Forensic Psychology Diploma PAPER FORMAT

Forensic Psychology Diploma PAPER FORMAT

This course includes the PAPER VERSION of the course only.

Forensic psychologists are concerned with the application of psychology to the criminal justice system, and with understanding the psychological processes related to criminal behaviour.  They are sometimes known as 'criminal psychologists' or 'investigative psychologists'.  Forensic psychology is often perceived as concerning criminal investigation and profiling.  While this is one aspect 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 other professionals involved in the judicial and penal systems.

In this Forensic Psychology Diploma we 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.  The Forensic Psychology Diploma then examines the psychology of violent crime and gives the student 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 makes 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 student is then invited to use their learning 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, and explain which they believe hinders the investigation of serial murder.

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

The student will then examine different aspects of the distressing crime of child abuse and then 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 gained 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.  Students are then requested to conduct their own research into the Yorkshire Ripper murders and the trial of Peter Sutcliffe.  They will 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 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 continues 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.

Our aim is to provide you with the best deal available when purchasing the Forensic Psychology Diploma, therefore registration fee, certification fee and full tutor support is included in the course price for you.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Forensic Psychologist please visit Forensic Psychology Centre