Investigative Psychology MSc (Distance Learning)

To understand the broader context of crime, this module will cover key definitions, gender and crime, and juvenile offending. You will critically examine theories and models related to various types of crime. Topics include: * Distinct offending styles in burglary and robbery * Differences between types of fraud and the psychological processes behind them * How violent offenders’ interactions with victims reveal the core psychological functions of violent crime * The diverse offending patterns among rapists * The nature of stalking and its connection to domestic violence * What constitutes 'organisation' in organised crime * The range of terrorist activities and offender profiles * Psychological factors contributing to cybercrime

You will explore the diverse roles psychologists play within the legal system, including offering expert testimony and providing behavioural investigative advice. The module examines judicial decision-making, the application of psychology in restorative justice, the unique aspects of the youth justice system, and the psychological factors influencing jury decisions. You will also gain insight into the civil justice system—its procedures, the role of forensic psychologists, and the application of psychology in family court settings. A key focus will be on identifying potential sources of error in evidence throughout the investigative process—from initial witness statements and suspect interviews to courtroom presentation. You will learn how to enhance the accuracy, reliability, and validity of information by applying psychologically informed techniques, particularly in interviewing witnesses, victims, and suspects. Additionally, the module explores: * Procedures designed to improve investigative interviewing * Factors contributing to false confessions and false allegations * The use of psycholinguistic techniques * The application of psychological autopsy methods

The module will provide the opportunity for you to gain knowledge and understanding in a wide range of research methods used in Investigative and Forensic Psychology. You will also gain experience of conducting and interpreting advanced statistical analyses as well as be able to communicate research findings in a format suitable to the research community through the presentation of a journal article. You will acquire an understanding of materials and data sources that may be drawn upon for research, the ability to design a research study using an appropriate research design, interviewing techniques and questionnaire design. Content analysis of qualitative data, psychometrics, parametric multivariate statistics, inferential statistics, the facet approach and multidimensional scaling will be explored. You will also learn how to conduct a selection of analyses using SPSS during statistics practical sessions.

This module introduces the major issues in Clinical Forensic Psychology. You will explore the psychology of criminal behaviour and the complex relationship between mental disorders and crime, including whether individuals with mental health conditions are more likely to offend than those without, and the legal implications of such findings. Key topics include: * Interventions, treatments, and rehabilitation strategies for offenders * Risk factors for offending and reoffending * Risk assessment tools and case formulation *Approaches to supporting victims * The professional implications of recent scientific developments. You will also examine the environments in which offenders with mental health issues are managed, including secure forensic settings, and how risk and dangerousness are assessed and addressed. The module covers the process of writing forensic reports and explores the role of psychology in managing high-risk individuals.

This module explores the importance of professional and ethical issues in the application of investigative and forensic psychology. You will have the opportunity to study topics including professional applications relating to investigative processes, cognitive bias and criminal investigation, key principles and practices of managing critical incidents, the psychological aspects of decision-making in policing, psychological techniques used to manage high-risk situations, and the contributions of forensic science to criminal investigations. In addition, you will study the different interventions, treatments and rehabilitation of offenders. The module will also address the role of the media in criminal investigations, focusing on how investigative professionals work with the media while maintaining ethical standards. The importance of interdisciplinary and multi-agency working, examining how forensic psychologists collaborate with professionals and organisations across the criminal justice system will also explored as well as the role of psychology in prison and probation settings. Personal development planning (PDP) and career action planning, including options for pursuing a Forensic Psychology route, as well as the importance of self-care in forensic practice will also be examined.

This module offers you the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the Master’s programme. You will design, implement, and analyse your own project, demonstrating appropriate research design, methodology, and analytical techniques, along with a critical interpretation and evaluation of your findings. Your project will take the form of either: * A systematic literature review on a focused topic, or * An empirical study that draws on and contributes to the field of Investigative Psychology.