PSY-30156 - Module Specification
School of Psychology
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

PSY-20046

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

Why are some people more vulnerable to be victimised? Why are some individuals more likely to be convicted (or even wrongfully convicted)? How can mental health issues play a major role in the criminal justice system? And most importantly, how can psychological knowledge help us improve these vulnerable populations' access to justice? In this module, Vulnerabilities in the Criminal Justice System, you will have the opportunity to apply material learned in previous years and explore some of the psychological processes relevant to the criminal justice proceedings.
You will explore these questions and more in this module. Experiential and reflective learning will be utilised throughout this module, and you may choose to work with a practical organisation who plays a role in the criminal justice system. You will be assessed by a written assessment including reflective diary, and an evidence-based report on recommendations to improve a particular vulnerable population's access to justice of your choice, using real criminal cases. You will be supported with the development of appropriate skills related to the assessment and with assessment preparation during taught sessions.

This module aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of individuals' vulnerabilities in the criminal justice system. In particular, students will learn to apply psychological knowledge about human development in the forensic contexts, how individual factors can render some groups more vulnerable in the criminal proceedings, and how to deal with these issues and work with such populations more effectively.

Intended Learning Outcomes

locate, evaluate and synthesise literature from a range of sources in order to apply psychological knowledge to forensic contexts: 1
critically discuss alternative accounts of forensic psychology phenomena: 1
extrapolate ideas and concepts from a range of topics in applied psychology and be able to apply these to interpret authentic criminal cases: 1
critically evaluate published research and reports in the field of forensic psychology: 1

Study hours

20 hours of in situ seminars/workshops
20 hours of asynchronous activities
10 hours to prepare for classes
20 hours to write weekly reflective diary
50 hours to do research and write notes for essay
30 hours to write final report

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment