Forensic and Criminal Psychology (Level 3) Diploma

Course Structure

The OLQA Level 3 Diploma in Forensic & Criminal Psychology course is divided into 10 comprehensive modules:

Unit 1: Defining Forensic and Criminal Psychology This unit explores the history of Forensic and Criminal Psychology, and how it has developed into modern practice and approaches. Also included in the unit are discussion and exploration of:

• The extent of crime
• The social implications of crime
• Moral, social and public issues related to crime
• Associated theories and analysis

Unit 2: Theories of crime This unit presents some of the underpinning theories which form the basis of forensic and criminal psychology practice:

• Neuropsychology of criminal behaviour
• Intelligence and learning
• Crime addiction
• Biological theory of crime
• Social learning theory related to criminal behaviour
• Social construction

Unit 3: Violent offenders and offences In this unit we explore the following:

• Theories related to violent offences
• Media influences in committing violent crimes
• Domestic violence
• Sexual offences
• Social and cultural factors as influences and controls

Unit 4: Juvenile offenders In this unit we explore the following:

• Contributing factors of childhood and child development
• Antisocial behaviour
• Media influence
• Peer pressure and influences
• Young sex offenders
• Recidivism and becoming an adult offender

Unit 5: The psychology of policing In this unit we discuss and explore the following:

• Recruitment and selection of police
• Police culture and approaches
• Bias and interviewing techniques
• Police as witnesses
• The use of force
• The Caution (UK)
• Hostage taking and terrorism incidents
• Hostage negotiation

Unit 6: Eyewitness testimony

This unit examines eyewitness testimony and how it can be used within trial preparation. There is also exploration of identification parades and the pros and cons relating to validity and accuracy. In addition we discuss the role of the expert witness and look at how their testimony is used

Unit 7: Correctional settings In this unit we look briefly at the judicial process and then move onto correctional settings:

• Models and approaches of incarceration
• Punishment and rehabilitation
• The effectiveness of prison
• Sex offender therapy
• Cognitive programmes for offenders

Unit 8: Research and statistics

Most forensic and criminal psychology practice is based on evidence from research and statistical information. In this unit we explore the following:

• Types of research methods and methodology
• Data analysis
• How statistics are used
• The relevance of statistics to forensic and criminal psychology

Unit 9: Risk assessment and reoffending

This unit looks at how criminals and crimes are defined through assessment of risk and danger, and also the evidence associated with reoffending and risk:

• The criminally insane
• Welfare of criminals
• Risk assessment of offenders
• Clinical judgements
• Statistical analysis and relevance
• Risk assessment related to victims and potential victims

Unit 10: False allegations and false confessions In this unit we explore cases of false allegation such as the Cleveland Affair and subsequent report. We also examine the following:

• False allegation of abuse
• False memory syndrome
• Repressed memories
• The principles and practice of obtaining confessions
• Types of false confessions and their recognition
• The consequences of false allegations and false confessions
• The confession as evidence

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