Applications of Forensic Psychology - PSY00082M
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
- Appreciate how Forensic Psychology fits into the wider Criminal Justice System and critically evaluate the contribution Forensic Psychologists make to its rehabilitative aims.
- Critically evaluate the relative utility of various biological, sociological and psychological theories of crime and their potential integration in forensic practice.
- Understand the impact of various factors on the accuracy and confidence of eyewitness memories, articulate the implications for the Criminal Justice System, and critically discuss the limitations of the research methods utilised.
- Recognise the different factors and psychological processes impacting on jurors’ decision-making, consider the implications for justice and the conduct of trials, and critically evaluate the various study methods used.
- Highlight how mentally disordered offenders are variously overrepresented in the criminal justice system and critically discuss research issues in establishing causal links with offending
- Reflect on how psychological theories and forensic studies might explain the high prevalence of suicide and self-harm in prisons and their implications for mitigating risk.
- Describe the nature of sexual offending and identify strengths and weaknesses in the various typologies and theories proposed to explain it.
- Identify the nature and impact of terrorism, appreciate the professional challenges in studying it and critically evaluate the different psychological approaches to the study of terrorist behaviour.
- Critically compare the key methods of psychological crime-scene analysis, consider their underlying assumptions and evaluate the validity and operational utility of each.
- Confidently present research findings, critically appreciating the nuances of empirical research methods and the challenges of applying psychology to real-world problems.
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 |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Module feedback
Marks will be released through e:vision.
Indicative reading
Not Specified.