Enrolments for 2019 have closed.
Psychology and Policing
Postgraduate | CUR-PSB540 | 2019
Course information for 2019 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
FEE-HELP available
Psychology and Policing
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of contemporary policing and how it is influenced by psychological research
- show how a broad range of psychological findings can be applied to police work and assess their utility
- critique information gathering techniques employed by the police
- effectively argue for the inclusion of forensic psychology in police investigations.
- False confessions and testimony
- Police interviewing
- Facial recognition
- Eyewitnesses and error
- Detecting deception
- Evidence-based policing
- Policing and stress
- Police and psychology in partnership I
- Police and psychology in partnership II
Psychologists have assisted the work of the police in a number of ways and this subject of study introduces applications of psychology to police operations. Topics covered include false confessions and testimony, police interviewing, facial recognition, and eyewitnesses and error. The rise of evidence-based policing has encouraged psychologists to work closely with the police on developing practices that are grounded in empirical research, and this approach will be critically assessed. Police officers frequently experience work related stress and ways in which psychologists can assist officers in responding to stress are also examined. Students will be provided with an overview of the opportunities and limitations of police-psychology collaborations. The need for a pragmatic approach underscores this subject of study.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Written Assignment (50%)
- Invigilated Examination (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.