COURSE CURRICULUM

The Psychology and Offending Behaviour module (30 credits) provides a deep exploration of the psychological factors behind offending behavior, offering insights into issues such as causation, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention. You will critically examine the links between mental health and offending, systematically analyzing the psychological underpinnings of various crimes. Through evaluating interventions and the impacts of legislation, this module will help you understand effective approaches to reducing reoffending, equipping you with the knowledge to inform practices in this field.The Research Methods and Research Ethics module (30 credits) is designed to prepare you for your Master’s dissertation by honing your research skills. You will start by designing a research proposal based on a topic of your choice, assessing the specific research methods you plan to use and considering the ethical implications. Through structured training and applied learning, you'll refine your skills in areas where you need improvement, while ensuring your research is ethically sound. This module will help you establish clear research objectives and build a solid foundation for your postgraduate research project.In the Investigation and Psychology module (30 credits), you'll learn how psychology is applied within criminal investigations, with a focus on techniques such as offender profiling and investigative interviewing. You will explore how psychological research informs evidence gathering and analysis, evaluating the use of expert psychological practices in the investigative process. Case studies will help you critically appraise the application of theory-based practices and enhance your understanding of how psychology interacts with justice systems. This module prepares you to evaluate and strengthen investigative procedures, policies, and outcomes.The Dissertation/Major Project module (60 credits) provides you with the opportunity to complete a small-scale research project, culminating in an academic dissertation or applied work-based project report. With academic guidance, you'll select a criminology topic, design ethical research methodologies, and conduct systematic research. The module emphasizes professional communication and organization, allowing you to demonstrate your research abilities and synthesize everything you’ve learned throughout the program.