Applications of Forensic Psychology - PSY00053H
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2026-27 |
| B | Semester 2 2026-27 |
Module aims
This broad module will look at a range of applications for forensic psychology. It will provide students with the theoretical background and knowledge of the criminal justice framework in order to scrutinise the contributions of psychologists working in legal, health and forensic settings.
Please note that forensic psychology often deals with sensitive information, such as sexual offending, as well as suicide and self-harm among offenders. 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 andunderstandthe Criminal Justice framework.
- Evaluate various biological, sociological and psychological theories of crimeandhow these might be applied to a case study.
- Highlight the psychological processes operating in courtrooms and describe how and why some jurors are susceptible to bias.
- Identify factors that may impact the accuracy of eyewitness memories and what steps investigatorscan take tominimisetheir influence.
- Critically evaluate the extent to which crime is a consequence of mental disorder.
- Reflect on the prevalence, aetiology, underlying theory and practical implications of suicide and self-harm in prison settings.
- Articulate the nature of sexual offending and various typologies and theories that have been proposed to explain it.
- Analyse the nature and impact of terrorism, the problems in studying it and the different psychological approaches to explaining terrorist behaviour.
- Appreciate the different approaches to psychological crime-scene analysis and evaluate evidence of their effectiveness.
- Present and critically evaluate research findings with confidence.
Module content
- The Criminal Justice Framework
- Theories of Crime
- Eyewitness Testimony
- Jury Decision-Making
- Crime and Mental Disorder
- Suicide and Self-Harm in Prison Settings
- Sexual Offending
- Terrorism
- Offender Profiling
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
Not Specified.