Masters Degrees (Criminal Behaviour)

Course Overview

The MSc Forensic Psychology is the only BPS accredited programme in Wales, offering a unique opportunity for students to study Forensic Psychology in Wales. Working collaboratively with NOMS Cymru (National Offender Management Services, Wales), helps keep the programme up to date with strategy development and policy decisions. Regular contributions from practitioners within the Principality enable students to understand more about services within Wales and their impact on our society locally. We also have many national contributors who share their extensive knowledge and experience.​

Due to the popularity of this programme you should submit your application at the earliest opportunity, and at the very latest by 29th July. ​

See the website https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/health/courses/Pages/Forensic-Psychology---MSc-.aspx

​Course Content​​

Forensic Psychology is the practice and application of psychological research relevant to crime, policing, the courts, the criminal and civil justice system, offenders, prison, secure settings, offender management, health and academic settings as well as private practice.

It looks at the role of environmental, psychosocial, and socio-cultural factors that may contribute to crime or its prevention. The primary aim of Forensic Psychology as an academic discipline is to develop understanding of the processes underlying criminal behaviour and for this improved understanding to impact on the effective management and rehabilitation of different groups of offenders in all settings within the criminal justice system.

The first aim of the programme is to provide students with a thorough and critical academic grounding in the evidence relating to environmental, cultural, cognitive and biological factors that may contribute to a wide variety of forms of offending. The programme will encourage students to consider the role and limitations of causal explanations for offending in the development of offender treatments, services and policy.

The second aim of the programme is to introduce students to the basic professional competencies for working in the many settings where forensic psychology is practiced, including skills related to inter-disciplinary working, risk assessment, ethics, continuing professional development, report writing and differences in practice when working with offenders, victims, the courts and the police.

The programme aims to produce Masters degree graduates with the ability to understand the limitations of the conceptual underpinnings of interventions and assessments used in forensic psychology and who are able therefore to engage in critical evaluation of the evidence base upon which their own practice will eventually be based. The programme will specifically avoid providing any formal supervised practice. Its aim is to produce reflective scientist-practitioners who will be ready to engage with the next stage of training (i.e. BPS Stage 2 or HCPC route) towards registration as a Forensic Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Students will complete the following taught modules and will also be required to conduct a novel, supervised research dissertation with participants preferably drawn from a forensic setting:

Research Methods and Design (30 credits)
The aim of this module is to extend students knowledge and experience of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Topics covered include: randomised control trials, ANOVA, ANCOVA, MANOVA, Power analysis, Regression, Non parametric methods, interviews, discourse analysis, grounded theory, reflective analysis and psychometric evaluation.

Forensic Mental Health (20 credits)
This module aims to provide students with a critical examination of the relationship between mental illness, personality disorder, learning disability and criminal behaviour. The module will encourage students to view the mental health needs of offenders in the broadest possible context and to appreciate the inter-disciplinary nature of services available to mentally disordered offenders, difficulties in accessing those services and problems for custodial adjustment presented by specific psychiatric diagnoses

Professional Practice and Offender Management (20 credits)
The focus of this module is the professional practice of forensic psychology. The module builds on the groundwork laid by earlier modules and covers professional skills and the types of interventions that a practicing forensic psychologist may engage in. The topics covered by this module include ethics, report writing, working with other agencies, and working with offenders and victims.

Psychological Assessments and Interventions (20 credits)
This module covers psychology as it may be applied to the reduction of re-offending by convicted criminals. The central focus of the module is the 'what works' literature. A range of topics will be covered demonstrating the broad application of psychology to offender rehabilitation in the Criminal Justice System, and within Wales particularly. These topics include: (1) Offender assessment: risk, need and protective factors (2) factors affecting response to treatment; (3) ethical issues of compulsory treatment; and (4) interventions for a range of offending behaviours.

Theories of Criminal Behaviour (10 credits)
The module aims to examine the contribution made by biological, psychodynamic, evolutionary, cognitive and socio-cultural perspectives to our understanding of the aetiology of criminal behaviour. It will explore psychological theories of a variety of offending behaviours such as: violence, aggression, domestic abuse, sex offending, vehicle crime, fire setting as well as gangs and gangs membership.

Legal Psychology (10 credits)
This module covers psychology as it may be applied to the law, and the central focus of the module is evidence. A range of topics will be covered, demonstrating the broad application of psychology within the legal system. These topics include the interviewing of suspects and witnesses, vulnerable victims, offender profiling and the detection of deception.

Addiction and Psychological Vulnerabilities (10 credits)
This module informs students about different factors that may contribute to psychological vulnerability in offenders and victims. A variety of topics will be covered, including issues around the concept of addictive behaviours, vulnerability and the protection of vulnerable adults, including factors which may increase vulnerability to offending and victimisation.

Learning & Teaching​

​Teaching on the MSc Forensic Psychology Programme is predominantly conducted in small groups and adopts an interactive approach. The Research Methods and Design module and the Dissertation workshops are the only part of the programme which is taught in a larger group of around 40 to 50 students as opposed to between 10 and 20 students on the core modules. As a result teaching involves a range of discussions, activities, evaluations of papers, case studies and role play exercises. The focus within the programme is on both content and key skills to develop specialists in the field of forensic psychology with flexible generic skills. These experiences also help to foster student development and confidence as independent life-long learners.

Student learning is promoted through a variety of learning and teaching methods. These include: lectures, workshops, online learning through the virtual learning environment, Moodle, as well as self directed learning. Each student will have an allocated personal tutor to support them through their period of study.

As this programme is accredited by the BPS, there is a requirement for students to attend at least 80% of the taught sessions for the programme.

Assessment

The MSc is assessed by a range of different coursework assignments – e.g. presentations, reports, essays, reflective reports, academic posters, research proposal. There are no examinations.

Employability & Careers​

An MSc in Forensic Psychology is the first step (stage one) in gaining Chartered Psychologist status with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and Registered Practitioner status with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). The MSc in Forensic Psychology will provide the knowledge base and applied research skills that will provide the foundation for stage two of the chartered process that requires a minimum of two years of full-time supervised practice with an appropriate client group.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships

Find out how to apply here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply

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The MA Criminal Justice at Liverpool John Moores University is a stand alone qualification designed to enhance your career prospects in roles linked to criminal justice agencies, the probation service, social science departments, the police and community based correction/treatment agencies.

•Course available full time (1 year) and part time (2 years)
•Teaching from research-active staff and local criminal justice professionals ensures that you will critically engage with the theory, policy, and practice of the institutions and agencies of criminal justice
•Extensive range of module options, including an MA International Criminal Justice pathway
•Our focus on research training will equip you with the key transferable skills required to undertake original, empirical research
•Opportunities for careers involving criminal justice agencies, probation services, the police, academic departments and community based correction and treatment agencies

The Masters in Criminal Justice offers the opportunity for students, practitioners, and criminal justice professionals to critically engage with a broad range of issues that impact upon the effectiveness and integrity of the workings of the criminal justice system.

Through exploring a series of theoretical and policy-orientated debates relevant to the delivery of contemporary crime control and management, and assessing their cultural, social and symbolic consequences, the course helps you to develop a comprehensive and critically aware understanding of the manufacture and delivery of criminal justice policy.


During the programme you will evaluate discriminatory practice in the criminal justice process and the causes of miscarriages of justice. Your evaluations will be informed by a critical understanding of sources of data and research methodologies and, through option modules, you will develop an in-depth knowledge of particular issues relating to criminal justice in England, Wales and elsewhere.

What you will study on this degree

Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.

Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice

The module aims to develop advanced knowledge and critical understanding of specific issues relating to the principles and practice of criminal justice in England and Wales

Research Dissertation

Provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of a specific criminal justice issue, by constructing a sustained and coherent assignment and showing a critical ability to apply appropriate research methods

Researching Crime and Criminal Justice

Prepares you for the compulsory dissertation by developing an advanced understanding of the politics and practice of crime and criminal justice research

The following option modules are typically offered:

Sex, Crime and Society

Develops your knowledge and understanding of the principles, policies and doctrines relating to the criminalisation and de-criminalisation of sexual, and sexually-related behaviour within society

Drugs, Alcohol and Criminal Justice

Provides a broad critical understanding of the different paradigms and perspectives on substance (mis)use and relevant policy in relation to crime and criminal justice

The Police, Policing, and Governance of Security

Explores the complex and dynamic relationship between policing services/agents and members of the diversity of publics these organisations serve

Crime, Power and Victimisation

Considers various definitions of crime and the relationship between these and the various sources of power within society
Delivering Rehabilitation

Encourages you to critically evaluate, at an adavnced level, the role and function of the prison and probation services in relation to the delivery of state punishment and rehabiliation

Youth Justice

Develops an analytical approach to understanding the treatment and experiences of young people within, and at the hands of, the criminal justice system

The United Nations, International Security and Global Justice

Enables you to understand and critically evaluate the effectivness of the United Nations as an actor capable of contributing to international security and global justice

Contemporary Issues in International Criminal Justice

Develop advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the theoretical concepts that underpin policy and practice with regard to International Criminal Jutsice and the issues in dealing with transnational crime

Further guidance on modules

The information listed in the section entitled 'What you will study' is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Academic Framework reviews are conducted by LJMU from time to time to ensure that academic standards continue to be maintained.

Please email [email protected] if you require further guidance or clarification.

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This flexible Forensic Mental Health course is designed for students with a clinical or academic interest in the complex relationship between mental disorders and criminal behaviour. You will be taught by a multi-disciplinary team of clinical academics. The programme constitutes an ideal first step towards clinical psychology training or a PhD.

Come along to our Postgraduate Open Evening in Psychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience on Wed 1 Feb to discuss your study options with world-leaders in the field. Book your place now https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/postgraduate-taught-open-evening-health-subjects-tickets-29980971894

Key benefits

- Focus on the neuroscientific understanding of the development of prosocial and antisocial behaviours across the lifespan.
- Excellent links with clinical services.
- Strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and developing the critical skills to evaluate new research.

Visit the website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/forensic-mental-health-msc-pg-dip.aspx

Course detail

- Description -

This course aims to equip you with the knowledge and advanced skills necessary for a career that will involve clinical work and/or research with mentally disordered offenders. There is an emphasis on the clinical relevance of research findings. You will develop the necessary skills to assess and manage risk of antisocial and criminal behaviour as well as establish, manage and evaluate programmes for reducing such behaviour.

You will be required to choose one of twopathways. This means that the combination of modules chosen will lead to a qualification which reflects your chosen focus of study. There are specific entry criteria for each pathway.

The two pathways are:

- Clinical Forensic Psychology (full-time only)
- Forensic Mental Health Research

Students on the Clinical Forensic Psychology pathway will undertake a 75-day clinical forensic placement working at the level of an assistant clinical psychologist and complete a module on Forensic Psychology Practice.

Students on the Forensic Mental Health Research pathway will complete additional research methods and statistics training and may benefit from a voluntary clinical placement.

- Course purpose -

This programme is designed to develop academic and clinical skills specific to the assessment and treatment of persons with mental disorders who engage in criminal behaviour. You will study alongside students from a wide range of professional and academic disciplines from all over the world.

- Course format and assessment -

You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials. In order to get the most out of the course students, should expect to devote at least one day per week to their studies (part-time students) or 2-3days a week (full-time students)

Career prospects

- PhD programmes
- Forensic or clinical psychology training
- Research assistants or assistant psychologists.

How to apply: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught-courses.aspx

About Postgraduate Study at King’s College London:

To study for a postgraduate degree at King’s College London is to study at the city’s most central university and at one of the top 20 universities worldwide (2015/16 QS World Rankings). Graduates will benefit from close connections with the UK’s professional, political, legal, commercial, scientific and cultural life, while the excellent reputation of our MA and MRes programmes ensures our postgraduate alumni are highly sought after by some of the world’s most prestigious employers. We provide graduates with skills that are highly valued in business, government, academia and the professions.

Scholarships & Funding:

All current PGT offer-holders and new PGT applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarships. For more information and to learn how to apply visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/study/prospective-students/Masters-Scholarships.aspx

Free language tuition with the Modern Language Centre:

If you are studying for any postgraduate taught degree at King’s you can take a module from a choice of over 25 languages without any additional cost. Visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/mlc

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This course has been designed to meet the significant growth in the job market for forensic psychologists. It draws on the University's established expertise in criminology and psychology, and includes the opportunity to undertake a work placement, enabling you to put what you have learnt into practice and gain valuable skills and experience. On successful completion, you will be able to develop your career as a forensic psychologist in, for example, prison settings, probation, crime analysis units and academia.

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

You can also study the joint degree of Criminology with Forensic Psychology MA.

Key features
-This course is accredited by the Forensic Psychology Division of the British Psychological Society (BPS) as an accredited Stage 1 masters programme.
-A minimum of 15 weeks will be spent on an organised placement at a number of settings including high and medium security hospitals and in-reach prison teams.
-The course content is underpinned by research, and modules will be informed by the latest research in the subject area, keeping it up to date with the latest developments.
-You will benefit from the close links our staff have with forensic settings located in the southwest of London and the surrounding area.

What will you study?

Forensic psychology is concerned with the psychological issues associated with criminal behaviour and the treatment of those who have committed offences. It refers to the investigation of deception fraud, crime and the psychological aspects of legal and judicial process. You will learn how psychology is applied in various forensic settings and will be introduced to the role of the forensic psychologist in practice. You will also gain knowledge of the legal aspects of forensic psychology, such as considerations for courts and sentencing, and will examine the aetiology of criminal behaviour in depth.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods is employed on this course, including essays, reports, presentations, evaluation of placement activities, laboratory reports and a dissertation.

Course structure

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules
-Antisocial behaviours across the lifespan; Treatment and intervention
-Applications of Forensic Psychology
-Investigative and Legal Processes in Forensic Psychology
-Psychology Dissertation
-Research Design and Analysis

Optional modules to be confirmed.

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The degree includes components necessary to provide the areas of subject-specific expertise and research methods training identified by the ESRC as essential for recognition for the ‘1 + 3’ (MA and PhD) programme.

The full-time MA starts in October and continues in three consecutive terms over 12 months. The part-time MA takes place over 24 months with candidates taking an equal balance of credits in each year of study.

You will be required to complete 180 credits for the award of an MA. The programme is comprised of the following modules.

The degree follows a logical progression in that ‘Perspectives on Social Research’ and ‘Statistical Exploration and Reasoning’ are taught in the first term. 'Research Design and Process' is also taught in the first term to help students develop a research proposal for dissertation. These modules provide introductions to the specific areas and are intended to provide a foundation for later work. In term two, ‘Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences’,‘Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences’ and 'Policy Related and Evaluation Research' are taught. These modules develop the work introduced in the first term.

The subject specific module – Theorising Crime and Criminal Justice - run through terms one and two and provide the ‘spine’ to the programme, bringing together issues identified in other modules. These modules also specifically relate more generic issues arising in research to subject-specific questions.

Breadth

The programme is broadly based, covering conceptual and practical underpinnings and implications of research, and covering various research techniques and the rationale behind them. It enable students to develop essential skills in both quantitative and qualitative work and to apply those skills to specific criminological issues.

Depth

The programme covers issues in depth, as appropriate to a Master’s programme. The depth at which students learn progressively increases, with the dissertation providing an opportunity for an in-depth piece of scholarly work at an advanced level.

These are the knowledge and skills students who complete their training in research methods are expected to have acquired and to be able to apply:
-Comprehension of principles of research design and strategy, including an understanding of how to formulate researchable problems and an appreciation of alternative approaches to research problems.
-Competence in understanding, and applying appropriately in a specific subject area, a range of research methods and tools, including essential qualitative and quantitative techniques.
-Capabilities for managing research, including managing data, and conducting and disseminating research in such a way that is consistent with both professional practice and principles of research ethics and risk assessment.

In addition, students are expected to have acquired or further developed a range of transferable employment-related key skills:
-The ability to evaluate and synthesise information obtained from a variety of sources (written, electronic, oral, visual); to communicate relevant information in a variety of ways and to select the most appropriate means of communication relative to the specific task. Students will also be able to communicate their own formulations in a clear and accessible way; they will be able to respond effectively to others and to reflect on and monitor the use of their communication skills.
-The ability to read and interpret complex statistical tables, graphs and charts; to organize, classify and interpret numerical data; to make inferences from sets of data; to design a piece of research using advanced techniques of data analysis; and an appreciation of the scope and applicability of numerical data.
-Competence in using information technology including the ability to word-process, to use at least one quantitative and one qualitative computer software package effectively; to use effective information storage and retrieval; and to use web-based resources.
-The ability to plan work with others, to take a lead role in group work when required, to establish good working relationships with peers, to monitor and reflect on group work (including the student’s own group-work skills) and to take account of external feedback on contributions to group work, and on the group work process as a whole.
-Effective time-management, working to prescribed deadlines.
-The ability to engage in different forms of learning, to seek and to use feedback from both peers and academic staff, and to monitor and critically reflect on the learning process.

Subject-specific learning outcomes based on their ‘spine’ module as follows:
-An advanced knowledge of the relative strengths and weaknesses of core criminology concepts and principles – the social problem of crime and the politics and practice of criminal justice ; the construction and deconstruction of what constitutes crime.
-A clear, systematic and advanced level of understanding criminological theories and their application to criminal behaviour, criminal justice and crime control.
-An advanced understanding of key ideological and theoretical perspectives in criminology – e.g. the shift from social theories of ‘deviance’ to struggles for ‘social justice’.
-An advanced knowledge of key phenomena in criminological analysis, particularly the significance of criminological analysis and contemporary national and international issues that are redefining the study of crime, criminal behaviour and crime control.
-An advanced knowledge of the functions and practices of criminal justice as well as the relationship of these practices to political concerns of crime, disorder and security.

An appreciation of how particular criminal justice policies may be experienced by different social groups.

Course modules

Typical modules outlined below are those that were available to students studying this programme in previous years.
-Perspectives on Social Research (15 Credits)
-Statistical Exploration and Reasoning (15 Credits)
-Research Design and Process (15 credits)
-Qualitative Research Methods in Social Science (15 credits)
-Quantitative Research Methods in Social Science (15 credits)
-Theorising Crime and Criminal Justice (30 credits)
-Policy Related and Evaluation Research (15 credits)
-Dissertation (60 Credits)

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The course aims to provide you with the knowledge, skills, values and academic approach to work in areas relating to Forensic Psychology.

During the course, you have the opportunity to gain consultancy skills by communicating knowledge to professional audiences, giving you real-world experience of working in the field. There are guest speakers from the field of criminal justice, and you gain experience in research skills, as well as learn about ongoing personal and professional development. The course covers the application of psychology to the professional field of Forensic Psychology through the following modules

• Theories of Criminal Behaviour
• Investigative Psychology
• Legal and Criminal Justice
• Assessment and Formulation
• Offender Treatment and Interventions
• Applied Forensic Consultancy
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Dissertation and Continuing Professional Development

While completing the course, you develop a range of core skills that are essential within the field of Forensic Psychology, and are also transferable to other areas of employment. Examples of such skills include critical thinking and evaluation, effective communication, critical self-reflection, working within relevant ethical and professional frameworks, and drawing on a range of techniques and research methods applicable to Forensic Psychology.

By delivering the course through blended learning, the course aims to provide flexible delivery of modules to facilitate students who may have other time commitments, or who may live further away from Sheffield, but still want to study at the university.

The course is not yet accredited by the British Psychological Society, but has been designed with the accreditation criteria in mind. We will be applying for accreditation in the near future.

Course structure

The course is offered as a full-time (one year) or part-time (two years) blended learning course. You attend four block weeks of teaching on campus, with two weeks in trimester 1 and two weeks in trimester 2. You also complete a range of online activities before and after the block weeks of teaching.

Core modules

• Theories of Criminal Behaviour
• Investigative Psychology
• Legal and Criminal Justice
• Assessment and Formulation
• Offender Treatment and Interventions
• Applied Forensic Consultancy
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Dissertation and Continuing Professional Development

Assessment

• essays
• academic poster
• reports
• case formulation
• presentations
• examination
• dissertation

Employability

It is expected that graduates of the course will enter careers in

• the police service (crime analysts, police officers, police community support officers) • the Home Office (researchers) • youth offending service (appropriate adults, youth justice officers) • victim support work • drug and alcohol services • Security services (analysts) • charities (mental health support workers, researchers) • academia (research associates) • further study (PhD)

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Corporate and business crime presents one of the key contemporary challenges to society, not only in terms of the difficulties it poses to the criminal justice system, but also in relation to the wider social harm it furthers. The study of this highly relevant and rapidly developing area of criminological research prepares students to make a real contribution to shaping policy around corporate accountability and corporate control.

The combination of analytic criminological knowledge and applied research skills on this programme will equip you with a sophisticated understanding of current challenges and perspectives in the area of corporate crime and corporate responsibility, whilst also enhancing your understanding of the main theories and ideas within contemporary criminology.

The Masters in Criminology and Social Research (Corporate Crime and Corporate Responsibility) is aimed at graduates, professionals and practitioners with an appropriate first degree who have an interest in corporate crime or the fields of corporate ethics, governance and criminal behaviour.

It will also suit graduates and practitioners considering a PhD in this area; and practitioners and professionals in companies, business organisations, the criminal justice system and related government and voluntary agencies who wish to apply knowledge of criminology, corporate crime and corporate responsibility within their present position.

Programme structure

This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time over two academic years. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation.

Example module listing

The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

• Corporate Crime and Corporate Responsibility
• Criminological Theories
• Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsibility
• Criminal Justice Systems
• Crime and Offending
• Law, Society & Social Control
• Data Analysis
• Field Methods
• Dissertation

The department supports students in finding three-to-four-week research placements during spring and summer vacation periods, and this approach has recently been supplemented to include strategies of support for students seeking a wider range of opportunities for professional development in the first-hand experience of research organisation – including such activities as part-time internships over longer periods, workplace visits, or shadowing research professionals.

This introduces further flexibility in a student-led process of professional development in light of increasing external pressures on students’ commitments and responsibilities. All, however, involve opportunities to consider issues in career development and professional skills.

The support process involves the department working closely with students on a one-to-one basis toward their goals and requirements, in association with the University’s Careers Service, to offer pastoral advice and support.

Organisations the department has worked with in the past have included the Office of National Statistics, Cabinet Office, HM Inspectorate of Prisons, Sussex Youth Offending team and Surrey Police.

In some cases, the work experience may also be with projects in academic contexts. Students seek experiential learning opportunities with the support of the department’s Senior Placement Tutor, and assistance from the Faculty Placement Office.

Educational aims of the programme

The MSc pathway in Corporate Crime and Corporate Responsibility will combine grounding in the discipline of criminology and training in the full range of qualitative and quantitative methods of social research with specialised understanding of the key issues attached to a criminal offending by corporate agents.

It is designed to meet the needs of students graduating from a first degree who have an interest in corporate crime, people who are currently employed and wish to apply knowledge of criminology, corporate crime and corporate responsibility within their present job, or those who wish to move into specialised research or practice in the fields of corporate ethics, governance and criminal behaviour. 

The degree provides an ideal foundation to undertake a part-time or full-time PhD.

The degree is suitable for a wide range of students in terms of age, professional background, and current occupation and circumstances.

Because of this diversity of experience, students on the degree learn a great deal from each other, including at the residential Weekend Conference in the middle of the first semester, and the Day Conference at the end of the first semester.

The full-time MSc is taught over 12 months and the part-time course over 24 months. Students who do not wish to undertake the Masters dissertation can obtain the Postgraduate Certificate in Criminology and Social Research (Corporate Crime and Corporate Responsibility) after gaining 60 credits, or the Postgraduate Diploma after gaining 120 credits.

Students studying for the MSc in full-time mode are required to submit their dissertation during the academic year in which they commenced registration.

It is expected that students studying part-time will have obtained a minimum of 60 credits by the end of the first 12 months of registration in order to proceed into the second year.

Global opportunities

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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The Forensic Psychology and Crime MSc provides part-time students with a unique opportunity to study forensic psychology at a distance, whilst also being able to continue in employment.

The course is underpinned throughout by reflection and critical evaluation of theoretical concepts, research evidence and best practice to ensure the development of a sound, effective and reasoned approach in professional forensic psychological practice. The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as fulfilling the Stage 1 requirements towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist and obtaining Full Membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology with the British Psychological Society. Graduates of the programme who go on to successfully complete Stage 2 of the Qualification in Forensic Psychology will be eligible to apply for registration with the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Forensic Psychologist.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

-A unique opportunity to study the BPS accredited Forensic Psychology and Crime MSc through blended learning
-Interactive and participative teaching supported through the use of Coventry University’s extensive online learning resources
-A range of assessment methods, including essays, practical reports, literature reviews, practice-based reports, oral presentations and examinations
-Development of important transferable skills for forensic practice, for example in considering ethical dilemmas, reflective practice and writing papers in formats suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

You will complete the nine modules listed below. In your first year, you will complete sixty credits studying a range of topics such as theoretical explanations of criminal behaviour, violent crime, and responses to crime, as well as research methods.

The second year includes topics providing an overview of key aspects of forensic practice, risk assessment and risk management. Two modules explore the legal process and the use of psychology in forensic/legal decision making, one of which is taught by Coventry Law School. In the third year, you will complete your dissertation.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE BE TAUGHT?

The course is delivered by blended learning methods – a mix of online and classroom-based learning – and as such you will only pay for the modules you take each year. Blended learning incorporates the use of a well-established online learning system, an interactive, informed and participative teaching approach and residential schools.

Indicative course content
-Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour (M71PY)
-Research Methods in Psychology (M72PY)
-Violent Crime (M73PY)
-Criminal and Civil Justice Responses to Crime (M74PY)
-Psychology in Forensic Decision Making (M75PY)
-Practice and Contemporary Developments in Forensic Psychology (M76PY)
-Risk Assessment and Offender Programmes (M77PY)
-Introduction to the English Legal System (M49CLS)
-Dissertation in Forensic Psychology (M114PY)

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Why take this course?

Forensic psychology is an expanding field. It interfaces with other disciplines such as clinical, social and cognitive psychology, as well as criminology and law in order to address issues of major concern to the justice system, organisations, individuals and society.

This is a unique course informed by research at the forefront of the field, with many opportunities to get involved with ongoing projects within the Department.

Applications for this course close 15 January 2016 to be considered for interview on 23 or 25 February and close 15 February 2016 to be considered for interview on 22 and 24 March.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Be taught by the largest group of actively researching academics at the cutting edge of forensic psychology research in the UK
Put your investigative techniques to the test in our Forensic Interviewing Suite
Benefit from our connections with a variety of custodial establishments including adult male and women's prisons, young offenders' institutions and secure hospitals

What opportunities might it lead to?

Accredited by the BPS, our Master’s degree is recognised as providing an important step towards eventual chartered status as a forensic psychologist. It aims to provide you with a systematic knowledge and understanding of forensic psychology, in accordance with the academic requirements of the Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP), the British Psychological Society (BPS) for accredited courses and eventual progression to autonomous practice.

Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:

Working in prisons
Probation work
The police force
Social work
Health services
The courts
Academia
Private practice

Module Details

The course content is structured to reflect developments and priorities in the field of forensic psychology and is kept under constant review to keep it up-to-date.

Here are the units you will study:

Theory into Practice: Foundations of Professional Competence in Forensic Psychology: This unit provides a foundation for working as a scientist-practitioner. From an early introduction to concepts of reflective practice, personal development and core skills relevant to completing the course, it moves to encouraging an awareness of factors involved in criminal behaviour and their implications. The focus is on the application and development of skills in analysis and less on the learning of facts and theories. In the second part of the unit, the focus moves to tasks and challenges that forensic psychologists encounter in applied settings. Some, such as the design and evaluation of training for other personnel or consultancy skills, are of major relevance to Stage 2 of the system for progression to chartered status that usually follows the course. Others such as countering manipulation, stress and managing aggression can be crucial to survival as well as effectiveness as a practitioner.

Assessment and Interventions with Offenders: This unit is concerned with providing an understanding of the theoretical and empirical underpinnings, contents and methods of current and widely-used approaches to assessment (including risk assessment) and interventions with offenders. These approaches are linked and provide a framework for the organisation and evaluation of information, particularly in relation to efficient, useful and accurate formulation and what works in the delivery of interventions. It will build upon knowledge of factors related to criminal behaviour with a focus on effective approaches and context-related factors in the understanding and management of offenders in a variety of settings.

Empirical Research Project for Forensic Psychology: For this unit you will undertake a complete piece of empirical research in an area of forensic psychology that you find particularly interesting. It provides an opportunity to develop and integrate a range of skills and areas of knowledge including creative formulations, problem-solving, ethics, handling interpersonal demands, use of IT and analytical techniques, and writing to a publishable standard.

Investigative Psychology and the Legal Process: This focuses on the contribution made by psychology in the context of forensic investigations and the role of psychologists in criminal and civil law proceedings. It is concerned with the application of psychological research and theory in an effort to critique (and improve) practice in criminal and civil justice systems as an applied context for testing the validity and efficacy of psychological theories and innovative practice derived from these theories. Topics cover relevant procedural information to ensure you appreciate investigative, judicial and custodial processes, and the role of psychologists within these frameworks. Theory and research relevant to applied cognitive and social psychology are presented to inform an understanding of eyewitness recall and recognition memory (and memory errors), effective protocols for testing/probing witness memory, detecting deception and juror decision making.

Research Methods and Data Analysis: This unit is designed to provide a familiarity with psychological research methods and data analysis commensurate with understanding and conducting research at the postgraduate and professional level. Specific methodologies and issues of relevance to specific research areas are addressed within a perspective that emphasises creative problem-solving.

Programme Assessment

We give high priority to integrating our research activities with your teaching programme. This ensures that you learn about the most important and current issues in forensic psychology that effect real-life practice.

Teaching usually takes the form of lectures and small tutorial groups, together with practical sessions in our labs and studios.

We assess you in a variety of ways throughout the course. Here’s how:

Written examinations
Briefing reports and essays
Oral presentations
The giving of expert testimony
A research dissertation

Student Destinations

The work of forensic psychologists is varied. Depending on where practitioners work, it can range from criminal investigations to organisational change, from work with offenders to work with staff who work with offenders, and from matters of civil justice such as child access to operational emergencies such as hostage incidents.

Accredited by the BPS, our Master’s degree is recognised as providing the next important step towards eventual chartered status as a forensic psychologist. Following successful completion of this course, you will usually go on to do a minimum of two years full-time supervised practice in an employment setting.

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

Clinical psychologist
Forensic psychologist
Educational psychologist
Counsellor
Health planning analyst

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Study Policing and Criminal Investigation at LJMU and work with crime victims and witnesses to enhance your knowledge and key skills in this area.

-Commences January 2017
-Explore investigative issues to gain the knowledge and practical skills to operate as a crime investigator in serious and complex cases
-Consider the links between investigation, forensics and psychology
-Work with crime victims and witnesses
-Ideal for serving officers and those about to embark on their policing or academic career
-Excellent employment opportunities in policing/investigative work, private investigation and with bodies such as Trading Standards and the Inland Revenue
-A valuable foundation for progression to PhD

The MSc Policing and Criminal Investigation combines supervised independent research with specialist training in research methods and academic skills, while also helping students become aware of emerging approaches currently practiced in the discipline.
​Over the course of the programme you will be introduced to key developments in policing studies and given the skills necessary to produce a successful postgraduate research project. You will work individually with a supervisor throughout the year, as well as taking part in taught modules with fellow Policing Studies students and/or students from other disciplines/Faculties. In addition, you will be part of the wider research activities of the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies.

You will receive specialist supervision and study within a diverse community of fellow researchers. Staff are active in a wide range of fields including: Crime Prevention, GIS, People Trafficking, Public Order, Mental Health, Multi Agency and Partnership Working in the Public Sector, Computer Crime, Investigation, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism, Port Security, Risk Management and Education.

What you will study on this degree

Please see guidance below on core modules:

Policing in Context

Gain insights into current policing, community safety and criminal justice priorities by exploring different perspectives that relate to policing, regulatory processes, professional values and ethics

Advanced Research Skills

In preparation for your dissertation, this module introduces key epistemological and methodological issues that impact upon research into crime, security, community safety and criminal justice

Advanced Investigation Skills

Examine the administrative difficulties posited during a criminal investigation and the importance of investigative ethics

Forensic and Medicolegal Death

Discover core foundational concepts of criminal investigations, enabling you to understand, explain, analyse and evaluate causes, sustainment and consequences of processing a death scene

Forensic Cognition

Critically explore why offenders commit acts of sexual and physical violence by examining influential theories that have been developed to aid in investigating sexual/violent offences

Investigative Interviewing

Examine current practices, techniques and applications of police interviewing by being exposed to comparative international techniques in interviewing, interpretation of verbal and physical behaviour, causes of denial, deception and defensiveness

Dissertation

Analyse and interpret an issue in your chosen field

​Further guidance on modules

The information listed in the section entitled 'What you will study' is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Academic Framework reviews are conducted by LJMU from time to time to ensure that academic standards continue to be maintained.

Please email [email protected] if you require further guidance or clarification.

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Summary

Our exciting and innovative postgraduate criminology programme examines topics fundamental to an advanced understanding of the causes, consequences and responses to crime. There are a range of options reflecting our academics’ research.

Modules

Core modules: Criminal Behaviour: Applied Perspectives; Criminal Justice: Policy and Practice; Philosophy of Social Science Research; Research Design and Practice; Qualitative Methods 1; Quantitative Methods 1

Optional modules: Life Behind Bars: Prisons and Punishment; Contemporary Policing; Cyber Crime; Insecurity and the Dark Web; Violence and Sex in Law, Literature and Culture; Psychology in a Forensic Context; Census and Neighbourhood Analysis; Introduction to Security Studies; Contemporary Theories of Justice; Survey Design; Qualitative Methods/ Quantitative Methods 2 – these methods courses can also be taken as options; Social Science Data: Sources and Measurement Plus dissertation

Visit our website for further information.

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The post-graduate awards in Criminal and Investigative Psychology (CIP) offer students the opportunity to learn about the new theoretical research and policy intervention for CIP. It allows students to engage directly with the research and with professionals in the area whilst giving a firm understanding and basis for analysis of CIP.

The programme brings together theory, research and practice to equip students with a background across the main criminal investigative approaches and across a wide range of areas of practice. The programme is delivered by experienced forensic academic psychologists with visiting speakers from investigative centres and the civil service.

This programme applies psychological theories about criminal behaviour to investigative issues. The topics included in the programme are for the most part dictated by what issues investigators contend with, and how they function on a daily basis. Therefore, students will be introduced to the underlying skills that investigating psychologists use in making decisions, interviewing and case formulation, together with related theories and research evidence.

The proposed programme will offer students interested in criminal and investigative psychology an opportunity to explore the issues associated with defining and blending between the core activities of psychology and investigations. It will provide students the opportunity to clarify the necessary ethical and boundary considerations.

The programme offers students eight modules including Applied Criminological and Investigative Psychology, Criminal Psychology, Critical Perspectives on Terrorism; Critical Perspectives on Counter-terrorism; and, Transnational Organised Crime, Cyber Criminology and two research methods modules.

The programme has a strong practical focus with assessment based on the application of criminal theory through discussion, presentations and written assignments.

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Course Summary

There is currently a worldwide shortage of skilled practitioners in cyber security. Our MSc is specifically designed to give students a well-rounded, multidisciplinary view of the subject area, embracing not only the technical subjects, but also aspects of criminology, risk management, law and social sciences. The programme has been awarded certification against the ‘GCHQ Certified Master’s degree in General Cyber Security’ standard. We are one of only 14 universities recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research by the UK government.

Modules

Semester one: Foundations of Cyber Security; Implementing Cyber Security; Software Engineering and Cyber Security; Software Project Management and Development; Machine Learning; The Management of Corporate Security; Corporate Risk Management Processes; Criminal Behaviour.

Semester two: Cybercrime, Insecurity and the Dark Web; Secure Systems; Cryptography.

Plus three-month independent research project culminating in a dissertation.

Visit our website for further information.

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Cybercrime is a relatively new and growing area for both civil and criminal investigation. This course has been developed by law enforcement practitioners to enhance knowledge and practical skills in the areas of behavioural psychology, criminal investigation and the technical aspects of obtaining computer-based evidence.

Aimed at personal professional development for current investigators in the criminal and private sector and as a natural progression for graduates in Computer Forensics, Psychology or Policing.

Modules include Research Skills, Behavioural Dynamics of Cybercrime, Digital Forensic Technology, Open Source Internet Investigation, Policing of cybercrime and a research project for your dissertation.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

The course is taught as a combination of lectures, practicals and self-directed study to understand criminal behaviour in the area of cybercrime, including the use of computers, mobile devices, networks and open source internet intelligence in a cybercrime investigation. Module assessments are undertaken by means of coursework, workshops, examination and dissertation.

The course is delivered and taught by experienced academics and former law enforcement investigators with specialist knowledge in computing, psychology and criminal investigation.

FACILITIES

-Computer Forensic Laboratory
-Well-developed plans for a Hydra Suite

OPPORTUNITIES

A range of potential careers are available to those studying MSc Cybercrime including working in the fields of Policing,Civil investigation, the military, and National Crime Agency.

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Overview

The MSc (by research) Forensic and Criminological Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). At successful completion, it fulfils Stage I of the BPS professional training in forensic psychology and therefore gives eligibility to enter Stage II of the BPS Diploma or at a later date, apply for the Top up Doctorate in Forensic Psychology at The University of Nottingham.

Course structure

The course provides comprehensive knowledge in theory and evidence based practice with victims and offenders. It consists of six theoretical modules and a research project/dissertation incorporating research methods training equivalent to two 10-credit taught modules. The course can be completed over one year full-time or two years part time.

The teaching is delivered through workshops led by experts and practicing clinicians Tuesday to Thursday each week during term time (36 weeks). The programme is assessed by means of continuous assessment related to each module.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a BPS accredited 1st or 2nd class honours degree in a psychology programme (single or joint honours) or equivalent conferring eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBCM) of the BPS. Experience in a forensic setting is beneficial but not essential for MSc applications.

*It is expected that those who apply for the MSc programme only will graduate with the MSc qualification at the end of the year.

Modules

The course consists of six theoretical modules and a research project/dissertation incorporating research methods training equivalent to two 10-credit taught modules.

--Theories of Criminal Behaviour
--Forensic Child Psychology
--Forensic Mental Health
--Law and Criminal Justice
--Forensic Organisational Psychology
--Forensic Practice Interventions

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