MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology

Module: 7PS003

Credits: 40

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

In this module, students are able to gain a considerable portfolio of knowledge and skills to support them in interpreting published research in both psychology and allied fields, and in conducting their own psychological research. Students are encouraged to gain a critical understanding of the various epistemological positions taken by psychological researchers, and study the research methods concomitant with these philosophical assumptions. Students learn advanced literature searching and, through synthesis of published research, how to identify knowledge gaps and research questions. As the module proceeds, students have practice at developing such a research idea into a feasible and ethically sound research protocol. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques are covered, the former to an advanced level. Students learn how to select, administer, and score psychometric instruments. Whilst psychometrics are taught in the research setting, their applied use is also discussed. This will include the historical development of psychometric theory. Students will be required to demonstrate competence in the administration and interpretation of tests of cognitive ability and providing verbal and written feedback. Students will also be introduced to procedures of test construction and test validation, and will be required to demonstrate an understanding of validation methodology. At the end, students will study research methodology relating to their specific courses; Counselling Psychology, Cyberpsychology, Forensic Psychology and Occupational Psychology, in order to prepare then further for the independent research project.

Module: 7PS017

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module will focus on understanding theories and empirical research related to explaining online crime and deviance as well as the psychological factors associated with online criminal activity. In doing so, it will consider how the Internet is used as a tool to extend and expand traditional crimes as well as considering how it has been used to develop new deviant and criminal activities. It will include a demonstration by a cybersecurity expert. It will also include, but not be limited to sessions revolving around: · Defining online crime and deviance · Research methods and ethics associated with studying online crime and deviance · Extending offline understandings of criminal behaviour to online activities · The consequences of online crime: Understanding why online crime is real and relevant to offline worlds · Using typologies to understand online crime · Cybersecurity, risk, and threat (individual and societal) · Cybertrespass - hackers, crackers, breakers and online scammers · Cyberterrorism – why does it affect everyone? · Cyberdeception and theft – including identity theft and fraud · Cyberpornography and obscenity - from child to adult pornography and trafficking online · Cyberviolence – stalking, bullying, harassment, domestic abuse and hate speech

Module: 7PS015

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module will provide students with a critical understanding of the legal and psychological issues associated with the investigation of crime and the prosecution of offenders. Despite technological advances, that have improved the way in which crime is investigated and offenders are prosecuted (e.g., DNA; CCTV), human factors are still fundamental to the majority of investigations and prosecutions, worldwide.

Module: 7PS014

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module gives an overview of psychological theories of crime and offending behaviour, from individual through to social explanations. The module will examine how crime is defined and how the extent of crime is established before moving on to consider general and specific theories of crime.

Module: 7PS013

Credits: 60

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

The research Project is an independent study module in which students will negotiate, plan, manage and execute a programme of research and analysis. In addition, students will develop skills in critical thinking, report writing and will have the opportunity to present their work in progress at the end of year research conference.

Module: 7PS016

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module will provide an overview of theory, methods and evidence in the fields of victimology and witness psychology. It will examine victim experiences within the criminal justice system and as witnesses and how psychological knowledge can be applied to and inform witness interviewing.

The learning objectives and activities of the course are designed to develop an applied psychological knowledge base relevant to the domain of Forensic and Investigative Psychology.

Location Mode Fee Year Home/EU Full-time £7650 per year 2020-21 Home/EU Part-time £3825 per year 2020-21 Home Full-time £7800 per year 2021-22 Home Part-time £3900 per year 2021-22 International Full-time £13350 per year 2020-21 International Full-time £13950 per year 2021-22

These fees relate to new entrants only for the academic year indicated for entry onto the course, any subsequent years study may be subject to an annual increase, usually in line with inflation.

• 2:1 or higher in a Psychology or relevant cognate science degree (e.g. computer science, information science)
• Applicants who do not hold a BPS accredited Psychology degree at 2:1 or higher will be required to attend an interview to ascertain suitability for the course’
• SKYPE interviews are available
• If English is not your first language an English Language Qualification - IELTS level score of 6.5 or above/equivalence will be required.

Postgraduate Loan (Home Fee Status):

You may be able to get a postgraduate student loan from Student Finance England of up to £11,750 to help pay for a Master’s degree. Applications are made through Student Finance England and more information on the regulations and eligibility criteria can be found at Masters Loans gov.uk.

* Any RPL will invalidate your eligibility as you must study a minimum of 180 credits

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as Overseas (International) students for fee purposes. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.

Postgraduate Loyalty Discount:

You can get 20% discount on a taught on-site postgraduate course if you’re a University of Wolverhampton Graduate.

The University offers a generous 20% Loyalty Discount to students progressing from an undergraduate programme to a taught postgraduate programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree as long as this is your first Masters level qualification.

The discount applies to the first year of enrolment only. Students who receive a loyalty discount are not entitled to any further tuition discount or bursary. For full terms and conditions click here.

Self-funded:

If you are paying for the fees yourself then the fees can be paid in 3 instalments: November, January and April. More information can be found by clicking here.

Sponsored - Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

Your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.

Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.

Charitable Funding:

You might also want to explore the possibility of funding from charitable trusts; please see the following websites Association of Charitable Foundations, Directory of Social Change or Family Action. Most charities and trust funds offer limited bursaries targeted to specific groups of students so you will need to research whether any of them are relevant to your situation.

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

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