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.

Click on any module code for a detailed module description.

Delivered by a host of academics and professionals in the fields of forensic psychology and criminal justice, the Psychology of Criminal Behaviour Diploma comprises eight modules completed over two years. Modules include the following:

Year 1 Modules:

• AP1838: Introduction to Forensic Psychology and Criminal Behaviour (5 credits)
  This module will provide students with an overview of the development of forensic and criminal psychology. Topics covered will include:
  Historical development and contemporary issues;
  Theories of criminal behaviour;
  Social explanations of crime;
  The extent of violent crime;
  The causes of violent crime;
  Offender typologies;
  The applications of psychology to the criminal justice system;
  The role of a forensic psychologist in a prison setting;
  Terrorism and political violence.
• AP1839: Young Offenders (5 credits)
  This module will provide students with an overview of the multitude of factors in childhood that may lead someone to engage in antisocial behaviour and the social factors that may help prevent it. Topics will include:
  Criminogenic factors in childhood;
  Specific explanations of antisocial behaviour in childhood;
  Drug and alcohol addiction;
  Lifespan development and criminal careers;
  Restorative justice practices;
  Imprisoned adolescents;
  Problems with self-regulation;
  Suicide;
  Depression among young people.
• AP1840: Risk Assessment and Management (5 credits)
  This module is devoted to the study of psychological assessment of risk to self or others. Topics will include:
  Extreme acts of violence;
  Assessment of offending behaviour (violence);
  Links between personality and offending;
  Anger and anger management;
  Risk appraisal and management;
  Violent risk assessment in a prison setting;
  Management and Treatment Strategies in the community;
  Management and Treatment Strategies in the prison setting;
  Risk assessment tools: psychological and physiological.
• AP1841: Mental Health and Crime (15 credits)
  This module will introduce students to the study of mental illness and its correlates with criminal behaviour. Topics covered will include:
  The concept of 'insanity';
  The problem of evidence;
  Competency issues;
  The classification of mental illness: DSM;
  Mental illness and violence;
  Personality disorders (PDs);
  Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder (DSPD);
  Sadistic Personality Disorder (SPD);
  Psychopathy.
  Students will complete a psychological assessment in class from which data is generated and results obtained so that it can be written up in a report style. This assignment is consistent with the standards expected of an academic paper for publication. The report must consist of the following sections: Title; Abstract; Introduction; Literature Review; Method Section; Results; Discussion; References.

Year 2 Modules:

• AP2822: Sexual Offenders (5 credits)
  This module will provide an overview of the aetiology, assessment and treatment of sexually motivated offenders. Topics will include:
  Theories of sexual offending;
  Child Sex Abuse and Paedophilia;
  Rape and Sexual Assault;
  Sex Offender Treatment Programmes;
  Female sex offenders;
  Adolescent sex offenders;
  The role of the internet;
  Victims of sexual abuse;
  Assessment and treatment of sex offenders.
• AP2823: Policing and Investigative Psychology (5 credits)
  This topic will consider all of the ways that psychology can be used or integrated with the processes and procedures of criminal investigation. Topics covered will include:
  The development of policy psychology;
  The origins of investigative psychology;
  Criminal profiling - the facts and the myths, its theoretical models and validity;
  Crime scene analysis;
  Interviewing suspects;
  The psychology of mass murderers and serial killers;
  The psychology of arming police;
  Hostage negotiations;
  Polygraphy.
• AP2824: Psychology of the Courtroom (5 credits)
  This module will provide an overview of the role of psychology in the courtroom and psychologists as expert witnesses. Topics covered will include:
  The role of the expert witness;
  Principles of criminal law, Sentencing policy and practice; Irish and UK legislation;
  Mental, personality and intellectual problems in court;
  Eyewitness testimony and memory;
  Children as witnesses;
  Jury selection;
  Jury decision-making processes;
  Ehical issues;
  Psychological services available to offenders and staff in prisons.
• AP2825: Criminal/Forensic Psychology Project (15 credits)
  This module will provide students with the skills required to present an effective empirical analysis in a specific area of Forensic Psychology. This will also enable students to develop and present a thesis based on contemporary bibliographical sources.

English Language Requirement: All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score.
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)

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.

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.

Dr. Ciara Staunton
Programme Co-ordinator
E: c.staunton@ucc.ie
T: +353 (0)21 490 4718

Dr. Sinead Devine
E: S.Devine@ucc.ie
T: +353 (0)21 490 4718