MSc Applied Criminology & Forensic Psychology

This module addresses three areas of advanced forensic psychology:1) The development of neuroethics as a body of work to understand and monitor the implications of neuroscience in terms of legal and social responsibility.2) A critical appreciation of some of the ethical dilemmas that are faced by forensic psychologists in their practice within criminal and civil contexts, and an understanding of how research has informed changes in specific aspects of forensic psychology practice over the last 50 years.3) Biological aspects of criminal behaviour including the role of epigenetics in the development of psychopathology and offending, and how catathymic processes and crises drive an individual towards criminal action.

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This module introduces you to advanced research skills in psychology and the social sciences. The content of this module covers three related areas:1) Quantitative research, including applying multivariate statistical analysis techniques using appropriate software (e.g. principal components analysis, SEM, cluster analysis)2) Qualitative research, including methods for collecting and analysing qualitative data (e.g. interviewing, focus groups, documentary analysis etc.).3) Research ethicsYou will have the opportunity to explore these topics across a variety of research examples from criminology and forensic psychology.

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This module offers a comprehensive overview of current issues, debates and challenges in applied forensic psychology. The module provides a series of research seminars to be delivered by professionals actively conducting research or practising within a range of services that interface with the Criminal Justice and Civil Courts Systems in Scotland. For each seminar a practitioner will describe, analyse and critically engage with a current topic within his/her specialism. Topics will be underpinned by theoretical explanation and consideration of best practice. Module content will enable you to engage with a wide range of current topics and applications in forensic psychology. In class discussion, you will explore a variety of research methods and theoretical frameworks and will discuss tensions or challenges in working within policy at a national and international level. The module will provide a unique opportunity for you to interact with leading experts and academics in the most currently debated issues and areas of practice in forensic psychology.Current issues in applied forensic psychology could include for example: personality and crime; biological approaches in psychology; the use of psychometrics in relation to establishing responsivity and/or fitness to plead; power dynamics in criminal justice; witness and suspect interviewing; offender profiling; violence risk assessment; psychological trauma in forensic populations; offender rehabilitation; punitiveness and restorative justice; victims? rights and protection; interpersonal violence; globalisation, terrorism and human rights.

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This module will provide you with a critical introduction to the study of criminal justice institutions, practices and participants. It will examine some of the main elements of responses to crime and victimisation, focusing on theories of punishment, imprisonment, rehabilitation and youth justice in the UK. It will also focus on current developments and emphases in criminal justice practice with topics such as desistance, reintegration and resettlement, victim-centred justice, restorative justice, treatment and evaluation of interventions (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy). Critical analysis and evaluation of theory, policy and practice will be embedded throughout the module.

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Current issues, debates, challenges and subjects in applied criminology and forensic psychology could include for example: narcissism; managerialism and criminal justice; victims rights and protection; stop and search policies; offender profiling; privatisation of prisons; domestic violence; globalisation, terrorism and human rights; recent developments in youth justice; recent developments in restorative justice theories and practices; green criminology; suicide; power dynamics in criminal justice; crimmigration; identity fraud; lie detection; personality and crime; biological approaches in psychology. Where relevant, topics will be underpinned by explanations of offending behaviour and victimisation. The module content will flexibly adhere to the different policy/practical developments at a national and international level.

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The dissertation is the culmination of the Masters Programme and will draw on your learning over the course of the Programme. The dissertation is studied independently with the assistance of a supervisor and is a chance for you to academically pursue an area of Applied Criminology/Forensic Psychology of particular interest. Dissertations can take a range of formats such as empirical research or a systematic review. The dissertation requires you to put into practice a range of skills developed over the course of the Programme such as: searching and critically reviewing national and international literature, developing a research proposal, applying theoretical frameworks, research design and ethics, data collection (qualitative, quantitative and mixed), data analysis, research writing and dissemination.

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1. To develop knowledge of UK criminal justice systems and the differences between them.2. To consider the role of psychologists within UK criminal justice systems.3. To provide a comprehensive overview of the interaction between psychology and the criminal justice system. 4. To develop a critical understanding of the role of psychological research in informing and enhancing practice.5. To consider differences between adversarial and inquisitorial legal systems.Indicative content includes: Eyewitness memory and identification of suspects; false and recovered memories; interviewing witnesses and suspects including vulnerable individuals; false confessions; false allegations; detection of deception; investigative and jury decision making; expert witnesses.

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The first part of the module aims to engage you in the critical analysis of local and global responses to crime concerns and will explore: cybercrime; organised/corporate crime; terrorism; drugs and crime; human trafficking; international/global policing.The second part of the module aims to engage you in the critical analysis of specific responses to crime within different jurisdictions, including Anglo-America, Scandinavia and low crime countries such as Saudi Arabia and Japan. Topics will include: how to conduct comparative research on crime and control; comparing criminal justice systems; comparative criminal justice policy making; comparative penal politics; comparative youth justice; comparative responses to victimisation.

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This module comprises two work streams.Work stream 1: Risk in Forensic PopulationsRisk in Forensic Populations will explore the biological, social, and psychological risk factors that contribute, both individually and through interacting with one another, to risk of violence and other anti-social behaviours, which may manifest in criminal and/or family law cases. You will learn about the Structured Professional Judgement (SPJ) approach to risk assessment in both criminal and civil cases, including the application of at least one SPJ risk assessment tool to a sample forensic case. You will develop the skills to construct, orally present, and be questioned in a mock multi-disciplinary risk management setting about, a formulation of a sample forensic case. A guest lecturer, who is an expert practitioner in their field, will present a critical evaluation of how risk is assessed, treated and managed in serious offenders in the UK. You will learn how to think and speak reflectively about your practice, and you will write a reflective diary entry relating to risk assessment and to risk management strategies in the UK.Work stream 2: WitnessesWitnesses will explore three investigative applications that are employed to obtain information from eyewitnesses: investigative interviewing (including UK models such as PEACE and PRICE), facial composite production, and eyewitness identification from CCTV footage. In each practical session you will develop a critical understanding of the psychological theories that underpin prescribed interviewing and identification practice. You will expand on this knowledge to explore and evaluate current trends in forensic research. In addition to your practical classes, you will engage with forensic policy and practice via guest lectures delivered by professional forensic practitioners.

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This is indicative content and may change from year to year based on staffing and student feedback:This module provides a critical examination of the interweaving of politics, criminological theory and responses to crime (including but not limited to those in the criminal justice system). We begin with an overview of key criminological understandings of the causes of crime, setting the scene for theory which will be integrated throughout the module, before discussing the political dimensions of crime and the changing politics of crime control. The module then discusses policing and crime prevention, before addressing radical and recent ‘zemiological’ (the study of social harm) and abolitionist perspectives on crime. The module then considers policing, community safety, and criminal justice in their social, historical and political contexts, as well as policy developments in these fields and more radical and abolitionist perspectives. It concludes with a critical evaluation of ‘evidence-based’ responses to crime, helping to set the scene for you to start thinking about dissertation projects in Tri 2 and 3.

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There are three ways in which you can engage with this module. You should select one approach.a) Edinburgh Napier University has sourced a number of work placements relevant to the MSc Applied Criminology and Forensic Psychology (ACFP) programme. These placements can be applied for through a competitive process involving the placement provider, and the Student Futures Team.b) You may already be working or volunteering in a role relevant to the MSc ACFP and you may wish to use your ongoing employment (or volunteering) to complete the assessments for this module.c) You may want to pursue a new employment or volunteering opportunity once you have built up experience on the programme and decided where your interests lie. You could take this approach instead of doing a) or b). The programme staff, in conjunction with the Student Futures Team will support you in doing this.Through engaging in a work placement, or relevant voluntary work, related to your course you will explore the concepts, debates, policies, initiatives, and funding related to the area in which you will be working. You will also relate your work experiences to the academic content of your course and reflect on the value of your prior learning. You will undertake self-assessment and write personal Learning Outcomes to enhance your employability and confidence. Reflective and critical thinking will be a key part of your submissions.

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