Core Module Information
Module title: Practical Forensic Psychology

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: PSY11100
Module leader: Faye Skelton
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Psychology
Prerequisites

n/a

Description of module content:

This module comprises two work streams.
Work stream 1: Risk in Forensic Populations
Risk 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: Witnesses
Witnesses 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.

Learning Outcomes for module:

LO1: Develop a formulation of risk for a fictitious offender.
LO2: Reflect on the UK criminal justice systems' approaches to managing the risk posed by offenders.
LO3: Critically appraise a risk formulation in a multi-disciplinary setting.
LO4: Critically evaluate contemporary techniques for gathering information from witnesses, in light of the psychological literature.
LO5: Critically reflect on your personal experience of contemporary techniques and consider implications for practice.
LO6: Evaluate the contribution of cognitive psychology to the development of techniques used in current practice.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2023/4, Trimester 2, FACE-TO-FACE, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Faye Skelton
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Independent Learning Guided independent study 175
Face To Face Lecture 10
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 2
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 9
Face To Face Lecture 4
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Portfolio 20 1 6 , WORDS= 1200
Portfolio 15 3 7 HOURS= 00.10
Portfolio 15 2 8 , WORDS= 800
Learning Log 50 4,5,6 13 , WORDS= 2500
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
PSY11100 Practical Forensic Psychology