FdSc Psychology with Criminology

Year 1

Core modules

• The Research Process in The Social Sciences (HIGH1047)

  In this module students will examine the key stages in the process of conducting research, including information management and retrieval skills, ICT skills, methodological, technical, political and ethical issues facing researchers. Students will be introduced to the key techniques of descriptive statistics.

• Criminology and the Problem of Crime (HIGH1066)

  This module introduces students to the subject of criminology. It emphasises criminology's multidisciplinarity and the different perspectives, methods and sources of information that it draws upon in developing theories about the different causes and problematisations of crime and deviance.

• Social Psychology: Theory and Practice (HIGH1067)

  This module discusses social psychology as the scientific study of human behaviour, the way behaviour is influenced by others and the social or work context it takes place in. It will provide an introduction to the schools of thought and the central concepts of social psychology including; sense of self, attitudes, social compliance, conformity, obedience to authority, group performance and conflict, interpersonal attraction pro and antisocial behaviour. Additionally, research theories supporting social psychology will be discussed.

• Applied Criminology 1: An Introduction to Criminal Justice and Community Safety (HIGH1070)

  The roles and practices of criminal justice institutions in England, Wales and Jersey, are described and students are introduced to sentencing in different jurisdictions, including sentencing objectives, options and patterns. The module also introduces the concept of the honorary system of informal justice that forms the cornerstone of Jersey practice.

• Developmental Psychology (HIGH1071)

  This module is concerned with psychological change over time. It looks at cognitive, moral and self-concept development as well as the characteristics and consequences of key life stages from adolescence to old age.

• The Psychology of Individual Differences (HIGH1072)

  This module is concerned with the manner in which people differ on characteristics such as personality, intelligence, self-esteem and gender identity. The role of heredity and the environment as causal factors in shaping key facets of our individuality will be examined as will some methodological issues relating to the measurement of these life-long, personal attributes.

Final year

Core modules

• Research Methods in the Social Sciences (HIGH2037)

  This module extends and develops the key academic skills covered in the basic research methods elements from year one; it seeks to facilitate both applied research at the intermediate undergraduate level, and subsequently, the writing of a substantial honour project/dissertations.

• Criminal Justice & Penology (HIGH2053)

• Applied Criminology 2 - Youth Justice, Restorative Justice and Victims of Crime (HIGH2061)

  This module will assess key socio-political issues and debates that have shaped youth justice in modern Britain and the Channel Islands. Students will engage with a range of research focusing upon reactions to crime, with specific focus on restorative justice and how governments (including the States of Jersey) are working towards bringing victims and witnesses of crime to the centre of the justice process.

• Psychology of Abnormal Behaviour (HIGH2062)

  This module will help students understand the theoretical basis, causes, assessment and treatment of a range of psychological difficulties. It provides a degree of continuity to some of the content of the first-year developmental psychology module.

• Cognitive and Biological Psychology (HIGH2063)

  This module will allow students to understand our common cognitive processes. It will also outline the characteristics and functioning of some the biological bases of behaviour. The role of imaging, neurological case studies and localisation of function, common to both areas, will be emphasised.

• Work Based Learning (HIGH2065)

  This module allows students to experience a short work placement within an organisational setting. The focus is to allow students to carry out work activities using key skills developed both within this and other modules, and to contextualise their experiences within the workplace. To develop an understanding of the links between theory and practice.