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 Forensic Psychologists are concerned with the application of psychology to the criminal justice system, and with understanding the psychological processes related to criminal behaviour. They are sometimes known as 'criminal psychologists' or 'investigative psychologists'. Forensic psychology is often perceived as concerning criminal investigation and profiling. While this is one aspect it is not the only one, forensic psychology also relates to the assessment and treatment of criminal behaviour. Forensic psychologists work not only with prisoners and offenders but also other professionals involved in the judicial and penal systems.
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 Forensic Psychology Diploma 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.
Following on from this the Forensic Psychology Diploma makes a brief examination of serial murder and the different causal factors that have been put forward as contributing to the development of the serial killer. The student is then invited to use their learning to date, together with their own research, to explore three serial killers and to produce a report of approximately five hundred words which examines the personas of the chosen serial killers in relationship to the popular urban myths identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and explain which they believe hinders the investigation of serial murder.
The Forensic Psychology Diploma then proceeds to examine the links between substance abuse serious crime, violent crime, acquisitive crime and mental disorder and governmental responses to substance abuse. The student is given a further opportunity to conduct their own research to show how a local intervention programme in their area is evidencing the success or otherwise of The Government Drug Strategy.
The student will then examine different aspects of the distressing crime of child abuse and then asked to conduct research into child abuse within the Roman Catholic Church. Much has been written about this issue and the student is asked to use the knowledge they have gained from the course, and from conducting their own research, into the responses of the media, government departments and the Roman Catholic church, to write a report of approximately 500 words on how effective or ineffective these responses have been. They are also required to suggest ways that academic research might help to produce an understanding of how such crimes could have occurred over such a lengthy period of time.
The student is then led to the courtroom and an examination of criminal responsibility and psychiatric defences. Students are then requested to conduct their own research into the Yorkshire Ripper murders and the trial of Peter Sutcliffe. They will produce an assignment of approximately five hundred words, discuss the jury's finding in respect of Sutcliffe, and discuss whether evidence was produced to show that Sutcliffe was insane.
Following from these modules students will look at some mental disorders that have been put forward as defences in criminal trials. These include; Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder), Dissociative Amnesia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. They will also be given the opportunity to conduct research into Dissociative Identity Disorder.
The Forensic Psychology Diploma continues with a brief examination of eye witness testimony and the evidence of children, after which students will again develop their knowledge by conducting their own research.
Our aim is to provide you with the best deal available when purchasing the Forensic Psychology Diploma, therefore registration fee, certification fee and full tutor support is included in the course price for you.
Previous Knowledge Required
No prior knowledge within this subject is necessary to complete the Forensic Psychology Diploma.
Support
You will receive full personal tutor support by mail and email. Our student support team are also available for any other queries that you may have whilst completing your Forensic Psychology Diploma. You can be assured that support is available for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.
You have the freedom to start the Forensic Psychology Diploma at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 12 months from initial registration.
Assessment
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 Forensic Psychology Diploma. The student will be required to plan, conduct and report on a research project of their choice. The report will be approximately 5,000 words, that is 15 x A4 typed pages of 1.5 spacing. This research will account for the final 30% assessment for the Forensic Psychology Diploma.
Modules
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
Awarding Body
On completion of this Forensic Psychology Diploma you will receive a Forensic Psychology Diploma Certificate from National Awarding Body NCFE.
At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Level 3 NCFE certificate of achievement. That means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to Level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that this learning programme has been scrutinised and approved by an independent panel of experienced educational professionals and is quality audited biannually by NCFE.
NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.
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