Skip to main content
Home

Information for:

  • Alumni
  • Applicants
  • Current Students
  • Staff
  • Parents
  • Job Vacancies
  • Covid-19
  • Cymraeg
My country:

Main Menu

    • Study Options
      • Study Home
      • Why Study at Bangor?
      • Undergraduate Study
      • Postgraduate Taught Study
      • Postgraduate Research
      • Part-time Courses
      • January Start Courses
      • Degree Apprenticeships
      • Study Abroad
      • Work Experience
    • Study Advice
      • Apply
      • Already Applied?
      • Fees and Finances
      • Scholarships and Bursaries
      • Get Ready for University
    • Explore Bangor
      • Open Days and Visits
      • Virtual Student Experience

    Find a Course

    Order a Prospectus

    • Student Life
      • Student Life Home
      • Bangor and the Area
      • Social Life and Entertainment
      • Accommodation
      • Clubs and Societies
      • Sport
      • Virtual Student Experience
    • Your Experience at Bangor
      • Student Support
      • Skills and Employability
      • Study or Work Abroad
      • Fees and Finances

    Student Profiles

    Student Videos and Vlogs

    • Choose Bangor
      • International Home
      • Why Bangor?
      • Location
      • Accommodation
      • Student Support
      • Contact Us
    • Apply
      • Entry Requirements
      • Tuition Fees and Scholarships
      • How to Apply
      • Already Applied
      • Study Abroad
      • Exchanges

    Country Specific Information

    Join us on a Virtual Open Day

    Bangor University International College

    Covid-19 Information

    • Research
      • Research Home
      • About Our Research
      • Research in our Academic Schools
      • Research Institutes and Centres
      • Research Portal
      • Research, Innovation and Impact Office (RIIO)
      • Energy
      • Research News
    • Postgraduate Research Opportunities
      • Postgraduate Research
      • Doctoral School
    • Events and Training Opportunities
      • Researcher Development
    • The University
      • About Us
      • Our Mission
      • Strategy 2030
      • Annual Review
      • Our Location
      • Academic Schools and Colleges
      • Services and Facilities
      • Vice Chancellor’s Office
      • Working with Business
      • Working with the Community
      • Sustainability
      • Health and Wellbeing
      • Contact Us
    • Working for Us
      • Job Vacancies
    • University Management and Governance
      • Policies and Procedures
      • Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
      • Management and Governance
    • University and the Community
      • Pontio
      • Sports Facilities
      • Conference Facilities
      • Places to Eat and Drink
      • Public Events
      • Widening Access
      • Services to Schools
    • Business Services
      • Business Services Home
    • Collaboration Hub
      • Collaboration Hub
      • Funding for Collaborative Research and Development (R&D) & Innovation
      • Business Facilities and Networks
      • Consultancy, Specialist Expertise and Knowledge
      • Commercialisation and Intellectual Property (IP)
      • Student Placements and Internships in Business & Enterprise
      • Training and Continuing Professional Development
      • Degree Apprenticeships
    • Conferencing and Business Dining
      • Conferencing Facilities
      • Business Dining
    • Contacts
      • Research, Innovation and Impact Office (RIIO)
      • Get In Touch
    • News
      • Current News
      • Research News
      • Student News
    • Events
      • Events

    • Study Options
      • Study Home
      • Why Study at Bangor?
      • Undergraduate Study
      • Postgraduate Taught Study
      • Postgraduate Research
      • Part-time Courses
      • January Start Courses
      • Degree Apprenticeships
      • Study Abroad
      • Work Experience
    • Study Advice
      • Apply
      • Already Applied?
      • Fees and Finances
      • Scholarships and Bursaries
      • Get Ready for University
    • Explore Bangor
      • Virtual Open Days and Visits
      • Virtual Student Experience

    Find a Course

    Order a Prospectus

    • Student Life
      • Student Life Home
      • Bangor and the Area
      • Social Life and Entertainment
      • Accommodation
      • Clubs and Societies
      • Sport
      • Virtual Student Experience
    • Your Experience at Bangor
      • Student Support
      • Skills and Employability
      • Study or Work Abroad
      • Fees and Finances

    Student Profiles

    Student Videos and Vlogs

    • Choose Bangor
      • International Home
      • Why Bangor?
      • Location
      • Student Support
      • Contact Us
    • Apply
      • Entry Requirements
      • Tuition Fees and Scholarships
      • How to Apply
      • Already Applied
      • Study Abroad
      • Exchanges

    Country Specific Information

    Join us on a Virtual Open Day

    Bangor University International College

    Covid-19 Information

    • Research
      • Research Home
      • About Our Research
      • Research in our Academic Schools
      • Research Institutes and Centres
      • Research Portal
      • Research, Innovation and Impact Office (RIIO)
      • Energy
      • Research News
    • Postgraduate Research Opportunities
      • Postgraduate Research
      • Doctoral School
    • Events and Training Opportunities
      • Researcher Development
    • The University
      • About Us
      • Our Mission
      • Strategy 2030
      • Annual Review
      • Our Location
      • Academic Schools and Colleges
      • Services and Facilities
      • Vice Chancellor’s Office
      • Working with Business
      • Working with the Community
      • Sustainability
      • Health and Wellbeing
      • Contact Us
    • Working for Us
      • Job Vacancies
    • University Management and Governance
      • Policies and Procedures
      • Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
      • Management and Governance
    • University and the Community
      • Pontio
      • Sports Facilities
      • Conference Facilities
      • Places to Eat and Drink
      • Public Events
      • Widening Access
      • Services to Schools
    • Business Services
      • Business Services Home
    • Collaboration Hub
      • Collaboration Hub
      • Funding for Collaborative Research and Development (R&D) & Innovation
      • Business Facilities and Networks
      • Consultancy, Specialist Expertise and Knowledge
      • Commercialisation and Intellectual Property (IP)
      • Student Placements and Internships in Business & Enterprise
      • Training and Continuing Professional Development
      • Degree Apprenticeships
    • Conferencing and Business Dining
      • Conferencing Facilities
      • Business Dining
    • Contacts
      • Research, Innovation and Impact Office (RIIO)
      • Get In Touch
    • News
      • Current News
      • Research News
      • Student News
    • Events
      • Events

Information for:

  • Alumni
  • Applicants
  • Current Students
  • Staff
  • Parents
  • Job Vacancies
  • Covid-19
My country:

Search

Close

Breadcrumb

  • Cymraeg

Share this page:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Apply Now

Find out how to apply

Register your interest in postgraduate study

More...

Postgraduate Fair

Find out more

Postgraduate Tuition Fees

View our full tuition fees information

Module PSP-1002:
Criminal Psychology

Module Facts

Run by School of Human and Behavioural Sciences

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Simon Viktor

Overall aims and purpose

The module will give students an introduction to some of the main bio-psychosocial constructs associated with criminally-related attitudes, cognitions, emotions, behaviours and identify how these constructs may (or may not) be related to the engagement in different types of criminal activity (e.g., general and violent crime). It will then go on to examine some of the key principles associated with the role of the criminal justice system (CJS) in our society before addressing the nature and purpose of crime and punishment within our society. The module will also provide a foundation for those taking Forensic Psychology in Year 3.

Course content

Indicative content for the module includes some of the key theories within criminal psychology (e.g., developmental, social learning theory and personality) and identify the role they may or may not part in criminally-related behaviour (e.g., general-crime etc.). It will also introduce some of the practices and principles used with the Criminal Justice System (CJS) to punish criminal offenders.

Assessment Criteria

good

Shows a good coverage of the topic area. Shows a good level of clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates a good level of depth of insight into theoretical issues. Shows a good level of background reading and study. A fairly focused answer that is reasonably structured and written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Some grammatical and punctuation errors. Shows some level of original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Shows some evaluation of the evidence base presented, rather than just being a shallow over-view. Has a reasonable evidence base (Grade level: B- to B+).

excellent

Shows a comprehensive and accurate coverage of the topic area. Shows good clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates depth of insight into theoretical issues. Shows extensive background reading and study. A highly focused answer that is well structured and written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Few grammatical and punctuation errors. Shows original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Evaluates the evidence base presented, rather than being a shallow over-view without any depth of understanding. Has a good evidence base (Grade level: A- to A*).

C- to C+

Shows a poor coverage of the topic area. Has poor clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates a weak insight into theoretical issues. Shows limited background reading and study. A poorly focused answer that is unstructured and not written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Many grammatical and punctuation errors. Fails to show any original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Fails to evaluate the evidence base presented, it is just a shallow over-view without any depth of understanding or meaning. Has a weak evidence base (Grade level: D+ to D-).

threshold

Shows a weak coverage of the topic area. Shows a weak level of clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates a weal level of depth of insight into theoretical issues. Shows a weak level of background reading and study. A weakly focused answer that is weakly structured and written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Some grammatical and punctuation errors. Shows some level of original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Shows some evaluation of the evidence base presented, rather than just being a shallow over-view. Has a reasonable evidence base (Grade level: C- to C+).

Learning outcomes

  1. To clarify how scientific and research methodologies are employed in criminal psychology.

  2. To identify and describe elements of the criminal justice system and its processes.

  3. To be able to describe psychological theories of criminal behaviour.

  4. To be able to describe different bio-psychosocial theories that account for criminal behaviour

  5. To develop a foundation knowledge of criminal psychology

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
COURSEWORK Essay

A choice of essay titles will be provided for students to choose from - The word limit is 1000 words and the script must be submitted in APA style and format.

50.00
EXAM Final exam

They will will provide responses to two-long answer questions from a choice during the 1.5 hr final exam.

50.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

12x2 hr lectures to be delivered in person (or online depending on the pandemic situation)

24
Private study

76 hours of self-directed learning to include: (1) Core reading for lectures, (2) the written coursework assessment and (3) final exam. This will also allow for engagement in interactive weekly drop in sessions and the discussion board in Blackboard if the module is run online.

76

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Subject specific skills

  • Understand the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
  • Apply multiple perspectives to psychological issues and integrate ideas and findings across the multiple perspectives in psychology.
  • Communicate psychological concepts effectively in written form.
  • Be computer literate for the purpose of processing and disseminating psychological data and information.
  • Retrieve and organise information effectively.
  • Handle primary source material critically.
  • Be sensitive and react appropriately to contextual and interpersonal psychological factors.
  • Use effectively personal planning and project management skills.
  • Work effectively under pressure (time pressure, limited resources, etc) as independent and pragmatic learners.
  • Problem-solve by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions, making critical judgements, and evaluating outcomes.
  • Reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence.
  • Understand and investigate the role of brain function in all human behaviour and experience.
  • Comprehend and use psychological data effectively, demonstrating a systematic knowledge of the application and limitations of various research paradigms and techniques.
  • Employ evidence-based reasoning and examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues associated with the use of different methodologies, paradigms and methods of analysis in psychology.

Resources

Resource implications for students

Some printing costs for ‘journal articles’ may also be incurred - however these can be read on any internet enabled device.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/psp-1002.html

Reading list

Core Textbook: Criminal Psychology (Topics in Applied Psychology) by David Canter (2nd Edition, 2017) - this is a UK based source.

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

  • X320: BA Astudiaethau Plentyndod ac Ieuenctid a Seicoleg year 1 (BA/APIS)
  • LC31: BA Criminology & Crim Justice & Psychology (with Int Exp) year 1 (BA/CCJPIE)
  • MC98: BA Criminology/Psychology year 1 (BA/CRP)
  • X319: BA Childhood and Youth Studies and Psychology year 1 (BA/CYP)
  • CQ83: BA English Language & Psychology year 1 (BA/ELPSY)
  • R181: BA French with Psychology (with International Experience) year 1 (BA/FPIE)
  • R2C8: BA German with Psychology year 1 (BA/GPSY)
  • CL83: BA Sociology/Psychology year 1 (BA/PS)
  • CL84: BA Social Policy/Psychology year 1 (BA/SPP)
  • C880: BSC Psych with Cl & Hlth Psych year 1 (BSC/PHS)
  • C88B: BSc Psychology w Clin & Health Psy (4yr with Incorp Found) year 1 (BSC/PHS1)
  • 8X44: BSc Psychology with Clinical & Health Psychology (Int Exp) year 1 (BSC/PHSIE)
  • C88P: BSc Psychology with Clinical & Health Psy with Placement Yr year 1 (BSC/PHSP)
  • C804: BSc Psychology (with International Experience) year 1 (BSC/PIE)
  • C800: BSC Psychology year 1 (BSC/PS)
  • C81B: BSc Psychology (4 year with Incorporated Foundation) year 1 (BSC/PS1)
  • C80F: BSc Psychology year 1 (BSC/PSF)
  • C80P: BSc Psychology with Placement Year year 1 (BSC/PSP)
  • C813: BSc Psychology with Forensic Psychology year 1 (BSC/PSYFP)
  • C84B: BSc Psychology with Forensic Psych (4 yr with Incorp Foundn) year 2 (BSC/PSYFP1)
  • C81P: BSc Psychology with Forensic Psychology with Placement Year year 1 (BSC/PSYFPP)
  • C801: BSC Psychol w Neuropsychol year 1 (BSC/PSYN)
  • C83B: BSc Psychology with Neuropsychology (4yr with Incorp Found) year 1 (BSC/PSYN1)
  • C809: BSc Psychology with Neuropsy (with International Experience) year 1 (BSC/PSYNIE)
  • C84P: BSc Psychology with Neuropsychology with Placement Year year 1 (BSC/PSYNP)

Optional in courses:

  • R1C8: BA French with Psychology year 1 (BA/FPSY)
  • M1C8: LLB Law with Psychology year 1 (LLB/LPSY)

Home

Study

  • Postgraduate Taught Study
Home

Follow Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn

Bangor University

Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG, UK

+44 (0)1248 351151

Contact Us

Visit Us

Maps & Directions

Policy

  • Legal Compliance
  • Modern Slavery Act 2015 Statement
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy and Cookies
  • Welsh Language Policy
Map

Bangor University is a Registered Charity: No. 1141565

© 2020 Bangor University