This module explores how psychological theory and clinical practice are applied to understanding, assessing, treating, and managing offenders, particularly those with mental disorders. Students examine ethical issues surrounding offender rehabilitation, risk assessment, and treatment across prisons, hospitals, and community settings. The module develops a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between mental health and offending behaviour while emphasizing evidence-based interventions that improve public safety and rehabilitation outcomes.

Students examine the major criminological theories that explain why individuals commit crime, drawing upon sociological, psychological, biological, and environmental perspectives. The module traces the historical development of criminology while critically evaluating theories relating to crime control, policing, punishment, labelling, and social inequality. By integrating multiple theoretical frameworks, students gain the analytical skills needed to understand contemporary crime patterns and formulate informed responses to criminal behaviour.

This practice-oriented module investigates the processes involved in major criminal investigations, including homicide, organized crime, riots, and other serious offences. Students learn how investigators gather, evaluate, and manage evidence while exploring investigative decision-making, miscarriages of justice, national investigative standards, and the role of coroners. The module bridges academic research with professional investigative practice, preparing students to critically evaluate complex criminal investigations in real-world settings.

This module examines the intersection of psychology and modern policing, demonstrating how behavioural science influences police decision-making, interviewing techniques, leadership, communication, and operational effectiveness. Students explore concepts such as "street psychology," cognitive bias, decision-making under pressure, and investigative interviewing, while critically assessing where psychological research has strengthened policing practices and identifying opportunities for further improvement.

Effective criminal justice policy depends on rigorous research, and this module equips students with the advanced methodological skills required to conduct high-quality academic and professional research. Students learn qualitative and quantitative research techniques, literature review development, research design, ethical considerations, and data analysis methods commonly used within criminology and criminal psychology. These research competencies prepare graduates to evaluate evidence critically and contribute meaningfully to policy development and professional practice.