focus on a range of topics related to education across all ages, with a clear focus on real-life situations. A range of topics will be covered such as learning motivation, literacy, numeracy and social-emotional development linked to educational psychology. You will examine current research, debates and controversies, reflecting on different methods, applied research, or interventions used to study Educational Psychology.  

Clinical and Health Psychology - 30 credits
This module outlines current literature, research, theory and conceptual debates in the field of clinical and health psychology. It aims to familiarise you 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 the knowledge you have gained in your first and second years and expands your understanding of clinical and health psychology into areas of application and practice. The module invites you to look closely into a set of mental and physical health problems, and issues that are typically encountered in clinical and health psychology. You are encouraged to engage critically with public research in each of the respective areas. 

Social and Occupational Psychology - 30 credits
In this module you will learn about contemporary social and occupational psychology theories, approaches, and research that will help you 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. 

Students can choose one of the following in semester one.

Advanced Statistics and Applied Statistics - 15 credits
This module is team-taught by a number of staff with experience of different statistical techniques. It aims to build on the skills you developed through the level 1 and 2 statistics courses and as such it introduces new, more advanced, statistical procedures as well as contexts for their use. Examples of such procedures and analyses are: Factor Analysis, Advanced Multiple Regression, Structural Equation Modelling, Power Analysis, Loglinear Analysis, MANOVA and Discriminant Function Analysis and Correspondence Analysis. It also offers you the opportunity to explore some of the debates around conceptual and philosophical statistical issues such as the meaning of psychological measurement and the position of psychology with respect to other quantitative disciplines following scientific methods of data gathering and analysis. There may also be opportunities to explore large datasets through the internet, or learn to programme SPSS syntax, use advanced graphing features.

Embodied Cognition and Contemplative Practice Studies - 15 credits
The module presents the historical perspective of the encounter of eastern contemplative practice studies with western sciences, in particular, in the domain of cognitive neurosciences.  You will be familiarised with the theoretical framework stemming from embodied cognition that underpins western contemplative practice studies. The role of meditative practices on key aspects of the brain functioning in relation to cognitive functions (attention, perception, emotions, decision making) and emotions will be critically considered. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the impact of these recent developments on modern societal aspects such as the 2015 Mindful Nation UK report’s recommendations for Health, Education, Workplace and Criminal Justice. 

Psychology of Consumer Behaviour - 15 credits
Consumer behaviour is the study of the processes involved when individuals or groups select, purchase, use or dispose of products, services, ideas or experiences to satisfy needs and desires. The module introduces you to core topics in consumer behaviour and helps you understand how organisations create and develop brands and how psychological theories can be and are applied to create and explain consumer behaviour. This module aims to equip you with essential applied thinking and implementation skills by focusing on how psychology can be and is applied in commercial practice.

Psychology Placement - 15 credits
This module enables you to work within a commercial environment for a minimum of 15 days (111 hours) or a volunteering placement for 12 weeks (approx 2.5 hours per week). You will critically reflect on your workplace/volunteering experience, including the positive contribution you have made to the organisation, and the organisational benefits you offer as an individual trained in psychological theory and methods. This is an opportunity for you to develop your employability skills and career identity, improve your understanding of business models, and gain tangible experience in the workplace. You will be supported by the University's Placement Services (including Employability Advisors and the Placement Manager) in securing an appropriate placement. This module will also allow you to start to create a professional network.

Students can choose one of the following in semester two.

Cognitive Neuroscience - 15 credits
Cognitive neuroscience is a branch of both psychology and neuroscience overlapping with disciplines such as biological psychology, cognitive psychology and neuropsychology that aims to explore the biological substrates underlying mental processes and behaviours in healthy individuals and brain-damaged patients. Topics will cover historical perspectives, memory, visual perception, emotion, consciousness and mindfulness. You will develop advanced knowledge of cognitive neuroscience research methods and will use this knowledge to critically evaluate published research. 

The Psychology of Creativity - 15 credits
The capacity to imagine how things could be different and find ways to turn that vision into reality is a central pillar of human achievement. As a result, humans have sought to fly, transplant organs, develop new energy sources, provide mass education, form civil societies and produce new forms of art. At the heart of this capacity is creativity, the ability to develop new ideas and artefacts that are effective. Further, because creativity implies an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, it is ever more sought after by employers seeking to deal with the pace of change in our technology-driven society. This module explores what it means to be creative from both a personal and psychological research perspective and help you to translate theory into practical approaches to support creativity.

Critical and Applied Research Design - 15 credits
This module encourages you to be become critical consumers and creators of research. The content links a critical history of psychological research with contemporary challenges with putting research into practice. You will explore the use of core research skills for practice and how we might approach non-academic research questions. Throughout the module, there is a critical eye on the power and ethical practice of researchers for defining language and societal discourse. You should complete this module reflecting on how research methods are used in a variety of academic and non-academic occupations and contexts. 

The Psychology of Music - 15 credits
This module introduces students to existing theories and findings that have been developed in the field of music psychology, ranging from biological and physiological responses to music to the social and cultural meanings and understandings of music. It will consider developmental aspects of the topic, both in terms of how children acquire musical skills and the role that music plays in development across the lifespan. It will also explore the ideas behind music therapy and the various benefits that have been claimed for music as a clinical tool. It will consider psychological aspects of musical performance as well as the role that (particularly recorded) music plays as a component of personal identity and social interaction.