Module Directory

In many crime dramas, both contemporary and classic, psychology is often depicted as providing the key to solving the case. From criminal profiling techniques that unlock the secrets of offenders to quick, on the fly assessments that allow investigators to connect behaviour and criminal activity. Psychology also provides novel insights into how guilt is determined both in the courtroom, and also in wider society. In this module we will explore questions such as: What can psychology really contribute to forensics and solving crimes? What factors influence the accuracy of eyewitness accounts? How do we determine responsibility? How does society treat offenders and victims? Is it really possible to tell whether someone is lying? How do psychopathic traits link to criminal behaviour? Are some people hard-wired to become criminals? Or does criminality develop as we grow, and how might we prevent this? What psychological processes are involved in cybercrime, and how do these differ from other crimes? From profiling to investigative strategies, to real-life case studies, this module offers a captivating journey into the psychology underlying criminal behaviour and legal responsibility.

The aims of this module are:

• To enable students to understand and explain the role psychological research plays in “criminal behaviour”. How can psychology help understand why criminal behaviour takes place and how it manifests in different individuals?


• To allow students to understand the role of psychological processes in the courtroom, as well as in how society treats criminals and victims.


• To enable students to understand how psychologists from Essex can apply their research in forensic contexts.


• To introduce students to a range of different research and the contributions it can make to the discipline of “forensic psychology”.


• To provide students with the opportunity to review existing evidence from a variety of different psychology disciplines and explore how this knowledge can be useful to understand the criminal mind.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Develop a systematic understanding of empirical research relating to issues in forensic psychology.


2. Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge from different disciplines in psychology to provide answers as to why criminal behaviour occurs and how it can manifest in different individuals.


3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the relationships between empirical evidence, and the use of that evidence in the real-world situations within the forensic context.

Syllabus information

The module’s precise content will vary from year to year, but the following information gives a description of the typical structure: Lectures will be focused on introducing key research questions before outlining how answers to these questions have contributed to addressing questions in the forensic context. For each topic, students will be introduced to relevant background literature and typical research methodologies to help form a thorough understanding of how this knowledge can be applied. Crucially, over the course of this module, students will train this skill and thus the module will help students draw links between a variety of research that they’ve previously been introduced to and the benefit this research delivers to an applied context.

This module will be delivered via:

• 10 lectures

Lectures will be focused on answering questions from different psychology fields in the context of forensic psychology. Each question will be addressed by providing background knowledge of the research area before focusing in on specific research findings and how this knowledge has been used in practice (or has the potential to be used in practice).

Students will be encouraged to participate in lectures though discussion groups, asking questions, and also through the use of digital interactive platforms. This will ensure that the learning environment is inclusive for all students. Colour and font on slides will be in line with best practice to help those who are visually impaired.

Discussion forums on Moodle will provide an additional platform for students to seek additional support and to identify areas that need further explanation. It is hoped that external expertise can be brought in each year to provide students with information from professionals who work in the forensic context.