Enrolments are closed.
Want to study Legal, Justice and Security? with a student advisor to find out more.
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
Undergraduate | GRF-CCJ10 | 2018
Course information for 2018 intake
Examine how psychologists use psychological theory and research within the criminal justice setting. Focus on psychological assessments in court, criminal behaviour and responsibility, predicting dangerousness, juries and eyewitness testimony.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed,
- No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
About this subject
The subject allows students to focus on both the academic and vocational aspects of forensic psychology and will assist in developing skills to critically evaluate criminal justice processes. With this in mind, the three aims of the subject are:
- To examine the various ways that psychologists interact with the legal system and apply research and theory to legal problems;
- To provide a working knowledge of the psychological theories that underpin human behaviour in the criminal justice system, including the behaviour of witnesses, children, jurors, and offenders.
- To critically review the research in forensic psychology and to enable students to become intelligent consumers of this research.
- Introduction to Forensic Psychology; Crime in Context
- Theories of Crime
- Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice
- Sexual Offenders
- Violent Offenders
- Eyewitness Testimony
- Profiling
- False Allegations and Confessions
- Mental Health Law and Offending
- Juries and Decision Making
- Assessment of risk, dangerousness and recidivism
This subject provides an introduction to the various domains of expertise of forensic psychologists. It examines the way in which psychologists produce and use psychological theory and research within the criminal justice setting. In particular, the subject focuses on the use of psychological assessments in court, issues of criminal responsibility and predicting dangerousness, jury processes and decision-making, eyewitness testimony, the use of psychological knowledge in prisons and the psychology of criminal behaviour.
Assessment details will be advised at the beginning of the subject offering.
- Essay 1 (40%)
- Quizzes (20%)
- Invigilated Exam (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.
Learn more about Griffith University.
Explore Griffith courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 18
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 20
Entry requirements
No entry 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.
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
Single subject FAQs
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions .
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.