This module will introduce students to the utility of criminal psychology within the criminal justice context. It will introduce students to various topics such as the history of criminal psychology, how the field has been shaped, theories, the emergence, persistence and desistence of offending. The module will help students develop an understanding of criminal psychology and its importance in criminal justice contexts from different perspectives.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
Optional module on the BSc in Social Sciences and BA Criminal Justice and Criminology programmes
Main assessment methods
Coursework – essay (3000 words) – 100%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
Farrington, D. P., Coid, J.W., and Murray, J. (2009). 'Family factors in the intergenerational transmission of offending'. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, Vol. 19, Issue 2, pp. 109-124.
Kapardis, A. (2014). Psychology and Law: A critical Perspective (Fourth Edition). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press [e-book]
Lickliter, R., and Honeycutt, H. (2003). 'Developmental dynamics: Toward a biologically plausible evolutionary psychology'. Psychological Bulletin, Vol. 129, Issue 6, pp. 819-835.
Moffitt, T. E. (1993). ‘Adolescence-limited and life-course-persistent antisocial behaviour: A developmental taxonomy’. Psychological Review, Vol. 100, Issue 4, pp. 647-701.
Moffitt, T. E. and Caspi, A. (2001). ‘Childhood predictors differentiate life-course persistent and adolescent-limited antisocial pathways among males and females’. Development and Psychopathology, Vol. 13, Issue 2, pp. 355-375.
Serin, R. C. and Lloyd, C. D. (2009). ‘Examining the process of offender change: the transition to crime desistance’. Psychology, Crime, & Law, Vol. 15, Issue 4, pp. 347-364.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the development of the field of Criminal Psychology.
8.2 Demonstrate critical knowledge about the utility of criminal psychology in criminal justice.
8.3 Demonstrate a critical understanding of different perspectives in criminal psychology and how to utilise them.
8.4 Understand and critically assess theories utilised in the field of criminal psychology.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Organise material and communicate clearly in written essays.
9.2 Demonstrate problem-solving, critical thinking, and research skills, including the ability to evaluate evidence.
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