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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Forensic Psychology
Reference SS4029 Version 6
Created February 2022 SCQF Level SCQF 10
Approved June 2005 SCQF Points 15
Amended February 2022 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To introduce the student to the application of psychological theory within the particular context of the legal system, including an assessment of the role of the forensic psychologist.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Critically analyse psychological perspectives on criminal behaviour.
2 Critically evaluate the contribution of theoretical and applied psychology to the legal setting.
3 Critically evaluate potential treatments, disposals, outcomes available along with the relevant psychological techniques.

Indicative Module Content
Introduction to forensic psychology and theoretical overview of the role of the forensic psychologist. Introduction to legal systems. Juries and decision making. Psychological theories of crime. Interviewing techniques: eyewitness testimony, police interviewing, type of questions, detection of deception, assessing competency to stand trial. Memory: disorders of memory, false or recovered memory debate, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and dissociative disorders, false confessions. Profiling. Offenders: risk and recidivism. Children and crime. Individual differences in criminal behaviour. Role of bias in the CJS.

Module Delivery
This is a mainly lecture based module with supporting seminars/workshops and student-centred learning. The on-campus activities will be supplemented and supported with online activities where appropriate.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 24 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 126 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Description: Component 1 will be assessed by written coursework

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
There is one coursework which contributes 100% to the module total.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A The student needs an A in C1.
B The student needs a B in C1.
C The student needs a C in C1.
D The student needs a D in C1.
E The student needs an E in C1.
F The student needs an F in C1.
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None, in addition to SCQF 10 entry requirements or equivalent.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 BLACKBURN, R., 2002. The psychology of criminal conduct: theory, research and practice. 8th ed. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
2 BULL, R., and CARSON, D., eds., 2003. Handbook of psychology in legal contexts. 2nd ed. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
3 GAVIN, H., 2014. Criminological and forensic psychology. London: Sage Publication Ltd.
4 GUDJONSSON, G. H., 2003. The psychology of interrogations, confessions and testimony. 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
5 HOWITT, D., 2013. Forensic and Criminal Psychology. 4th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
6 HOWITT, D., 2018. . 6th Edition. Essex: Pearson Education Ltd..
7 WALKER, L. E., SHAPIRO, D. & AKL, S. 2020. Introduction to forensic psychology clinical and social psychological perspectives. . 2nd Ed. Cham : Springer

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781