Overview

The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: CertHE Indicative duration: 16 months
Start date:
Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Would you like to delve into the world of criminal psychology? Do you want to understand the core psychological and criminological theories? Our course is the perfect introduction to the fascinating and challenging worlds of criminology and psychology.

Throughout the programme, you’ll develop your own knowledge of the scientific and theoretical underpinnings of psychology, including its historical origins, progression and limitations. You’ll gain an awareness of the variety of different mental processes that take place in the brain and how this knowledge can be applied to criminal psychology, specifically in relation to the techniques used in offender profiling and eyewitness testimony. You’ll also be able to recognise a range of influences on psychological functioning and how these are conceptualised across the two core discipline areas of social psychology and cognitive psychology.

You’ll improve your psychology and criminology knowledge in specialist areas such as:

  • criminal liability and the key definitions associated with criminality
  • theories and methods in the field of social psychology
  • understanding the options available, throughout the criminal justice system, for dealing with offenders
  • the range of methodologies and theoretical perspectives used in offender profiling
  • the role of memory as the mediator of cognitive processes

Upon completion of your CertHE Criminal Psychology we offer the opportunity for you to progress on to study for a BSc (Hons) Criminal Psychology (360 credits).

Why we’re great

  • Our courses involve a range of technical competencies which can be applied immediately to the real world, making you an asset to any team or employer.
  • Graduates of the course will have a holistic understanding of both business and psychology in addition to a wide range of transferable skills including critical thinking, research, self-motivation and communication.
  • On this course you can choose optional modules to tailor your learning to your personal interests.

Course structure

The CertHE Criminal Psychology is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 120 credits.

Optional modules: choose one.

This engaging module encourages you to develop the competencies required for higher online education learning, such as academic styles of writing. You’ll also critically reflect on your personal development while learning about key psychological areas – including cognitive psychology’s theory of learning styles.  

This defining module provides you with the toolkit to analyse how we process, store and use information about ourselves and others. You’ll learn about the role of social psychologists and explore the ethical principles of research and conduct set by the British Psychological Society.  

In this fascinating module you’ll learn to identify the key issues associated with the social contexts of crime, and define the different types and categories. Through the lens of case studies, you’ll discover the influences of criminal behaviour, and the social and economic effects upon both communities and the state. 

Ready to discover more about brain behaviour, human memory and cognition? This exciting module will broaden your knowledge by introducing you to the history and science behind cognitive psychology. You’ll learn how to apply cognitive psychology to other disciplines and find out more about relevant research and theories within this fascinating field. 

Learn how to spot patterns of criminal behaviour in this stimulating module. You’ll explore the myths on offender profiling and learn about a range of methodologies and theoretical perspectives used in this method. Upon completion, you’ll have developed a range of useful skills – including the ability to describe the appropriateness of offender profiling. 

Gain hands-on and transferable research skills, and strengthen your knowledge of data collection and analysis. In this valuable module, you’ll develop a capacity to select appropriate analytical techniques and test hypotheses. You’ll also conduct a literary review to further deepen your understanding of relevant theory within social science research.  

Discover the key principles of prevention, intervention and rehabilitation of offenders within the criminal justice system. In this exciting module, you’ll learn to recognise the legalities of sentencing and how to identify methods of controlling offenders within the community. Upon completion, you’ll be able to explain the different approaches to dealing with offenders. 

By studying this thought-provoking module, you’ll understand why people are different from each other and explore the avenues to critically evaluate and measure these differences. You'll learn fundamentals of psychometrics and take the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and present a theory-based personality assessment.   

Learning and assessments

Teaching methods

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you will have access to your study materials 24/7, including:

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students
  • live Q&A sessions with your tutors
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team

To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.

 

Assessment methods

Rather than fretting about exams, you will be assessed exclusively through assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, or by submitting longer written pieces.

We are committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback through the following ways:

  • Our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent.
  • You will always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme.
  • You will be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log onto the learning platform.
  • There is a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work.
  • You will have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise.

 

Study duration

Our CertHE Criminal Psychology has an indicative study duration of 16 months, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one- or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.

All of our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.

Your future

Our CertHE Criminal Psychology provides a strong platform for entering a career within criminal justice. Not only that, the skills and knowledge obtained from this course will be well suited for roles within security, marketing, research, academia and business.

Gaining an undergraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

Entry requirements

We believe that education should be accessible for everyone. That’s why we offer an open entry route – meaning you don’t need any prior academic or work experience in order to start studying with us. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

You will need to pass your first assignment set within the first three weeks of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0.

Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Fees and funding

Full tuition fee: 

£6,167 UK / £6,475 International (2023-24) Δ 

  • Designated for undergraduate student loans in England. 
  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us.   

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Our expert staff

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our CertHE Criminal Psychology are experts in the fields of psychology and criminology.

What our students say

testimonials

Michelle Franklin - CertHE Psychology

Take a breath and go for it, don’t be disheartened or held back by age or self-doubt.

I left school at 16 with GCSEs and went straight onto an apprenticeship. I was a dental nurse for 16 years. 13 years ago, my husband (who is an ex London Fireman) and I started up our own business Franklins Training Services. We started off delivering fire safety training and we now employ and work with a team of over 20 staff and deliver training to over 400 clients. We have our own offices in Elmstead Market and I am really proud of what we have achieved. I have 2 boys who are now 26 and 23 years old who work in the business, as well as 2 grown-up stepchildren who between them have given us 6 grandchildren. I love spending time with my family and friends, I go horse riding when I have the time and I am studying psychology. I read a lot and if it’s not a murder mystery/thriller then...

Read more

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