Forensic Psychology Diploma Level 3

Course Description

If you want to develop your knowledge of Forensic Psychology so that you can embark on a rewarding career or you are already working in a related field and want to improve your career prospects, then this is the course for you.

Forensic psychologists are concerned with the application of psychology to the criminal justice system, and with understanding the psychological processes related to criminal behaviour. Sometimes they will be known as 'criminal psychologists' or 'investigative psychologists'. Forensic psychology is often perceived as concerning criminal investigation and profiling. This is not strictly true as 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 with other professionals who are involved in the judicial and penal systems.

In this Forensic Psychology Diploma course you 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. This course then examines the psychology of violent crime and gives the learner 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 will make 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 learner is then invited to use their experience 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. You will also explain what you believe hinders the investigation of serial murder.

The Forensic Psychology Diploma will then proceed to examine the links between substance abuse serious crime, violent crime, acquisitive crime and mental disorder and governmental responses to substance abuse. The learner 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.

Following on, the learner will then examine different aspects of the distressing crime of child abuse and be 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 acquired 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. You are then requested to conduct your own research into the Yorkshire Ripper murders and the trial of Peter Sutcliffe and 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 on 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 will continue 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.

Previous Knowledge Required

You do not need any prior learning knowledge or experience to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone who wishes to take part in a highly rewarding home study course, although you would be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy.

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 12 months from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor.

Support

You will receive the entire package of course materials in a single dispatch together with dedicated Tutor Support for 12 months.  All assignments are marked by one of our professional Tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course.

You will be provided with the telephone number for your dedicated Student Support Team who will be available for any other queries that you may have whilst completing your course. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

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.