How To Learn Forensic Psychology

Transcription

1 Programme Specification MSc Forensic Psychology and Crime Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

2 CONTENTS Page No. Introduction Part 1: Programme Specification 1-9 Basic Programme information 10 Educational Aims of the Programme 11 Intended Learning Outcomes 12 Programme Structure and Requirements 13 Support for Students and their Learning 14 Criteria for Admission 15 Methods for Evaluation and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and Learning 16 Regulation of Assessment 17 Indicators of Quality and Standards 18 Additional Information 19 List of mandatory and core option modules 20 Curriculum Map Part 2: Supporting information 1 Relationship to the national Qualifications Framework, Subject Benchmarks and Professional/Statutory Body requirements 2 Teaching and Learning Strategy 3 Assessment Strategy 4 Programme/Course management 5 Compliance with the University s Academic Regulations and Current Legislation 6 Entry Requirements and Selection Procedures

3 Introduction The online part-time MSc Forensic Psychology and Crime course was approved in December 2005 with its first cohort of students enrolling in January The course was accredited by the British Psychological Society in January 2008 and provides exemption from Stage 1 of the route to Chartered Forensic Psychologist status. The course offers graduate students the opportunity to study towards a professional qualification whilst also continuing in employment. Students complete the course in three years of part-time study which includes a four-day residential period in both Years 1 and 2, and the completion of the empirical dissertation in Year 3. The course runs January-December. Initial enrolment targets were 15 per cohort, but this has been exceeded with the 2008 cohort. The mode of delivery allows for substantial increases in targets but staffing levels will need to increase in order to meet BPS accreditation criteria if recruitment targets increase. 2

4 Part 1: Programme Specification for MSc Forensic Psychology and Crime 1 Available Award(s) and Modes of Study Title of Award * Mode* UCAS Code FHEQ Level* MSc Forensic Psychology and Crime PT 3yrs N/a M PGD Forensic Psychology and Crime PT 2yrs N/a M PGC Forensic Psychology and Crime PT 1yr Qualification descriptors can be found at 2 Awarding Institution/Body Coventry University 3 Teaching Institution Coventry University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Psychology 4 Internal Approval/Review Dates N/a Date of approval/latest review: 21/12/2005 / 2008 Date for next review: Programme Accredited by British Psychological Society (Division of Forensic Psychology) 6 Accreditation Date and Duration 7 QAA Subject Benchmark Statement(s) and/or other external factors 8 Date of Programme Specification 9 Programme Manager/Course Tutor January 2008 Re-accreditation Visit due Entry to the course is dependent on applicants possessing the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) with the British Psychological Society. This means they have taken an accredited psychology undergraduate course which meets the QAA subject benchmark for Psychology as well as the accreditation criteria of the BPS. The MSc Forensic Psychology and Crime was designed to meet the requirements of Stage 1 of the BPS Diploma in Forensic Psychology. April, 2008, April 2012, November 2012, June 2014 The Course Director is Dr Emma Sleath. 10 Educational Aims of the Programme The MSc Forensic Psychology and Crime was designed to meet the accreditation criteria of the British Psychological Society Division of Forensic Psychology, and thus to provide exemption from Stage 1 of the BPS Diploma in Forensic Psychology. In line with QAA requirements this Masters level course is informed by the academic and professional discipline of forensic psychology. On successful completion of the programme students will be able to: - demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge pertinent to forensic psychology - indicate how they can deal with complex issues systematically and creatively - illustrate the extent to which they understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research - display competence in research methodology and data analysis - critically evaluate literature - successfully complete an independently conducted research study in forensic psychology - demonstrate the skills and qualities for employment in a forensic setting, for instance the demonstration of sound judgement, critical reflection, and personal responsibility M 3

5 11 Intended Learning Outcomes The MSc Forensic Psychology and Crime programme should enable students to: * aquire the knowledge and skills to equip them for a career in forensic psychology * secure exemption from the Stage 1 of the process of becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist * develop competence in applying psychological knowledge and skills to the practice of forensic psychology * demonstrate competence in theoretical and methodological aspects of forensic psychology at Masters level * develop critical and evaluative skills in relation to psychological literature * utilise knowledge of research methods and ethical procedures in order to undertake an independent empirical investigation in the field of forensic psychology * develop and consolidate a range of transferable and professional skills thereby enhancing employment and promotion opportunities The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods normally used on the programme to achieve these learning outcomes are identified below Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: KU1 KU2 KU3 KU4 KU5 KU6 The theoretical principles of psychological, criminological and legal knowledge as applied to forensic settings Psychological research methods and data analysis techniques The relevance of theory and research to professional practice Methods of working with specific client groups encountered in forensic settings Contemporary developments in forensic psychology, criminology and law. The workings and procedures of the English and Welsh criminal and civil justice systems. The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods normally used to enable these outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated are identified below. KU1- KU6 Teaching and Learning Online lectures, discussion groups, activities, quizzes, access to journal articles and book chapters (via Resource Lists), attendance at residential schools Assessment Essays, practical reports, examinations, literature reviews, dissertation 4

6 11.2 Cognitive (thinking) Skills* On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to: CS1 demonstrate a systematic understanding of psychological, criminological and legal theory and methods CS2 critically evaluate research findings in the field of forensic psychology CS3 synthesise information from a range of sources in order to demonstrate a coherent understanding of the links between theory and practice CS4 communicate advanced ideas in an accessible way which demonstrates a conceptual understanding of current developments within forensic settings CS5 design, conduct and evaluate research in an area of forensic psychology The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods normally used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated are identified below. CS1- CS5 Teaching and Learning Online materials, group discussions, lectures, tutorials, access to journal articles and book chapters (via Resource Lists), attendance at residential schools. Assessment Essays, practical reports, examinations, literature reviews, dissertation 11.3 Practical Skills* On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to: PS1 PS2 PS3 demonstrate awareness of the need to work professionally in accordance with appropriate ethical codes of conduct produce professional reports based on theoretical concepts and knowledge evaluate and apply research findings to professional practice The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods normally used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated are identified below. PS1- PS3 Teaching and Learning Lectures, demonstrations, case studies, guest speakers, attendance at residential schools. Assessment Presentations, dissertation, reports 5

7 11.4 Transferable Skills On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to: TS1 TS2 TS3 TS4 communicate effectively to different audiences use effective self-management strategies to organise time and workloads take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development, understanding future career opportunities and challenges utilise information technology effectively and efficiently Transferable/key skills are generally incorporated within modules and relate to relevant assessments as appropriate. Self-directed learning forms an element of all modules and the necessity to work within tight deadlines is an essential requirement across the curriculum. The ability to communicate orally and in writing will be developed across the range of modules and demonstrated in assignments, examinations, and presentations. The use of information technology is an integral component of online learning and all students are trained in the systems used (CUOnline) during Induction. 6

8 12 Programme Structure and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards The course is modular, offered on a part-time basis, and is delivered by online learning with a mandatory residential school component each year. Students will normally complete the course in three years (maximum of eight years), completing 60 credits each year. Students cannot complete the course in less than three years.. All modules are mandatory. For an MSc award students are required to complete 180 credits, including the 60-credit dissertation. There are 5 core content modules, 1 practice and application module, 1 law module, a double research methods module and a 60-credit dissertation, totalling 180 credits for the whole course. Each 10-credit module represents approximately 100 student effort hours, and each 20-credit module represents approximately 200 student effort hours. Students who achieve a total of 60 credits can be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology and Crime. Students who achieve a total of 120 credits, excluding the dissertation, can be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Crime. The mandatory modules within the course, the module credit ratings, and possible awards are: Code Module Title Credits Award M71PY Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour 20 M72PY Research Methods in Psychology 20 M73PY Violent Crime 10 M74PY Criminal and Civil Justice Responses to Crime 10 PGC M49CLS Introduction to the English Legal System 10 M75PY Psychology in Forensic Decision Making 10 M76PY Practice and Contemporary Developments in Forensic Psychology 20 M77PY Risk Assessment and Offender Programmes 20 PGD M114PY Dissertation in Forensic Psychology 60 MSc All modules cover the skills and knowledge required for accreditation by the British Psychological Society. M72PY and M76PY have a residential component of four days in June of Years 1 and 2, and Year 3 students attend a one-day workshop on the dissertation. No modules are condonable within this course. All modules must be passed with a minimum mark of 40% to be awarded the MSc. 7

9 13 Support for Students and their Learning All students attend a two day induction programme at the start of Year 1 and 2, and a four-day residential programme in the June of Years 1 and 2. During the Induction Programme they are taught how to use the online system of course and module delivery, and they also attend an electronic information-retrieval course. During the residential programme they have lectures from guest speakers and engage in group activities to assist the development of key skills such as data analysis, and risk assessment. All students are allocated a Personal Tutor, and are given access to the MSc Forensic Psychology and Crime Programme Web, which hold a comprehensive amount of documentation and guidance, including the Student Handbook. All Modules have their own web which contains the Module Guide, relevant articles, all module materials, and activities to engage students in discussion of key topics. The Module Guide contains a full reading list, uploaded within Resource Lists and linked (wherever necessary) to the CURVE repository. Module Leaders and the Course Director regularly access their module and programme webs in order to check mail and discussion forum entries, and online office hours are posted. Support is also provided to students from technicians in the E-Learning Centre, via the 24/7 Helpline, and the campus-based Course Administrator. Reasonable adjustments can be made to the teaching, learning, and assessment on the course to assist students with disabilities, and each application will be viewed on an individual basis. 14 Criteria for Admission Admission to the course requires a level of psychological knowledge and skills which would normally be provided by an accredited Honours degree in Psychology. The entry requirement would therefore normally be: * a degree which provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society, or equivalent, and * an upper second or first class award Students who do not meet the second condition may be considered under the following criteria if they have a lower second award: * evidence of significant practical experience in a relevant area * an additional qualification that is relevant to forensic psychology * Applicants for whom English is not their first language must also be able to demonstrate IETLS 6.5. University regulations state that where appropriate students can normally attend a 5 week campus based English course if their IELTS score is 6.0. However for students enrolled on an online non-campus based course this would require additional funding, travel and accommodation which is not believed to be feasible. It is therefore not offered as an option for applicants to the MSc Forensic Psychology and Crime course. 8

10 15 Method for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and Learning The Programme is managed by the Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Board of Studies of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. The Programme Assessment Board (PAB) for Psychology and Behavioural Sciences is responsible for considering the progress of all students and making awards in accordance with both the University and course-specific regulations. The assurance of the quality of modules is the responsibility of the Boards of Studies which contribute modules to the programme (in this case Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, and Law). External Examiners report annually on the programme and their views are considered as part of the annual quality monitoring process (AQM). Details of the AQM process can be found on the Registry s web site. Students are represented on the Student Forum, Board of Studies and Faculty Board. Student views are also sought through module and course evaluation questionnaires. 9

11 16 Regulation of Assessment University policy requires the internal moderation of all assessments. External Examiners are appointed for all named University awards. The role of the External Examiner at module level is to ensure that academic standards are in line with national norms for the subject. External Examiners undertake the moderation of examination papers and assessment tasks, and view representative samples of work for the modules for which they have responsibility. At programme level, External Examiners help to ensure fairness in the consideration of student progression and awards. They have the right to comment on all aspects of the assessment system and participate as full members of the assessment boards. The Pass mark for all modules is 40%. This overall module mark may comprise more than one component (e.g. coursework and exam). The individual module descriptors give the precise pass criteria and the weighting of the component marks that contribute to the overall module mark. In addition, as per professional accreditation requirements, all modules except the dissertation require students to demonstrate engagement with the course (demonstrate interaction with the online materials and participate in online activities and discussion forums as required). Students who engage at a minimum of 80% or more of the module's learning materials will pass this element. Students who engage with between 60 and 79% of the module's learning materials will fail the module and be allowed to resit the module, with the submission of additional assessment set by the module leader to demonstrate learning of the originally missed materials. Students who engage with below 60% of the module's learning materials, and students who are required to resit this component but who fail to submit appropriate level additional coursework will fail this element: Such students will be required to re-take the module. In order to allow students sufficient time to complete the dissertation module in year three, level 2 students must have submitted an acceptable dissertation proposal by the end of October of their level 2 year of study. Failure to do so will mean that students will not be permitted to enrol on the dissertation module in the following year. Additionally, level three students must submit an ethics proposal, approved by their supervisor, to the University ethics committee by the end of March of their level 3 year of study. Failure to do so will result in the student being withdrawn from the module/course. Awards for Taught Masters programmes may be made with Distinction or with Merit under the following circumstances: a) a student who, at the first attempt, achieves an average of at least 70% in the 150 credits worth of level M modules with the highest marks taken in a Masters programme, shall be eligible for the award of a Masters degree with Distinction; b) a student who achieves an average of at least 60% but less than 70% under the above calculations shall be eligible for an award with Merit. 17 Indicators of Quality and Standards The Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences has high student satisfaction ratings as shown in the National Student Satisfaction Survey, and the authority of staff to deliver high quality postgraduate courses is evidenced by their active involvement in consultancy, income generation, professional body work, and applied research. Forensic Psychology staff make a significant contribution to the Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour, and Achievement under the Violence and Interpersonal Agression theme, which is highly productive. Key members of the course team are chartered and/or HCPC registered forensic psychologists, research active and members of the aforementioned Research Group and are active in a number of organisations external to the University. 10

12 18 Additional Information Key sources of information about the course and student support can be found in: Accrediting/professional body website ( Student Course Handbook Module Guides Module Information Directory ( National Student Satisfaction Survey Student support information is accessible from the CU Student Portal This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content, and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the Module Information Directory (MID), student module guide(s) and the course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the University and may be verified by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. 11

13 Course A 19 Mandatory and Option Modules Module code Module title Credit value Pre/Co requisite Status M71PY Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour 20 M M72PY Research Methods in Psychology 20 M M73PY Violent Crime 10 M M74PY Criminal and Civil Justice Responses to Crime 10 M M49CLS Introduction to the English Legal System 10 M M75PY Psychology in Forensic Decision Making 10 M M76PY Practice and Contemporary Developments in Forensic Psychology 20 M M77PY Risk Assessment and Offender Programmes 20 M M114PY Dissertation in Forensic Psychology 60 M Key M = Mandatory (i.e. must be studied and passed) O = Option 12

14 20 Curriculum Map Intended Learning Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding Cognitive Skills Practical Skills Transferable Skills Module codes KU1 KU2 KU3 KU4 KU5 KU6 CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4 CS5 PS1 PS2 PS3 TS1 TS2 TS3 TS4 M71PY M72PY M73PY M74PY M75PY M76PY M77PY M49CLS M114PY 13

15 Part 2: Supporting Information for MSc Forensic Psychology and Crime 1 Relationship to the National Qualifications Framework, Subject Benchmarks and Professional/Statutory Body requirements The course was designed to meet the accreditation requirements of the British Psychological Society s Division of Forensic Psychology, and in January 2008 (following an accreditation visit in November 2006) the course was accredited. The course was also designed to meet the criteria for M level study as outlined by the Quality Assurance Agency Framework for HE Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (2001), namely: Much of the study undertaken at Masters level will have been at, or informed by, the forefront of an academic or professional discipline. Students will have shown originality in the application of knowledge, and they will understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research. They will be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and they will show originality in tackling and solving problems. They will have the qualities needed for employment in circumstances requiring sound judgement, personal responsibility and initiative, in complex and unpredictable professional environments. 2 Teaching and Learning Strategy The teaching and learning strategies employed on the course reflect the university policy documents in these areas, and key elements are autonomy, reflection, critical evaluation, and innovation. The course team has liaised with the Faculty Learning Technologist, the Faculty Teaching Development Fellow, and the E-Learning Centre to develop an innovative online course which also provides an opportunity for the development of practitioner skills within the residential components. Personal development planning is an integral component of key modules in the course which emphasise practitioner skills, and the Programme Web also features information and advice about careers. The course is also informed by teaching and research excellence the course team includes staff who are active researchers and/or practitioners. Key features are thus: 1. Reflective and autonomous learning the nature of the curriculum design focuses on developing student skills in reflection and independent learning. Students are encouraged to apply theoretical ideas to practitioner/real life scenarios and to reflect on how best to achieve an appropriate outcome. 2. Critical evaluation one of the key aims of the course is to facilitate the development of a critically evaluative approach to theory and research in order to ensure that evidence-based practice is informed by criticality rather than a passive acceptance of previous practice. 3. Online learning the course was the first Masters level course in the university to be delivered entirely by online learning and drew on the course team s expertise and enthusiasm for CUOnline as well as the support of the E-Learning Centre. Students are exposed to very high quality online materials informed by pedagogical research and design, and they also benefit from an interactive online environment in which they can engage with fellow students as well as staff. 3 Assessment Strategy The assessment strategy conforms to the university policy documents in this area as well as Faculty policies in relation to anonymous marking and assessment parity. The assessment pattern has been designed to ensure diversity and balance alongside the need for a credible measure of the achievement of learning outcomes. The assessment diet thus includes essays, practical reports, oral presentations, examinations, a risk assessment report, a literature review, a research portfolio, and a dissertation. 13

16 4 Programme/Course Management The management of the course is shared between the following role-holders and committees/boards: 1. Course Director responsible for the overall marketing and management of the course, the coherence of the award and the quality of the student experience. 2. Module Leader responsible for the management and delivery of individual modules, and for the monitoring and assessment of student achievement. 3. Personal Tutor each student will be assigned to a Personal Tutor who is responsible for monitoring the academic progress of their tutees as well as facilitating access to appropriate support mechanisms. 4. Admissions Tutor responsible for the recruitment and admission of appropriately qualified applicants and liaising with the Admissions Unit. 5. Course Administrator the course is supported by the Course Administrator in the Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences who also services the assessment boards. 6. Assessment Boards a Subject Assessment Board and a Programme Assessment Board is responsible for considering the progress of students at module and course level and ultimately making awards in accordance with the university postgraduate regulations. 7. Board of Studies the course is managed by the Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Board of Studies which receives a report from the Course Director each term. Quality assurance in relation to modules and the course is managed by the Board, which reports to the Faculty Board. 8. Course Consultative Committee students will be consulted about their experience on modules and the course via online discussion groups and a formal CCC at each residential. 9. Module and Course Evaluation students will be asked to complete an evaluation of all modules and the course at the end of level 3. Their feedback will inform the content of the Course Quality Enhancement and Monitoring Report. 5 Compliance with the University s Academic Regulations and current legislation The course complies with the Coventry University Academic Regulations, and specifically the Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Awards. 6 Entry Requirements and Selection Procedures The entry requirements are: * a degree which provides the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) with the British Psychological Society, or equivalent, and * an upper second or first class award Students who do not meet the second condition may be considered under the following criteria if they have a lower second award: * evidence of significant practical experience in a relevant area * an additional qualification that is relevant to forensic psychology Applicants for whom English is not their first language must also be able to demonstrate IELTS