Available with:

  • Foundation Year

Accreditations


Course Summary

This course will allow you to focus on the use of psychology in areas including understanding crime and criminality, criminal investigation and profiling, and the criminal justice system. This course is also accredited by The British Psychological Society as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). 

The course has been designed to follow the British Psychological Society (BPS) core curriculum. In studying Forensic Psychology at Chester, we will provide you with opportunities to undertake specialist project work in forensic related areas, and develop your knowledge of the most recent theory and practice in the area through expert teaching from active researchers. 


What You'llStudy

Module content:

  • Reading and writing critically.
  • Constructing and evaluating an argument.
  • Note-taking techniques for reading and listening.
  • Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity.
  • Introduction to reflective practice.
  • Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations.
  • Referencing and citation.
  • Summarising and paraphrasing written sources.
  • Literature searching.
  • Report writing.
  • The culture and expectations of higher education.
  • The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback.
  • The nature of research journal publishing.

Whilst much of the content above is generic, students will be encouraged to situate skills within the context of the undergraduate discipline they are entering, which leads to some variation in emphasis for certain skills.


Module aims:

1.To raise awareness of the range of study skills required for successful higher education studies, including the process of academic writing, reading strategies, seminar skills, organisation of time and materials, planning for and meeting deadlines, understanding and responding to feedback.

2. To introduce students to concepts such as plagiarism, academic integrity and appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools.

3. To facilitate an effective transition into higher education by exploring, and providing guidance in, the key elements of successful undergraduate studentship including students' understanding of taking responsibility for their own learning.

4. To teach students how to undertake a literature, visual or data review for their discipline and be able to differentiate between a valid, reliable source and an unsubstantiated or irrelevant source.  

Module content:

  • Research and planning skills.
  • Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject.
  • Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study.
  • Identifying areas of interest.
  • Application and development of critical analytical skills.
  • Development of self-directed study.
  • Use of learning resources.

Module aims:

1. To develop students' skills in planning and writing an essay.

2. To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a written piece of work.

3. To give students an opportunity to focus on a topic within their undergraduate degree subject.

4. To write a piece of work that allows the student to broaden and deepen knowledge on a topic of their choice.

5. To prepare and deliver an academic poster presentation outlining the student's research topic.

Module content:

  • Society, social structures and socialisation 
  • Social scientific ideas, theories and ‘lenses’ on society 
  • Social scientific research and basic research methods  
  • Digitalisation of society, smartphone technology and social media platforms 
  • Consumerism and consumer culture – definitions, impacts and debates 
  • Inequalities related to gender, social class, ‘race’ and ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ communities 
  • Social issues and problems related to knife crime, riots and uprisings, prostitution and sex work   
  • Social justice, power and movements for social change

Module aims:

1. To examine contemporary society from some key perspectives of social science.

2. To introduce students to research in the social sciences.

3. To introduce students to contemporary themes and issues in the social sciences.

 

Module content:

  • The role and historical context of psychology
  • Consider a range of topics from the main perspectives to include the core areas; biological, developmental, cognitive, individual differences and social psychology
  • Investigating current issues in psychology
  • Ethical issues and responsibilities
  • Exploring research methods used in Psychology
  • Introduction to using data in Psychology

Module aims:

1. To examine the main perspectives in psychology

2. To introduce students to research methodology and the use of data in Psychology

3. To consider ethical issues and responsibilities within the field

Module content:

How do we define a crime? How do we understand what causes crime? How does criminal behaviour affect individuals and society as a whole and how does society respond to criminal behaviour?

This module introduces students to fundamental debates surrounding the questions above, and more. Indicative content includes: 

  • The meaning and scope of criminology
  • Defining and measuring crime
  • The effects of crime
  • Explanations for and causes of crime
  • Responses to crime and the role and functions of the Criminal Justice System

Module aims:

This module has been designed with the specific aim of enabling students to understand criminology in a realistic and contextualised manner.  By the end of the module students will be able to answer key questions about what is meant by crime and will appreciate trends in criminal behaviour and who criminals are.   Students will have an overview of the criminological theories and the question of why people commit crime. Students will understand criminology to be a scientific form of study which cuts across the disciplines of sociology, psychology and law.  Students will be able to analyse social, philosophical and legal issues relating to crime, criminal justice and social policies.

Module content:

  • An introduction to creative and critical thinking concepts
  • Considering credibility; belief and truth
  • Identifying how language is used for persuasion
  • Identifying how image is used for persuasion
  • Recognising how media is used for manipulation
  • An introduction to advertising and marketing techniques
  • Representation and misrepresentation of data
  • Applying critical thinking skills to contemporary media and technology

 


Module aims:

1. To introduce approaches to analytical and critical thinking.

2. To develop an understanding of critical thinking when applied to language, image, traditional and online media.

 

You will be given an overview of psychology, and begin learning the skills needed for research in this exciting area.

Module content:

Development of effective learning, including academic writing and statistical reporting; Understanding essay or research questions and applying problem-solving skills to answer them; Literature searching, citing and referencing using the APA publication format; Experiencing research as participant and researcher; Ethics; Scientific method and report writing; Statistics and concepts relevant to research design and analysis, including, for example: qualitative and quantitative methods, reliability and validity, observation, content analysis, surveys, correlation, experiments, scales of measurement, data distributions, tests of assumptions, descriptive and inferential statistics, statistical software packages; Team-working skills; Presentation skills


Module aims:

1. To develop students’ study skills

2. To introduce students to the logic and practice of scientific thought, ethics, and psychological research methods

3. To introduce students to a range of investigative and analytical techniques

Module content:

The lectures will cover the major topic areas in Psychology: The historical foundations of Psychology, Psychobiology, Cognitive Psychology; Social Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Individual Differences; Health Psychology and Positive Psychology. The major different theoretical approaches and perspectives within each topic area will be explored.   The research and perspectives of well-known theorists, past and present, will be compared. Through the teaching of these exciting and essential topics, the seminars will focus on building a range of core and transferable skills which will aid students personal and career development.


Module aims:

To introduce the major areas of psychological research and debate.

To introduce the philosophical underpinnings and historical development of modern psychology.

To demonstrate the role of empirical enquiry in contemporary academic psychology.

To introduce students to a range of psychological literature including journal articles.

To introduce students to a range of core and transferable skills.

Module content:

1. Medical and Biopsychosocial Models of Psychopathology and Attitudes Towards Mental Health

2. Examples of DSM-5: Axis I Clinical Disorders (e.g., Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Eating Disorders).  

3. Introduction to Treatments for Clinical Disorders.

4. Models of Health Psychology.

5. The link between psychology and specific physical disorders, e.g. pain, heart disease, diabetes.

6. Health promotion.


Module aims:

1. To introduce and examine the concept of psychological well-being with respect to mental and physical health.

2. To introduce and examine psychological theories underpinning the study of mental and physical health.

3. To introduce well-known and recent psychological therapies and interventions for mental and physical health problems.

Module content:

The principal areas of study will cover:

1. An introduction to the main areas of neuroscience.

2. The various methods used in neuroscience (e.g. cognitive neuropsychology, neuroimaging and computational modelling).

3. Applications and approaches (e.g. neuropsychology, case studies, Artificial Intelligence, cognitive neuropsychiatry, medical uses).

4. Current debates within the field of neuroscience (e.g. Facts and myths in neuroscience).

5. Evolutionary approaches to brain and behaviour.


Module aims:

To introduce key areas of Neuroscience (e.g. Clinical Neuropsychology, evolutionary aspects of brain development, brain imaging).

To explore an applied approach when teaching the various areas of neuroscience   (e.g. in the area of Clinical Rehabilitation, Robotics, Occupational Therapy, Sport Psychology) to enable the students to gain a more realistic appreciation of how neuropsychology can be used within various settings.

Module content:

An introduction to the area of forensic psychology, including topics such as: the development and applications of forensic psychology; theories of crime (for example, economic, geographical, sociological); theoretical approaches to the origins of offending behaviour (for example, biological, social, individual differences); criminal psychopathy; mental health conditions and crime; substance abuse and crime; typologies of crimes, including theories and risk factors (for example, cybercrime, white collar crime, arson, stalking, youth offending and gangs, volume crime); theoretical approaches to deception; victims of crime.


Module aims:

To introduce key psychological theories, research methodologies, and psychological evidence which has informed the understanding of crime and criminality.

To introduce and examine the concept of abnormality in forensic psychology.

To develop understanding of the typology of crimes from a psychological perspective.

To consider the applications of forensic psychology in real world settings.

Will see you extend your research skills and develop specialist skills in core areas such as social psychology and cognitive psychology.

Module content:

Part A:      

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the university of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

  • The multiple facets of Global citizenship
  • Ethical engagement and practice
  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Intercultural communication

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Theories and models Intercultural competence
  • Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
  • Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
  • Experiential learning models
  • Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

  • Enhanced independence
  • Improved command of multicultural behaviour
  • Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development
  • Team building and team work

Part B:            Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 


Module aims:

The purpose of this module is to enhance students’ prospects of completing an overseas placement to the best of their ability consequently it aims to:

  • To equip participants with appropriate knowledge and skills to study or work in a different cultural, linguistic and/or social environment; enhancing ethical, cultural and intercultural awareness.
  • To enhance students understanding of the ethical issues related to living and working abroad.
  • To increase students Global Citizenship skills
  • To provide an opportunity for students to reflect critically on their experience of living and learning within an unfamiliar culture, to their 'home' culture or ethnic group.

To challenge students to learn about themselves as global citizens in terms of life skills, career choices and academic development outside the classroom.

Module content:

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
  • Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
  • The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Critical thinking skills, experiential learning       and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

  • Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.


Module aims:

  1. To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
  2. To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
  3. To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
  4. To further develop independent learning techniques.
  5. To foster critical evaluation.

Module content:

  • The multiple facets of global citizenship
  • Ethical engagement and practice
  • The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Intercultural communication
  • Culture shock
  • Cultural adjustment
  • Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad.
  • Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical.
  • Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC.
  • Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future.
  • Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Module aims:

This module promotes a reflective and critical approach to interculturality and aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining overseas graduate employment, which will enable them to:

  1. Examine and evaluate a chosen aspect of the society of a target country
  2. Enhance cultural and intercultural awareness and further develop related skills.
  3. Articulate clearly their career plans and take steps to prepare for their first paid overseas graduate role,
  4. Take responsibility for their own learning and acquisition of identified employability skills,
  5. Articulate, orally and in writing, their findings and their employability skills.

Module content:

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester or University Centre Shrewsbury towards the end of level 5. Subsequently, students will undertake study at one of our Socrates / Erasmus partner universities, provided language requirements for study are met by the student, or teaching at the university abroad is in the medium of English. It is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, of which at least 50% (60 credits; 30 ECTS) will fall in the subject of psychology. Additional subjects may be taken, but these can only be used for credit if the university abroad assigns ECTS credits to them (i.e. if students pass all the required assessments associated with the relevant module at the university abroad). The choice of modules at the university abroad is to be approved by the module tutor via a Learning Agreement.


Module aims:

To experience academic life in a European country, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness.

To reflect on the impact of the experience in Europe on one’s own personal academic and / or professional development.

To engage with the experience of study at a European partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.

To further develop independent learning techniques. To foster critical evaluation.

Module content:

This module is designed to focus students on the professional, ethical and reflective issues that are central to the profession of forensic psychology. It will achieve this by engaging students in a small-group project work and via an associated lecture series that examines professional and research issues in forensic psychology.

The project element of the module is designed to allow students to have an immersive experience in working on a project based on a forensic area. These projects will be chosen from a pre-determined list of topic areas. Projects may be qualitative or quantitative in nature and may use any of the main methodological methods employed in psychology. All topics will have be based on a forensic psychology context and indicative topics could include, for example: eye-witness testimony; media representations of crime; deception and questioning styles in court.

Students will be asked to complete an individual portfolio of work including a research proposal, ethics proposal and reflective pieces. Once the project is completed, students will present their findings at a student conference. 

Project work will be supported by a lecture series giving students a grounding in professional and research issues pertinent to the field of forensic psychology. Topics may include project planning; writing proposals; ethics; data handing and data protection; safeguarding; working in forensic settings.


Module aims:

  • To develop the research skills introduced in PS4005 Research Methods and Skills and support those developed in PS5015 Becoming a Psychological Researcher, preparing students for their dissertation
  • To develop an understanding of the professional and reflective practice issues relating to work in forensic settings
  • To develop and understanding of key ethical issues that are specific to forensic psychology
  • To give students the opportunity of working on a group project in a forensic-related field
  • To develop time-planning, team-work and project management skills.

Module content:

This module focuses on the investigation of crime, offender profiling and the use of forensic psychology on the criminal justice system. Indicative topic areas include: the process of criminal investigation; interviewing witnesses; the psychology of evidence (including eyewitness testimony); offender profiling – theoretical and practical approaches to this method and the controversy that surrounds it; geographical profiling; the principles of investigative psychology; the legal system; trial; juries and issues surrounding their effectiveness; mental health and crime; sentencing; the prison system;  rehabilitation and recidivism


Module aims:

  • To develop understanding of psychological theories and research relating to the criminal investigation, the criminal justice system and crime
  • To introduce some of the main methods of investigation used in forensic psychology
  • To introduce current theories and research regarding the issue of offender profiling and detection
  • To encourage discussion of current modes of rehabilitation for offenders in forensic settings
  • Promote skills in retrieval and organisation of information.

Module content:

This module is intended to enable students to develop an understanding of three key research methodologies with allied statistical / qualitative analysis techniques. Methodologies are (1) experimental design, (2) survey design and (3) the design of studies that yield qualitative data. A range of quantitative analysis techniques (e.g., one-way and k-way ANOVA, with subsidiary a priori and post hoc comparisons, simple and multiple regression, factor analysis and reliability analysis (e.g. Cronbach’s alpha)), and qualitative analysis techniques (e.g., thematic analysis, grounded theory, discourse analysis, IPA and narrative analysis) will be covered. Students will be introduced to relevant methodological ideas and theories, as well as receive training in practical skills (e.g. the use of Jamovi for analysis). Ethical issues relevant to the methods addressed in the module will be covered.


Module aims:

The aims of this module are as follows: 

  1. To enable students to develop an understanding of key methodologies used in empirical studies in psychology
  2. To enable students to analyse data using appropriate software and / or analysis techniques
  3. To enable students to develop their data reporting skills

Module content:

  1. Historical approaches to the study of attention, filter models and feature detection models.
  2. Historical approaches to the study of perception, ecological and constructivist approaches to visual perception and computational models of visual perception, the neuropsychology of vision.
  3. Historical approaches to the study of memory, working memory, levels of processing theory, encoding specificity, memory retrieval, schema theory, semantic and episodic memory, everyday memory, computational models of learning and memory, the neuropsychology of memory.
  4. Types of knowledge required for language understanding, theories of lexical processing, syntax, semantic knowledge, text comprehension, models of speech production, computational models of language, models of reading and dyslexia.
  5. The use of transformational problems, the use of analogy in human problem-solving, expert-novice differences, computational models of problem-solving.
  6. Intelligence (e.g. traditional/hereditarian, behavioural and multiple intelligences.
  7. General issues in cognitive psychology: for example, cognitive architectures, computational modelling, cognitive neuropsychology, the relationship between cognition and emotion, consciousness.
  8. Throughout the module methodological design and analysis will be covered.

Module aims:

  1. To describe the information processing approach to the study of human mental activity.
  2. To develop an understanding of current controversies in cognitive psychology.
  3. To explain the different methodologies used to investigate human mental activity.
  4. To explain the relationship between cognition and intelligence.
  5. To explain the relationship between cognition and other aspects of human behaviour.

Module content:

Content includes definition, discussion and evaluation of social psychology and personality, two key areas in the BPS core curriculum.  Examples of typical content covered include the description, history and comparison of various methodologies and tests; issues involved in accuracy of assessment, with a focus on psychometrics; the description and evaluation of different theoretical approaches (historical and contemporary) to the understanding and explanation of personality (e.g. psychodynamic, trait, phenomenological, behaviourist, cognitive social, neo-Darwinist); specific coverage of key areas of social psychology, such as the self and social identity, social constructionism, attitudes, attribution, social cognition, culture, close relationships and building on group processes and intergroup relations  introduced previously, looking at pro-social behaviour, anti-social behaviour and prejudice, aggression); understanding aspects of development and variation in social psychology and personality (e.g. nature/nurture, temporal stability and situational consistency, cross-cultural  research, emotion/motivation)and the applications and implications of these areas – e.g. for mental and physical health, forensic situations,
etc


Module aims:

  1. To critically explore social psychology and personality, in terms of definitions, methodology, historical and contemporary theories, issues and applications.
  2. To develop an understanding of the interaction of personal and social influences on behaviour.

Module content:

Pre-placement:

  • Structured approaches to researching, selecting and securing a suitable work placement relevant to the student’s interests and career aspirations*.
  • Writing an effective CV. Constructing a letter of application.*
  • Interview skills.*

 *Note: Students are required to undertake these pre-placement tasks during term 1 level 5, as part of the placement acquisition process and will be supported by the Work Based Learning team and the Careers and Employability department.

 Induction Programme and Placement:

  • The organisational context: research-informed analysis of the placement organisation’s aims, structure, culture.
  • Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess. (Employability Skills: e.g. verbal and written communication, analytical / problem solving capabilities; self-management; team working behaviours; negotiation skills; influencing people; positive attitude, resilience, building rapport).
  • Devising a strategy for integrating into the workplace and work based teams
  • Completion of online assignment tasks covering sourcing and obtaining placement; health and safety procedures in general; general workplace integrity; placement requirements. 

During and post-placement: Learning effectively in and from the workplace:- 

  • Devising and implementing strategies to improve own approach and performance
  • Critical analysis/evaluation of approach to skill development and performance in the workplace;
  • Influencing the Placement Provider’s appraisal;
  • Devising an action plan to develop gaps in transferable skills based on the placement experiences;

Module aims:

This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment through engagement with a University approved work placement**, which will enable them to:

  • Develop their understanding of workplace practice and lifelong learning;
  • Enhance their work readiness and employability prospects through development of transferable skills;
  • Take responsibility for their own learning and acquisition of workplace employability skills;
  • Articulate, in writing, their employability skills.

Focuses on development and biological psychology. Alongside this will be specialist study in forensic psychology, and the opportunity to complete a research dissertation.

Module content:

The content of this module will examine a broad range of key theories and empirical research in Developmental Psychology.   This module will allow students to explore current theory and practice in Developmental Psychology from childhood through the life-span. 


Module aims:

The module aims to promote students understanding and analysis of human development by examining various perspectives and theories used to explain human development across the life-cycle.

Module content:

  1. Research methods and ethics in clinical psychology.
  2. Models of and approaches towards mental health issues, e.g., diagnosis and formulation.
  3. A range of psychological disorders, e.g., mood disorders and psychosis.
  4. Treatment approaches and interventions for psychological disorders.
  5. Psychological perspectives on mental health issues, e.g., developmental, social, biological, and cognitive.
  6. Special topics related to understanding and treating mental health issues, e.g., self-harm, stigma, prevention.

Module aims:

  1. To review major research methods used in understanding and testing interventions for mental health issues.
  2. To review current conceptualisations of psychological disorders.
  3. To review evidence-based treatments and interventions for mental health issues.
  4. To review individual and societal circumstances surrounding mental health issues.

Module content:

  • Literature searches, planning and discussions with tutor leading to a brief research proposal 
  • Preparing an application for ethics approval
  • Preparing and delivering a short presentation
  • Supervised empirical research: gathering data and undertaking appropriate analysis
  • Preparing for and undergoing a short oral exam
  • Preparing the final report 

Module aims:

  • To give experience of independent supervised research
  • To consolidate and extend expertise in research methods

 

This will involve generic issues, and specific expertise in relation to the selected research topic pertaining to the field of forensic psychology and the particular methodology adopted.

Module content:

An examination of advanced, specialist applications of forensic psychology and the interventions associated with these. Indicative topics may include: Prolific and Persistent Offenders; Offender Management; Mental Health and Policing; Vulnerable Witnesses; Victims of Crime; Sex Offender Treatment; Domestic Violence; Investigative Interviewing; Therapeutic Rehabilitation; Restorative Justice and Drug & Alcohol Treatment.


Module aims:

  1. To introduce advanced applications of forensic psychology
  2. To provide understanding of interventions in forensic psychology through examples given by practitioners in these fields
  3. To critically evaluate the development of interventions used in forensic psychology
  4. To develop understanding of the relative efficacy of interventions in a variety of forensic settings.

Module content:

This is a multi-disciplinary approach covering different (e.g. clinical, educational and social) models of specific neurodevelopmental disorders as well as touching on the effects of neurological and sensory impairments. Particular emphasis will be placed on the way such disorders can be conceptualised, issues of specificity and comorbidity, and the effects of having such a disorder or being labelled with one. The module will cover some of the problems of identification, with an interrogation of the efficacy of DSM and ICD classifications, as well as aetiological, assessment and intervention issues. Students will have the opportunity to study psychological approaches to a range of neurodevelopmental disorders (these may include, but not be limited to, dyslexia, developmental coordination disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, tic disorders).


Module aims:

Aims:

1. To help students develop an understanding of differing approaches to, and mental models of neurodevelopmental conditions. 

2. To consider the aetiology, identification, consequences and life-course of neurodevelopmental and specific learning disorders and to be able to communicate issues around these topics to different audiences.

3. To familiarise students with the ways in which various psychological models have informed intervention techniques.

 

Module content:

Historical and current theories and approaches in health psychology.

The role of health psychology and health psychologists in health care.

Psychological factors in the aetiology of disease, including the contribution of stress, personality and behavioural risk factors.

Psychological factors in the prevention and management of physical health problems, with a particular emphasis on the area of behavioural change interventions at both an individual and community levels.

The psychological experience of physical illness, with particular reference to the psychological consequences, and management, of chronic illness for the patient and their family.

The interaction between the patient and the healthcare system, for example, delayed presentation with symptoms, and communication between health care professionals and patients.

The application of psychological interventions for those affected by illness.

Health psychology perspectives on important ethical issues in health care.


Module aims:

To develop critical knowledge and understanding of the role of psychological factors in the aetiology, progression and management of disease.

To explore motivations for engaging in behaviours beneficial and harmful to health.

To explore the role of health psychology and health psychologists in effectively enabling behaviour change.

To develop a realistic understanding of the work of a health psychologist and related professions.

Module content:

Animal psychology and behaviour: examples illustrating causal, developmental, functional and evolutionary perspectives; Social structure and behaviour, including mating systems, reproductive strategies, parental care, play and conflict; Cognitive abilities, including language, self-awareness and theory of mind; Methodology in comparative psychology including critical issues such as anthropomorphism and ethics; Theoretical approaches to understanding animal behaviour, including the role and relative influence of genes, learning and cognitive processes in comparative psychology, optimality theories associated with parental care, foraging and predation risk; Topical focus on research.


Module aims:

1. To provide students with an overview of animal psychology for those interested in the field.

Module content:

Biological psychology is a dynamic interdisciplinary subject in psychology. The module is designed to cover the key areas of biological psychology as laid out in the 2019 QAA benchmarking documents, which is also adopted by the British Psychological Society as their core curriculum.

Content: Basic neurochemistry and neurophysiology of nerve transmission; the structure and organisation of the central nervous system; sensation and transduction of physical stimuli into electrochemical signals; biological basis of psychological abnormalities; hormones and behaviour; biological bases of human and non-human animal behaviour; psychopharmacology, the brain and reward, drug action and behaviour;  typical and atypical human neuropsychology; disorders of consciousness; evolutionary / comparative psychology; social neuroscience; behavioural genetics.


Module aims:

  1. To provide students with a solid understanding of brain structure and function, neural communication and sensory systems.
  2. To provide students with a critical awareness of key subject areas within biological psychology that are relevant to the most current understanding of behaviour.
BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology

BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology

Who you'll Learn from

Dr Jeremy Phillips

Senior Lecturer
Dr Jeremy Phillips

Dr Clea Wright

Senior Lecturer
Dr Clea Wright

How you'll Learn

Assessments may also include quizzes, essays, poster presentations, project presentations and critical reviews. 

Beyond the Classroom

On this course, you have the opportunity to spend five weeks working for a host organisation via our innovative Work Based Learning module. You’ll have the chance to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience. 

On this course, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake an Experiential Learning module, where you’ll apply what you’ve learnt on the course to real life scenarios and projects. 
 
Our Experiential Overseas Learning module offers a unique opportunity to participate in a short-term placement around the world. 
 
This course offers the exciting opportunity to study abroad for a full academic year at one of our bilateral exchange partners or through ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs), a network of over 300 additional higher education institutions worldwide. 
 
If you choose a degree with a Placement Year, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a year’s paid professional placement at the end of your second year, where you’ll experience the workplace, apply your learning and build connections for your future.  

Entry Requirements

120 UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

120 points 

GCE A Level 

Typical offer – BBC-BBB

Must include A Level Biology or Chemistry

BTEC 

BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM 

International Baccalaureate 

28 points 

Irish / Scottish Highers 

Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H3

Scottish Highers: BBBB

Access requirements 

Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above

T Level 

T Level - Merit 

OCR 

OCR Extended Diploma: DDM

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

A GCSE grade C/4 (or above) in Mathematics and English is required. PLEASE NOTE: We cannot consider GCSE equivalencies but can consider the Edge Hill University GCSE Equivalency Test.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements

72 UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

72 points 

GCE A Level 

72 points overall, including grade D in A Level

BTEC 

BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP

International Baccalaureate 

24 points 

Irish / Scottish Highers 

Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4,

Scottish Highers: CCDD

Access requirements 

Access to HE Diploma  – Pass overall 

T Level

T Level: Pass (D or E on the core)

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma: MMP

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree.

A GCSE grade C/4 (or above) in Mathematics and English is required. PLEASE NOTE: We cannot consider GCSE equivalencies but can consider the Edge Hill University GCSE Equivalency Test.

Where you'll study Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Following the UK’s exit from the EU, students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£13,950 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. 

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. 

Your Future Career

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.