Course summary

This course will provide you with a unique opportunity to understand how psychological knowledge informs forensic practice. We will provide you with hands-on experience of conducting scientific research on forensic topics alongside the development of core developmental, cognitive, social, and biological skills. Throughout the duration of this undergraduate course, you will have the flexibility to choose from a range of modules. The combination of module choices will allow you to examine all aspects of criminal behaviour from pathways into crime, to crime scene behaviours, and criminal profiling techniques. You will be introduced to the key themes, theories, and research of psychology and forensic psychology at level 4. At level 5 you will take a closer look at social and developmental issues and theories, and be introduced to contemporary topics in Forensic Psychology, including ethical, legal, and moral dilemmas. Level 6 is focused upon a more advanced critical understanding of the specialist topics within forensic psychology, including both research and practice. A core research methods and skills module will run through each year, allowing you to progressively develop your ability to plan and conduct scientific research independently. You will be supported to conduct your own research, work on real-life case studies, and have the opportunity to engage in presentations at relevant professional conferences. The Positive Psychology modules which run in Stage 1 and 3 will help you to develop transferable psychological skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems, whilst supporting emotional wellbeing when studying sensitive topics. You will be invited to talks with external forensic psychology experts in both research and practice, across a range of different careers. This will provide you with invaluable ‘insider’ information and enable you to make informed decisions about your future aspirations within forensic psychology. By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop* to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.