Psychology with Forensic Applications with foundation year

Please note: this course was previously advertised as Forensic and Criminal Psychology BSc (Hons). The title has changed to Psychology with Forensic Applications BSc (Hons). Course content, teaching and accreditation status remain unchanged.

Intrigued by the criminal mind? Explore psychological theories behind criminal behaviour and how psychology can help us understand the criminal justice system and work effectively with offenders and support victims.

Please note that the foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year 1 of the degree onwards will be from the Coventry University campus.

Foundation year
The foundation year course offers an introduction to your chosen subject and helps you develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. In addition, you will also explore key skills such as research methods, scientific fundamentals and promotion techniques.

Degree
Understand criminal behaviour and discover how psychology has shaped the forensic field. Prepare to work in forensic psychology careers such as interventions and rehabilitation, therapeutic interventions and law enforcement, while enhancing your knowledge of the various stages of the criminal justice system.

Industry-focused: specialist modules delve deeply into forensic psychology, aiming to prepare you for an exciting career in this fascinating field by applying psychological knowledge to real-world case studies and examples of real criminal behaviours.
Modern curriculum: explore contemporary topics like the psychology of cybercrime, offender rehabilitation and international perspectives on crime.
Applied learning: participate in engaging and immersive learning activities in our mock police custody suite and prison cells, and simulated trials in our mock courtroom.

Why you should study this course
Foundation year

• Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.

• Provides a grounding in key areas of health, education, psychology and wellbeing.

Degree

• Professional accreditation: successfully completing this course to the required standard of accreditation means you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS), which is necessary for further postgraduate study in psychology (including professional doctorates). See accreditation section for more information.

• Career-focused: develop the skills required to embark on a career in forensic psychology, such as working effectively as part of a team, critical analysis and thinking, problem-solving, in addition to being able to communicate with different groups of people and understanding current debates and issues in forensic psychology.

• Diverse voices: learn from a multidisciplinary teaching team from diverse backgrounds who aim to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded perspective on forensic psychology. The expert academic staff teaching this course have strong connections with industry professionals, offering you opportunities to engage with them through guest lectures and volunteer experiences.

• Psychology in action: through problem-based learning, you will actively engage in real-world, meaningful projects. Work on complex problems in the realm of forensic psychology, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication. This should showcase your expertise and readiness to make an impact in the world of forensic psychology.

• Innovative learning tools and dedicated technicians: access a range of programmes to support your studies, including statistical and research methods software. Our dedicated psychology technicians are also on hand to support you in experiment design, data analysis and use of psychology lab equipment.

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Course Modules

What you’ll study

Modules:
Skills for Professional Development
Psychology of Learning and Development
Health and Disease
Promoting Health and Wellbeing

Year One
This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses:
Forensic and Criminal Psychology BSc (Hons)
Psychology BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Education BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Sports and Exercise BSc (Hons)

Modules:
Biological Basis of Behaviour
The Psychology of Human Interaction
Mental Processes: From Thought to Action
Development Across the Lifespan

Year Two
Modules:
Science of the Mind
Developing Self and Identity in the Social World
Forensic Cyber Psychology
Psychology in Forensic Contexts

Sandwich Year
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They are a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Final Year
Modules:
Project Planning and Ethics in Psychology
Independent Research Project
Forensic Risk and Rehabilitation
Optional Modules:
Forensic Psychopathology
Aggression, Violence and Serious Offending