Forensic Psychology in Practice - PSY00052H
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2026-27 |
Module aims
This module provides teaching and practical experience in the fundamental skills that forensic psychologists use in assessing, interviewing and treating offenders, together with information on the theories and research evidence that underpins these practical skills. Attention will also be focused on how forensic practitioners can best equip themselves whilst working in critical occupations.
Please note that forensic psychology often deals with sensitive information, such as sexual offending, and violent assault. Your wellbeing is our priority so please consider the impact that this material may have on you should you choose to pursue this module. If you believe that you may find some of the lecture/seminar material distressing, but still want to select this module choice, please get in touch with Karisha George (karisha.k.george@york.ac.uk) to discuss any additional support that we can provide.
Module learning outcomes
- Recognise theimportance of beingresilient when workingwith vulnerable populations.
- Describe some of the main techniques employed by forensic psychologists when interviewing offenders, with particular emphasis on the benefits of adopting a motivational approach.
- Outline the development of methods of assessing risk of re-offending, from professional judgement to structured evidence-based assessment psychometrics.
- Reflect on the effectiveness of psychological interventions used by forensic practitioners in custodial settings.
- Identify the skills that are useful for practitioners facilitating group work with offenders.
- Describe why boundary violations occur and what steps practitioners can take to reduce the risk of being manipulated while attempting to build a therapeutic alliance with those in their care.
- Recognise the importance of supervision and ongoing reflection for practitioners.
- Reflect on how the main ethical principles set down by the British Psychological Society may be applied by practitioners working in prison/secure units.
- Critically analyse findings from relevant research and present these with confidence.
Module content
- Professional Resilience
- Forensic Interviewing
- Forensic Risk Assessment
- Offender Treatment: programme design and effectiveness
- Facilitation Skills: group treatment programmes
- Professional Boundaries
- Reflective Practice
- Supervision
- Ethical Forensic Practice
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60.0 |
| Essay/coursework | 40.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60.0 |
| Essay/coursework | 40.0 |
Module feedback
Marks will be released through e:vision.
Indicative reading
None specified.