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1. Study
2. Adult Continuing Education
3. Study At ACE
4. Certificate/Diploma
5. Psychology of Criminal Behaviour

Course Fact File

Code	DPCB
Duration	2 years
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
Qualifications	Dip
NFQ Level	Level 7
Fees	€2,100 per academic year See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	Round One: 26 June 2026
Venue	Online
Start Date	September 2026

Course Outline

Psychopaths, serial killers, stalkers, rapists, paedophiles . . . the fascinating world of forensic psychology! If you have a burning interest in these topics, then The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour Diploma is the course for you. Designed to provide a flexible part-time third-level learning opportunity, this course is suitable for anyone with a desire to learn about the workings of the criminal mind, what motivates an individual to commit crimes, and how investigators collect psychological clues. The Diploma will provide you with a comprehensive insight into criminal behaviour and the criminal mind. You will develop your understanding of the major theories that seek to explain criminal behaviour especially in relation to violent and sexual crimes. Students who complete the course will appreciate the interface between the fields of law and psychology and in doing so enhance the recognition of forensic psychology as a distinct specialism of psychology.

The course provides an engaging mix of lectures, discussions, and interactive activities with practical insights and real-world applications that will enhance your understanding of how forensic psychology is applied in various settings.

The Modules for the Diploma are as follows:

Year 1

• AP1838: Introduction to Forensic Psychology and Criminal Behaviour
• AP1839: Young Offenders
• AP1840: Risk Assessment and Management 
• AP1841: Mental Health and Crime

Students who have successfully completed modules to the value of 30 credits in Year 1 may opt to exit the programme with a Certificate in Psychology of Criminal Behaviour (NFQ Level 7, Special Purpose award).

Year 2

• AP2822: Sexual Offenders
• AP2823: Policing and Investigative Psychology 
• AP2824: Psychology of the Courtroom
• AP2825: Criminal/Forensic Psychology Project

Note: Following completion of year 1 of this programme, should a sufficient number of eligible students not wish to progress form year 1 to year 2 of this programme as to make the year 2 viable, students will graduate with a certificate at that point.  Programme viability is determined by reference to fee income and applicable costs in running the programme.

 

Lecture Schedule

• Lectures are delivered for one night per week across the semester (September to April) from 6 – 9pm (Wednesday).
• There are four Saturday workshops required across the academic year also.  

Assessment

Through a variety of interesting and engaging assessments, you will develop competencies around the skills of academic reading, writing and referencing according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Assignments include book reviews, essays, reflective practices, group projects and an individual project in year 2.

Who teaches this course

The lecturers who contribute to the Diploma are experts in their fields with PhDs and/or significant experience in various organisations associated with the criminal justice system.

Course Queries

For Academic Queries and Course Content Queries please contact the Programme Coordinator, Franziska Schulmann: Franziska.Schulmann@ucc.ie

For administrative queries please contact, the Programme Administrative, Olive O’Riordan: ooriordan@ucc.ie. 

For Online Application Support please click here. 

Why Choose This Course

The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour is the only course of its kind in the Republic of Ireland offered at NFQ Level 7. It is also the only diploma in the field of forensic psychology that offers a unique part-time flexible option allowing you to combine work with study. Previous students include members of An Garda Síochána, juvenile liaison officers, community Gardaí, outreach workers, solicitors, counsellors, addiction counsellors, law clerks, students of psychology, prison officers, probation officers, youth workers, teachers, and numerous individuals who are simply fascinated with the study of the criminal mind.

Skills and Careers Information

Previous students of the Diploma have successfully gained entry to a number of other courses including degrees in psychology and law as well as postgraduate courses such as MAs in criminology. The progression routes open to you depend on your individual background. Other students of the course have gained employment with various voluntary and community agencies. Members of An Garda Síochána and students from other professions who completed the course have found that implementing what they have learned on the course is tremendously beneficial to their line of work.

Requirements

Programme Entry Requirements:

Applicants must

• Be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application.
• Submit a 500-word application statement indicating their reasons for applying for this course.

Please note applicants may be invited for an interview.

English Language Requirement: 

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. See the UCC English language proficiency requirements.

Fees and Costs

The programme fee is: €2,100 per academic year.

• Applicants pay 50% of the fee on application.
• This fee is fully refundable if the programme does not run or you are not offered a place on the programme
• The remaining 50% of the programme fee is due by 31 Jan. 

For further information on fees and financial supports please click here. 

How To Apply

Application Deadline

• Applications are accepted in two rounds.
• Round 1 closes on 26 June and Round 2 closes on 28 August.
• Please note: if all places are filled by eligible applicants by the Round 1 deadline, the programme will not open for Round 2.
• For round 2, applications will remain open until the final deadline or until all places are filled, whichever occurs first. Early application is strongly advised.

Before you apply, please prepare the following items which you will need during your application:

• Proof of Identity (Birth Cert, Passport or Driver's Licence)
• Passport-style photograph
• Personal statement explaining your interest in the course
• English language test report (if applicable)
• 50% of the programme fee

Start Your Application

Create an account or login to UCC Apply (click the 'Apply' button below).

1. Start a new application
   • WHEN ASKED FOR APPLICATION TYPE - YOU MUST CHOOSE: ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION
2. During the application on the tab titled Academic Level, under Level Selection, select the following options:
   • Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
   • Course Type: ACE Part-time Courses
   • Academic Programme: Psychology of Criminal Behaviour - Diploma 

A step-by-step visual application guide for this specific programme is available – please email the Programme Coordinator. You can view a general application guide for all part-time programmes here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace/helphub/ 

Apply Now