Forensic Psychology

In this Forensic Psychology Diploma we will adopt a research perspective to forensic psychology, beginning with a brief introduction to research methodologies followed by a very basic introduction to statistics for research. The course then examines the psychology of violent crime and gives the student the opportunity to conduct their own research into the links between a particular mental disorder of their choice, and violent crime.

This course gives students the knowledge required for a career in this area, while also allowing them to develop their own skills in Forensic Psychology.

At UK Open Learning we pride ourselves on our friendly and supportive tutors. Your tutor support will start as soon as you receive your course and will be valid for 12 months. All our tutors are highly qualified with extensive experience in supporting distance learning students. You contact your tutor via email and they are responsible for marking assignments answering your questions and guiding you through the course to ensure you are ready for your examinations.

No prior knowledge within this subject is necessary to complete the Forensic Psychology Diploma.

We recommended you spend approximately 110 hours of your time studying for this course. The pace of study is completely up to you. To give an example, if you dedicate 2 hours a week to the course it would take you a year to complete but if you could spare 4 hours a week you could complete it in six months.

Module 1 Introducing Research Methods. Module 2 Introducing Basic Statistics. Module 3 Psychology and Violent Crime. Module 4 Serial Killers. Module 5 Crime and Substance Abuse. Module 6 Child Abuse. Module 7 The Evidence of Children. Module 8 Criminal Responsibility and Psychiatric Defences. Module 9 Mental Disorder as a Defence. Module 10 Eyewitness Testimony. Module 11 Psychology in a Correctional Setting. Module 12 Psychology and Police Selection, Recruitment and Training. Module 13 Police Stress. Module 14 The Decision to Assist. Module 15 The Research Proposal and the Research Project Report.

There is no exam although you will be required to complete a series of assignments which you will send to your tutor when completed for marking and feedback. There are also regular Self-assessment Activities for you to monitor your own progress and understanding.

Ascentis is a Qualifications + Curriculum Authority (QCA) approved national awarding body that designs user-friendly qualifications and supports these with the highest possible standard of customer service. Ascentis is therefore able to offer a comprehensive ladder of opportunities to centres and their learners, starting at Pre-Entry programmes and progressing to QAA-recognised Access to HE qualifications or professional Further Education Teaching Certificates.

Completion of the research based learning activities accompanying each module contributes 70% of the assessment for the award of the Forensic Psychology Diploma. The last module of the course requires the student to produce a research proposal based on activities carried out during the course. The student will be required to plan, conduct and report on a research project of their choice, which will account for 30%.