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Applications of Forensic Psychology - PSY00053H

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23
B Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

This broad module will look at a range of applications for forensic psychology. It will provide students with the theoretical background and knowledge of the criminal justice framework in order to scrutinise the contributions of psychologists working in legal, health and forensic settings.

Please note that forensic psychology often deals with sensitive information, such as sexual offending, as well as suicide and self-harm among offenders. Your wellbeing is our priority so please consider the impact that this material may have on you should you choose to pursue this module. If you believe that you may find some of the lecture/seminar material distressing, but still want to select this module choice, please get in touch with Karisha George (karisha.k.george@york.ac.uk) to discuss any additional support that we can provide.

Module learning outcomes

  • Recognise and understand the criminal justice framework
  • Evaluate various biological, sociological and psychological theories of crime and how these might be applied to a case study.
  • Highlight the psychological processes operating in courtrooms and describe how and why some jurors are susceptible to bias.
  • Identify factors that may impact on the accuracy of eyewitness memories and what steps investigators can take to minimise their influence.
  • Critically evaluate the extent to which crime is a consequence of mental disorder.
  • Reflect on the prevalence, aetiology, underlying theory and practical implications of suicidal behaviour in prison settings.
  • Articulate the nature of sexual offending and various typologies and theories that have been proposed to explain it.
  • Analyse the nature and impact of terrorism, the problems in studying it and the different psychological approaches to explaining terrorist behaviour.
  • Present and critically evaluate research findings with confidence.

Module content

  1. The Criminal Justice Framework
  2. Theories of Crime
  3. Eyewitness Testimony
  4. Juror Decision-Making
  5. Crime and Mental Disorder
  6. Suicidal Behaviour in Forensic Settings
  7. Sex offenders
  8. Terrorism

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark Group
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100 A
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100 B

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark Group
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100 A
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100 B

Module feedback

Marks will be released through e:vision.

Indicative reading

To Be Confirmed


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.