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Course & Unit Catalogues


PS52040: Assessment and intervention with offenders and victims

[Page last updated: 15 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Psychology
Credits: 15 [equivalent to 30 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 300
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Modular - September Start (M02)
Assessment Summary: CWOI 40%, CWRI 60%
Assessment Detail:
  • Professional assessment and formulation report (CWRI 60%)
  • Oral presentation - theory practice links (CWOI 40%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit, you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of different approaches to assessment, formulation and interventions in forensic contexts.
  • Evaluate the processes and the tools of assessment, formulation and interventions in a variety of forensic contexts.
  • Apply knowledge of assessment and basic risk formulations in skills-based activities using case vignettes and/or video clips.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the range of interventions available for forensic psychologists.
  • Communicate psychological knowledge ethically and professionally.



Synopsis: Familiarise yourself with the concepts of assessment, case formulation and evidence-based interventions in forensic psychological practice. Study key psychological approaches and models relating to the management and treatment of offenders and victims of crime, including the interplay between offending and victimisation. You'll also evaluate key issues of risk assessment and the delivery of psychological interventions, e.g., ethical practice, managing clinical risk and being trauma-informed.

Content: This unit will develop theory-practice links, building on knowledge gained in Fundamentals of Psychology, Crime and Law. Sessions in this unit will provide an overview of forensic assessments and psychological formulation from a variety of different therapeutic models and with a range of presentations. You will develop a range of assessment skills relevant to Forensic Psychology practice working with a variety of clients (victim and offender), and offence types. In addition, the unit will explore key considerations within the field of forensics that are essential for appropriate risk assessment. For example, adaptations required to work forensically with a range of populations such as women, children, trauma, diversity. Furthermore, you will be introduced to the concept of formulation and how this is applied in Forensic Psychology practice to increase understanding and reduce risk. You will also gain a critical understanding of evidenced-based interventions for working with forensic clients. This unit particularly covers the BPS curriculum areas: 1. Interventions 2. Legal and Criminal Justice context (e.g., interdisciplinary and multiagency work) 3. Different client groups (e.g., offenders, families, children, gangs, etc.) 4. Variety of forensic settings (e.g., prisons, secure units, community services) Plus, development of BPS Core Skills: 5. Critical evaluation of current knowledge, theory and evidence-base - focused on delivery of forensic interventions (both strengths and desistence perspectives) 6. Identifying and developing skills and capabilities relevant to forensic psychology practice (e.g., working with diversity, trauma, dual-diagnosis) 7. Applying relevant ethical, legal and professional practice frameworks 8. Communicating effectively (verbally and non-verbally) - critical review assignment and oral presentation

Course availability:

PS52040 is a Must Pass Unit on the following courses:

Department of Psychology
  • THPS-AWM31 : MSc Applied Forensic Psychology with Placement

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.