Psychology with Criminology BSc Honours

Course content

What will you study on the BSc Psychology with Criminology Degree?

You will examine a broad range of theoretical and methodological approaches to psychology, criminology and human behaviour and develop the expert knowledge and skills which are essential to professional practice. You will gain an expert understanding of the psychological issues associated with criminal behaviour and the treatment of those who have committed offences.

Alongside an in-depth study of psychology, one quarter of your course will contain modules from our Department of Criminology. In your third year you can choose options from areas as diverse as policing, violent crime, organised crime, drugs and criminal justice.

What will you gain?

You will gain a wealth of additional skills to support you in your future career or further studies, including research and analytical skills, and advanced communications skills which will give you a thorough understanding of human communication methods.

Modules

This module is designed to introduce the major theoretical perspectives that have emerged in the discipline of Criminology over the past 200 - 300 years and enable you to apply these theories to concrete examples of crime. It considers how historical context, political influence and basic philosophical differences on such questions as what it is to be human have influenced the development of criminological perspectives. It will introduce the academic research that underpins different theories and help them to understand the key arguments and reflect upon the relative merits of each theory through engagement with relevant literature.

This module introduces the five core areas of psychology (cognitive, social, biological, developmental, individual differences).

This module aims to introduce you to statistical and qualitative analysis as they are employed in psychological research.

The module aims to introduce the principles and practice of quantitative and qualitative psychological research. You will develop skills in searching literature and generating hypotheses with a sound rationale, understand the principles of sound research design and data collection and be able to interpret findings and critically assess research output in psychology. You will also have opportunities to develop skills in the dissemination of research results with the conventions, styles and critical approach of academic work.

This module aims to equip you with tools to be able to better engage in your learning it will teach you an array of independent and reflective skills from writing to dealing with exam anxiety.

The module enables you to understand, evaluate and conduct applied psychological research to recognise how research design relates to research questions. You will gain skills in a variety of analytical methods and will be enabled to conduct ethical psychological research utilising quantitative qualitative methods. The module provides the foundation for interpretation critical discussion of published psychological research.

This module presents an overview of the biological bases of behaviour and the cognitive approach to psychology as well introducing aspects related to individual differences.

The module aims to develop the depth and breadth of understanding of core theory and research in developmental and social psychology whilst also explaining differences between individuals.

This module introduces key criminal justice institutions and agencies, and you will gain an understanding of contemporary criminal justice issues. The main focus of the module is on the criminal justice system in England and Wales, though other material is drawn upon for European and international comparative purposes. At the end of the module, you should be familiar with recent and current policy issues and debates relating to the different criminal justice institutions, such as pluralised policing and the extended police family, contemporary crime investigation, sentencing in the criminal courts, and reform of the prison and probation systems.

Awaiting for module description.

Awaiting for module description.

You will pursue independent study with a designated supervisor on a topic not offered in-depth among the normal range of modules. You will be expected to carry out an original investigation using a recognised psychology or cognitive science research method, and produce a dissertation based on that research. The title and methodology of this dissertation must be agreed with the supervisor in advance. Undertaking this module will enable you to develop your methodological and statistical knowledge acquired through previous research methods training. You will develop your competence in the production of coherent written reports which are clearly presented and which have an analytic and critical orientation. This module will also provide the opportunity for you to become competent and self-sufficient researchers.

Within this module, you will pursue independent study with a designated supervisor on a topic not offered in-depth among the normal range of modules. You will be expected to carry out an original investigation using a recognised psychology or cognitive science research method, and produce a dissertation based on that research. The title and methodology of this dissertation must be agreed with the supervisor in advance. Undertaking this module will enable you to develop your methodological and statistical knowledge acquired through previous research methods training. It will develop your competence in the production of coherent written reports which are clearly presented and which have an analytic and critical orientation, and it will provide the opportunity for you to become competent and self-sufficient researcher.

PSY3034 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits)

This module aims to develop the depth and breadth of students’ qualitative research methods knowledge and practice by equipping them with a combination of practical and theoretical skills. Strengthening existing knowledge of qualitative research methods, students will be familiarised with a range of qualitative methodologies and methods of generating and analysing data in-depth. The module allows the time and space necessary for sustained immersion. It enables proficiency in qualitative research knowledge and skills to be further enhanced through repetition and comparison when learning advanced concepts and their application, such as ontologies, epistemologies, social constructions, research questions, sampling, data generation, accounts, claims, reflexivity. Students will be provided with active experiences of interviewing and conducting analyses, as well of developing reflexive practice which is an essential aspect of qualitative research. In order to optimise student engagement and learning, an experiential approach to teaching advanced qualitative research methods will be undertaken; student-led active learning will complement didactic aspects. Teaching will be led and illustrated through the module leaders’ own qualitative research practices; this will be delivered through a series of lectures and skills-based workshops informed by their research. The lecture and skills-based workshop elements will run consecutively in a three-hour weekly session. This module also aims to prepare students to conduct qualitative research in the future, such as in their dissertation projects. Therefore, this module is both ideal for, and provides a rich learning opportunity for students who enjoyed their study of research methods at Level 5; those who are undertaking a qualitatively-based dissertation project; those who want to study Psychology at a postgraduate level; and for those planning a career in research.

PSY3041 Atypical Child Development (15 credits)

This module aims to develop the depth and breadth of students’ understanding of core theory and up-to-date research in the field of atypical developmental psychology. This is the ideal module for students who have enjoyed their study of developmental psychology at level 5. Strengthening existing knowledge in developmental psychology, students will be introduced to perspectives and theory in atypical child development, as well as classic and contemporary research that underpins these theories. The interaction of emotional, cognitive, biological, behavioural and environmental factors in the development of atypical behaviour will be explored, whilst emphasising the importance of understanding typical child development. Content will focus on anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive related disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, language learning, attachment disorders and eating disorders. This module provides a rich learning opportunity for students planning a career with children, particularly within teaching, educational psychology, clinical psychology, youth work or counselling.

PSY3052 Neuropsychology: The healthy brain and what can go wrong with it (15 credits)

To introduce students to the history, principles and methods of neuropsychology with a particular emphasis on case studies

• To introduce the causes and symptoms of major neuropsychological disorders of language, vision, memory, emotion, personality, olfaction and development, and the theories accounting for each
• To demonstrate the extent to which case studies (in combination with data from brain imaging) inform us about the functioning of the healthy brain in these cognitive functions
• To describe and evaluate how the effects of brain damage are assessed
• To encourage critical thinking and oral presentation skills
• To prepare students for postgraduate study within neuropsychology

PSY3051 Applying health Psychology to behaviour change (15 credits)

The module aims to introduce students to health psychology and the work of Health Psychologists in practice. It covers the psychological, behavioural and social determinants of health and illness, before focusing on health behaviour change interventions and chronic illness and its management. It aims to help students apply knowledge and skills to real-world health problems.

PSY3054 Critical Forensic Psychology (15 credits)

The module aims to explore the application of psychology to social problems in the areas of crime, conflict and violence, taking into account individual, group and social factors. It considers how individuals and groups become involved in, and perpetuate, these problematic behaviours, and also considers the consequences for victims, government and justice responses, and approaches to prevention.

Creative and Visual research methods (15 credits)

This module aims to introduce students to a range of contemporary visual research methods and to develop students’ capacity in the application of different methods of collecting, analysing, and disseminating visual data in psychological research.

Infancy and childhood: psychoanalytic perspectives (15 credits)

This module looks at difficulties in personal and social development are commonly attributed to traumatic, painful or confusing events in infancy and childhood. The primacy of childhood in contemporary society is largely a legacy of psychoanalytic thinking. This module will introduce you to important and influential psychoanalytic theories regarding infancy, childhood and adolescence. It considers the relationship between life events and subjective phantasy in the development of the personality and psychopathology. It explores the consequences of these modes of thinking on the practice of psychotherapy, counselling, social work, teaching, and child care. It provides a foundation for further training in therapeutic and social care professions.

New Directions in Cognitive Science (15 credits)

We all have the experience of an internal dialogue; linguistically phrased commentary and reasoning that pertains to our actions in the here and now or to actions we might wish to execute. But do those sentences truly reflect how our brains collate and process information? For many years the assumption was that they do, but of late this view has been challenged.
Cognitive science is a multidisciplinary approach to studying and understanding internal causal states for the production of behaviour (thoughts). The primary aim of cognitive science is to provide a mechanistic (how things work) and functional (why things work) account of cognition. Cognitive science has traditionally been grounded in a ‘symbolic account’ of mind – the notion that the brain, much like a computer, manipulates abstract information that has representational content (is about something). However, recent changes in our understanding of behaviour, cognition and neuroscience have challenged these underlying assumptions. This module will outline the underlying assumptions of cognitive science, how they have been challenged by recent developments and whether cognitive science can incorporate these new developments within its existing framework. Importantly, this module will teach topics from different areas of science including; psychology, ecology, neuroscience, and computer science.

Social, Cultural & Community Mental Health (15 credits)

This module develops the students' knowledge of social approaches to mental health theory, research and practice, and their application to community mental health. Students' will develop a critical understanding of cultural, social, environmental and economic influences on mental health and the relationship between social adversity and mental health problems. Additionally, students will develop the ability to critically evaluate evidence bases and evidence-based mental health care practice in community settings. This module would be well suited to students who are considering careers in clinical psychology, counselling psychology, psychotherapy, mental health promotion and campaigning, social work, human rights advocacy, health management and community mental health.

• PSY3035 Creativity & Imagination (15 credits)
• PSY3042 Psychology in Education (15 credits)
• PSY3046 How to DO cognitive neuroscience (15 credits)
• PSY3032 Contemporary Psychoanalytic Practice: Psychoanalysis for Therapists (15 credits)

Creativity & Imagination (15 credits)

The module explores psychological aspects of creativity and imagination. Students' will develop a critical understanding of psychological theory and research relating to creative productivity across a range of contexts. Additionally, students will apply theory and research to plans for developing, enhancing and/or utilising creativity and imagination in real-world contexts.

Psychology in Education (15 credits)

This module is designed to give students an advanced level of understanding of the way that psychological theories and research have influenced our understanding of child and adult learning and teaching in educational settings. The aim is to direct students to develop an appreciation of traditional and contemporary research, knowledge and applications in the domain. Students will study cognitive, social, developmental, and biological theoretical perspectives, providing an integrated understanding of how psychological theory and research intersects with education in a wide range of settings. Psychology in Education provides a rich learning opportunity for students wanting to study educational psychology at Masters level and for those planning a career in teaching.

How to DO cognitive neuroscience (15 credits)

Cognitive neuroscience is at the forefront of advances in psychology. It is the study of brain states and how such brain states are related to behaviour and cognition. Many of the recent advances in the field are due to the rapid development and use of technology that allows us to infer what the brain is doing during different psychological states. This module aims to provide an introduction to the theory that underpins cognitive neuroscience techniques such as EEG, TMS, fMRI, TES. Moreover, and importantly the module will aim to provide a hands-on approach to learning how to use them. In this module students will have the chance to learn how to use advanced equipment by practicing with it. The aim is to teach how the equipment works, how to analyse the data, and what questions different methods can answer and what are its limitations by using them...