MSc Forensic Psychology

Programme Specification MSc Forensic Psychology Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Contents Page No Introduction 2 Part 1: Programme Specification 3 1-9 Basic Programme information 4 10 Educational Aims of the Programme 4 11 Intended Learning Outcomes 4 12 Programme Structure and Requirements 6 13 Support for Students and their Learning 7 14 Criteria for Admission 7 15 Methods for Evaluation and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and learning 8 16 Regulation of Assessment 8 17 Indicators of Quality and Standards 8 18 Additional Information 8 19 List of mandatory and core option modules 10 20 Curriculum Map 11 Part 2: Supporting information 12 Relationship to the national Qualifications Framework, Subject Benchmarks and Professional/Statutory Body requirements. 12 Teaching and Learning Strategy 12 Assessment Strategy 13 Programme/Course management 13 Compliance with the University s Academic Regulations and Current Legislation 13 Entry Requirements and Selection Procedures 13 1

Introduction The MSc Forensic Psychology course was approved in April 2002 with its first cohort of part-time students enrolling in September 2002 and its first cohort of full-time students (and the second cohort of part-time students) enrolling in September 2003. The course was accredited by the British Psychological Society in June 2003 and re-accredited in September 2007 and provides exemption from Stage 1 of the route to Chartered Forensic Psychologist status. The course is unique compared to its British Psychological Society accredited competitors in its coverage of law and risk assessment and extensive on-line learning support. It is also distinctive in its development of a range of practice-focused transferable skills: consideration of ethical issues, conducting risk assessments, writing professional reports, giving presentations, providing expert testimony and producing review and emirpirical journal articles of peer-reviewed publishable quality. The course has developed a good reputation and is very popular: by the end of March 2008 it had received 98 applications, compared to a total of 64 in 2002/03. In 2006/07, 126 applications were received for 30 places (16 full-time and 13 part-time). The course has maintained a healthy level of recruitment since September 2003 and has a good level of progression and award. Feedback from students, external examiners and forensic practitioners has remained positive throughout the duration of the course. Since the course was approved changes have been made to the modular framework of PGT courses in the university that has necessitated the current re-approval. 2

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 Fallback Awards PG Diploma Forensic Psychology FT 1yr or PT 2 yrs N/a N/a M M PG Certificate Forensic Psychology N/a M Qualification descriptors can be found at http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/ewni2001/annex1.htm 2 Awarding Institution/Body Coventry University 3 Teaching Institution Coventry University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Psychology 4 Internal Approval/Review Date of approval/latest review: 23/04/2002 / 2008 Dates Date for next review: 2015 (TBC) 5 Programme Accredited by British Psychological Society (Division of Forensic Psychology) 6 Accreditation Date and June 2003 and re-accredited September 2007 Duration Re-accreditation Visit due 2014-15 7 QAA Subject Benchmark Statement(s) and/or other external factors 8 Date of Programme Specification 9 Programme Manager/Course Tutor Entry to the course is dependent on applicants possessing the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) 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 was designed to meet the requirements of Stage 1 of the BPS Diploma in Forensic Psychology. April 2008, May 2011, March 2012, February 2013 The Course Director is Miss Amy Grubb, BSc, MSc, FHEA 3

10 Educational Aims of the Programme The MSc Forensic Psychology 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 deal with complex issues systematically and creatively understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research display competence in research methodology and data analysis critically evaluate literature demonstrate the skills and qualities for employment in a forensic setting, for instance the demonstration of sound judgement, critical reflection, and personal responsibility 11 Intended Learning Outcomes The MSc Forensic Psychology programme should enable students to: acquire 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. 11.1 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 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. 4

KU1- KU6 Teaching and Learning Lectures, tutor led workshops, student and tutor led seminars, video presentations, groupwork, student presentations, research supervision, on-line guided study/discussion and guided and independent reading/study Assessment Essays, practical reports, presentations, examinations, literature reviews, professional reports, review and empirical journal articles 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 Lectures, tutor led workshops, student and tutor led seminars, video presentations, groupwork, student presentations, research supervision, on-line guided study/discussion and guided and independent reading/study Assessment Essays, practical reports, presentations, examinations, literature reviews, professional reports, review and empirical journal articles 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, tutor led workshops, student and tutor led seminars, groupwork, student presentations, research supervision and independent reading/study Assessment Practical reports, presentations, literature reviews, professional reports, review and empirical journal articles 5

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 developed within modules and are related to assessment as appropriate. Examples include meeting deadlines, self-directed learning facilitated via CUOnline and recommended reading, oral presentations, report writing, use of appropriate software, and working in groups. 6

12 Programme Structure and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards The course is modular and offered in part-time and full-time mode. Part-time students complete the course in two years, attending university one day a week; whilst full-time students complete the course in one year, attending university for two days a week. All modules are mandatory. For an MSc award students are required to complete 180 credits, including the 50-credit dissertation. There are 6 core content modules (one of which is a double module), 1 practice and application module, 1 law module, 2 research methods modules, a study skills, project planning & ethics module and a 50- credit dissertation, totalling 180 credits for the whole course. Each 10-credit module represents approximately 100 student effort hours, the 20-credit module, approximately 200 student effort hours and the dissertation 500 effort hours. Students who achieve a total of 60 credits can be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology. Students who achieve a total of 120 credits can be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology. The mandatory modules within the course, the module credit ratings, and possible awards are: Code Module Title Credits Award M140PY Advanced Quantitative Research Methods 20 M81PY Psychology and Criminal Behaviour 10 M144PY Treatment of Offenders & Victims 10 M141PY Applied Police Psychology 10 M142PY Study Skills, Project Planning and Ethics 10 PG Certificate in Forensic Psychology M139PY Advanced Qualitative Research Methods 10 M82PY Psychology in the Criminal Justice System 10 M143PY Risk Assessment and Management of Offfenders 20 M87PY Violent and Sexual Crime 10 M48CLS The English Legal Process 10 PG Diploma in Forensic Psychology M86PY Practice and Application in Forensic Psychology 10 M70PY Dissertation in Forensic Psychology 50 MSc in Forensic Psychology Full Time Programme Course Structure Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Psychology and Criminal Behaviour Treatment of Offenders & Victims Practice & Applications in Forensic Psychology Study Skills, Project Planning & Ethics Advanced Qualitative Research Methods Dissertation in Forensic Psychology (50 credits) Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (20 credits) Applied Police Psychology Psychology in the Criminal Justice System Risk Assessment & Management of Offenders (20 credits) The Legal Process Violent & Sexual Crime Total credits = 60 Total credits = 60 Total credits = 60 7

Part Time Programme Course Structure: Year 1 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Treatment of Offenders & Victims Psychology and Criminal Behaviour Study Skills, Project Planning & Ethics Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (20 credits) Advanced Qualitative Research Methods Applied Police Psychology Practice & Applications in Forensic Psychology Total credits = 40 Total credits = 30 Total credits = 10 Part Time Programme Course Structure: Year 1 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Assessment & Treatment of Offenders Revised (20 credits) Psychology in the Criminal Justice System The Legal Process Dissertation in Forensic Psychology (50 credits) Violent & Sexual Crime Total credits = 20 Total credits = 30 Total credits = 50 All modules cover the skills and knowledge required for accreditation by the British Psychological Society. Condonement of modules is appropriate for all modules apart from the dissertation (i.e. any module > 30 credits). 13 Support for Students and their Learning All students attend a one day induction programme at the start of the course and part-time students attend an enrolment/2 nd year induction session at the start of the second year. In term one of year one students also complete a 10 credit study skills, project planning and ethics module which includes a programme of skills-based classes that introduce CUOnline, the libraries data-bases and literature searching resouces/processes, introduction to the dissertation module, guide to submitting ethics proposals, and information on producing professional written work, completing and writing literature reviews, the process of becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist. All students are allocated a Personal Tutor, and are given access to the MSc Forensic Psychology Programme Web which holds a comprehensive amount of documentation and guidance, including the Student Handbook.The students personal tutors are also their dissertation supervisors, which are allocated early in term one. Students are also given a dissertation handbook and have access to dissertation resources via the dissertation module web. All modules have their own CUOnline/Moodle web which contain a range of support materials including the Module Guide, which students are also given in class at the start of each module. All course staff have at least three hours of office hours each week where they are available to meet with students. Students are also able to make appointments to meet with staff if necessary. All students have normal university access to the library, elibrary, CUOnline/Moodle, open access computing facilities, email, support services such as careers and counselling services, and learning support services such as the Centre for Academic Writing and the Mathmatics Support Centre (SIGMA). 8

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 of 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: * evidence of practical experience in a relevant area * an additional qualification which is relevant to forensic psychology * evidence of particular achievements at undergraduate level which indicate strengths in forensic psychology Applicants for whom English is not their first language must also be able to demonstrate IELTS 6.5. or IELTS 6.0 plus satisfactory completion of a compulsory five-week pre-sessional CU English for Academic Purposes course'. 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 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, all of which normally meet two or three times per year. Student views are also sought through module and course evaluation questionnaires. 9

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 attendance at a minimum of 80% of the scheduled sessions to pass the module. Condoned absence can be given for students attending 60-79% of the module sessions whereby a pass for attendance is given provided appropriate written catch-up work is demonstrated. Students attending less than 60% of the scheduled sessions will not pass the attendance aspect of the module. In order to allow part-time students suffient time to complete the dissertation module in year two, there is an additional requirement for part-time students that they must have submitted an ethics proposal for review by the University (Faculty or University ethics as appropriate) by end of July in the first year of study, in order that they be allowed to enrol on the dissertation module in year 2 of study. Students are provided with a dissertation supervisor in year one and deadlines for research proposals are provided at the start of the course for a research proposal in semester 1 and ethics submission in semester 2, in order to achieve this task. Students who fail to submit an ethics proposal to meet this deadline, will be provided with a further opportunity to complete this task in the second year of study and provided they meet the end of July deadline for submission of a proposal, will be permitted to enrol for the dissertation module during a third year of study. Awards for Taught Master programmes may be made with Distinction or Merit (i.e. achievement of an average mark of at least 70% or 60% respectively). 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 Applied Research in Psychology (CARP) under the theme of Crime, Punishment and Rehabilitation, which is highly productive and is led by the MSc Forensic Psychology and Crime Course Director, who is also the Editor of the Journal of Sexual Aggression and the Deputy Director of the CARP (Dr Sarah Brown). Key members of the course team are chartered/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

18 Additional Information Key sources of information about the course and student support can be found in: Accrediting/professional body website ( http://www.bps.org.uk and http://www.hpc-uk.org) Student Course Handbook Module Guides Module Information Directory (http://mid.coventry.ac.uk/) National Student Satisfaction Survey Student support information is accessible from the CU Student Portal Please note: 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

Module code Module title Credit value Pre/Co requisite Course A M140PY Advanced Quantitative Research Methods 20 M M139PY Advanced Qualitative Research Methods 10 M M81PY Psychology and Criminal Behaviour 10 M M82PY Psychology in the Criminal Justice System 10 M M143PY Risk Assessment and Management of Offenders 20 M M144PY Treatment of Offenders and Victims 10 M M141PY Applied Police Psychology 10 M M86PY Practice and Applications in Forensic Psychology 10 M M87PY Violent and Sexual Crime 10 M M48CLS The English Legal Process 10 M M142PY Study Skills, Project Planning and Ethics 10 M M70PY Dissertation in Forensic Psychology 50 M Key M = Mandatory (i.e. must be studied and passed) O = Option 12

20 Curriculum Map Module codes Intended Learning Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding Cognitive Skills Practical Skills Transferable Skills KU1 KU2 KU3 KU4 KU5 KU6 CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4 CS5 PS1 PS2 PS3 TS1 TS2 TS3 TS4 M140PY M139PY M81PY M82PY M143PY M144PY M141PY M86PY M87PY M48CLS M70PY M142PY L:\REG\Quality Enhancement Unit\Quality\Programme Specifications\New or revised Programme Specs\HLS\PBS\Postgraduate\Forensic Psychology MSc Feb 2013.doc 13

. Part 2: Supporting Information for MSc Forensic Psychology 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. In June 2003 it was accredited and in September 2007 re-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 staff team have authority to teach based on their teaching experience and expertise: all members of the course team have teaching qualifications or are currently completing such qualifications; practitioner status: two core members of the course team are Chartered and Registered Forensic Psychologists (CFPs)and one member has Registered Practitioner Psychologist status with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC); one of the CFPs is a Lecturer Practitioner working three days each week in practice; active research status: four members of the course team are members of the Forensic Psychology and Law Applied Research Group and a fifth member developed and leads this group; professional training experience: course staff have bid successfully for three tenders to deliver and advise/evaluate risk assessment training for the Risk Management Authority, Scotland; developed BPS accredited training in the use of psychometric tests to assess abilities and skills; received a grant to develop an e-learning module in risk assessment; and are developing CPD training in risk assessments and forensic training for legal professionals. In addition to this, couse staff have delivered training to a number of police forces and Crown Prosecution Service representatives in regards to the investigation & prosecution of sexual violence cases Key features of the course are: 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. L:\REG\Quality Enhancement Unit\Quality\Programme Specifications\New or revised Programme Specs\HLS\PBS\Postgraduate\Forensic Psychology MSc Feb 2013.doc 12

3. Practice-based transferable skills the course develops students ability to give presentations, write professionally, complete risk assessments based on realistic case studies, make ethical decisions in realistic ethical dilemma case studies, conduct research that is of a publishable quality and write journal articles targeted towards relevant peer-review journal articles 4. Online learning the course has been commended by the British Psychological Society Accreditation panel for its excellent on-line learning support, which is reflective of the forensic psychology staff s expertise in this area: core members of the course team have received teaching grants to develop on-line learning reources for a wide forensic psychology audience, bid successfully for competitive tenders to deliver training that includes a key on-line learning element, developed psychology CPD training with a substantial on-line learning component 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, a practical report, an oral presentation, examinations, a class test, a risk assessment report, a literature review, a research portfolio, a review and empirical journal article suitable for peer-reviewed publication. 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 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 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. Student Forum students will be consulted about their experience on modules and the course via online discussion groups and a formal Student Forum during term time. 9. Module and Course Evaluation students will be asked to complete an evaluation of all modules and the course on an annual basis and their feedback will inform the content of the Annual Quality 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 L:\REG\Quality Enhancement Unit\Quality\Programme Specifications\New or revised Programme Specs\HLS\PBS\Postgraduate\Forensic Psychology MSc Feb 2013.doc 13

The entry requirements are: * 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: * evidence of practical experience in a relevant area * an additional qualification which is relevant to forensic psychology * evidence of particular achievements at undergraduate level which indicate strengths in forensic psychology Applicants for whom English is not their first language must also be able to demonstrate IELTS 6.5. or IELTS 6.0 plus satisfactory completion of a compulsory five-week pre-sessional CU English for Academic Purposes course'. L:\REG\Quality Enhancement Unit\Quality\Programme Specifications\New or revised Programme Specs\HLS\PBS\Postgraduate\Forensic Psychology MSc Feb 2013.doc 14