Advanced Certificate in Criminal Psychology
Are you riveted by crime podcasts and true crime documentaries? Do you find the intricacies of forensics and its role in crime-solving enthralling? Are you keen to delve into the psychological underpinnings of criminal actions and understand what motivates such behaviour? If these questions spark your interest, the Advanced Certificate in Criminal Psychology is your gateway to turning this fascination into a viable career path.
Duration
Approximately 700 hours to complete the course, which has seven key modules made up of 71 lessons.
Entry Requirements
There are no prerequisites to complete this course. However, you must be able to read, analyse and comprehend printed information in English, and to write statements and solve problems to complete the course. You must also have reliable access to a computer and a reliable internet connection and have basic computer skills.
Certificate
Upon completing the course, you will receive a Statement of Attainment for each module completed and Certificate of Completion.
Delivery
Online, flexible learning when it suits you and your lifestyle.
Availability of Content
12 months to access the course content (extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis)
Approximately 700 hours to complete the course, which has seven key modules made up of 71 lessons.
There are no prerequisites to complete this course. However, you must be able to read, analyse and comprehend printed information in English, and to write statements and solve problems to complete the course. You must also have reliable access to a computer and a reliable internet connection and have basic computer skills.
Upon completing the course, you will receive a Statement of Attainment for each module completed and Certificate of Completion.
Online, flexible learning when it suits you and your lifestyle.
12 months to access the course content (extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis)
Summary
The Advanced Certificate in Criminal Psychology offers an insightful journey into the world of forensic psychology, melding psychology with the intricacies of criminal behaviour. Explore key topics like mental disorders, aggression, and youth crime, alongside forensic techniques and legal terminology. Delve into abnormal psychology and understand the role of psychopharmacology in criminal actions.
This course is an ideal fit for those looking to specialize in crime writing, legal services, or forensic psychology, providing a thorough comprehension of the complexities inherent in criminal psychology. Whether you’re enhancing existing skills or venturing into a new career path, this course lays the groundwork for a profound understanding of the criminal mind.
Course Outline
Students will undertake seven key modules, made up of 71 lessons.
Module 1: Criminal Psychology (100 hours)
This module is designed to teach you about criminal psychology and how psychology is used in law enforcement and crime prevention. Understand the many different theories and approaches to identifying the origins of criminal behaviour, from social learning theories to labelling theory and individual differences to gain a broad understanding of how crime is conceptualised. You will also gain a better understanding of the thoughts and behaviours of criminals and people who cross the boundary of what is considered acceptable in society.
Module 2: Introduction to Forensic Science (100 hours)
This module was designed as an introduction to the scope and nature of forensic science; from how modern science can be applied in law, to how it can help to solve crimes.
Discover how it draws on principles and methods from traditional sciences as well as specific forensic science techniques, such as anthropometry, fingerprinting, and blood stain analysis. Learn how evidence gathered using scientific principles is then prepared for submission in courts, to be presented impartially, to help uncover the truth.
Module 3: Legal Terminology (100 Hours)
This module aims to increase your understanding of legal terminology, which is useful for people in a variety of professions, from paralegals, to legal assistants and receptionists, to law enforcement officers, writers and journalists, campaigners and activists, to authorised government inspectors and officers. It’s also beneficial to those looking to improve their understanding of the government and the community.
Module 4: Abnormal Psychology (100 hours)
Throughout this module, you will be introduced to a range of common psychological disorders, from their aetiology, symptoms, prognosis, to possible treatment options. Whilst the module largely mirrors classifications systems used in the DSM and ICD, the student is also encouraged to consider additional issues, such as the definition of normality and abnormality, and when is an individual’s behaviour within the bounds of what is regarded as “normal” in society – and when is it “abnormal”.
The module aims to help you better understand common mental health issues so you can recognise and accommodate the behaviours of the people you work with and interact with, so you can relate and communicate with them in a more understanding and positively beneficial manner.
Module 5: Psychopharmacology (Drugs & Psychology) (100 hours)
This module is designed to help you understand how different types of drugs (manmade and natural) can influence our behaviour. From substance abuse, dependency, and withdrawal effects on the nervous system, to the impacts of drugs on society, this introductory module provides a solid foundation to psychopharmacology.
You will learn how our thinking can be affected by both legal and illegal drugs, the effects of painkillers, alcohol and prescription drugs, and discover the differences between the main groups of illicit drugs and how to identify drug abuse and dependence.
Module 6: Criminal Profiling (100 Hours)
The Criminal Profiling module is designed to enhance your understanding of criminal profiling techniques, a vital skill set for law enforcement officers, forensic psychologists, and criminal investigators. Starting with an introduction to criminal profiling, this module delves into various profiling methods, exploring how they are used to analyze crime scenes and understand offender characteristics. It covers in-depth analyses of different types of crimes, including sexual crimes, violent crimes, white-collar crimes, and unique categories such as victimless and consensual crimes. Victimology, a crucial aspect of profiling, is also thoroughly examined, providing insights into the relationship between victims and offenders.
Module 7: Ethics (100 Hours)
This module is crafted to enhance your understanding of ethical principles and their application in various professional and societal contexts. Beginning with an introduction to the fundamentals of ethics, this module delves into the complexities of arguing ethical positions and understanding meta-ethics. It emphasizes the importance of accommodating diverse viewpoints, exploring virtues, morality, and the reasons behind ethical decisions. The module further examines the concept of the social contract and its relevance in shaping individual rights and societal norms.
For the full subject list and course guide, fill out our Enquiry Form and our course consultants will be in touch.
Assessment
Assessments are an important part of your study journey as they help ensure you stay on track and meet the learning objectives of each lesson before moving onto the next. They also help your student support advisor and mentors identify where any further support may be required, so that you get the most out of your course. You will learn via various methods; a combination of reading, undertaking research and watching videos. Assessments might include case studies, quizzes, and written assessments.
Approval & Recognition
The Learning Group is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association which recognises quality and excellence in education providers in tertiary education.
Who will this course interest?
This course is a beginner-level course and is aimed at people who want to support or counsel others through the processes of personal growth and change.
The course may be of particular interest to people working or aspiring to work in:
› Law enforcement
› Crime Prevention
› Social Workers
› Rehabilitation Officers
› Prison Guards
› Legal professions
› Security Professions
If you have a specific job in mind, it is important that you research exactly what is required before enrolling in a course. Different roles will require different skills, qualifications and recognition. If you are unsure, one of our course advisors will be able to help you with this.