Undergraduate USA-JUST3007-2023

Psychology of Investigative and Legal Processes

Duration

10 weeks

Study method

100% Online

Available loans

FEE-HELP

Assessments

100% online

Prior study

Not required

The University of South Australia, UniSA, is ranked in the top 10 universities nationally and amongst the very best young universities in the world. They offer over 200 world-class degrees that are informed by industry and delivered with a highly practical approach to teaching and learning. In fact, they are South Australia’s number one university for graduate careers. They are a valuable partner with Open Universities Australia.

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2023

Subject details

What you'll learn

By the end of this 10-week course, you’ll be able to:

Discuss the role of psychology in the investigative process.
Explain effective and ethical techniques for investigative interviewing
Identify effective expert witness communication skills.
Identify and explain external factors that impinge on legal decision making.
Examine psychological responses to problems within, or limitations of the criminal justice system.

Topics covered

- Psychology, law and criminal justice
- Law for psychologists – registration and ethics
- Police recruitment, conflict, crisis and vicarious trauma
- Investigative psychology and profiling
- Detecting deception and cognitive interviewing
- Eyewitness testimony, memory and jury decision-making
- Expert witness
- Forensic mental health: competency, risk and dangerousness
- Mental illness, personality disorder and violence
- Criminal justice and mental health

Entry requirements

No eligibility requirements

Additional requirements

No additional requirements

Description

This course explores the intersections between law and psychology. Examine the role of psychology in criminal justice processes, focusing on policing and the court system. Cover a broad range of topics such as investigative psychology, deception, eyewitness research, expert evidence, and jury and judicial decision making. Please note that the course will at times cover topics which you may find disturbing. If you suspect that an aspect of the course will be emotionally challenging for you, please contact a member of the teaching team, who can direct you to appropriate support resources.

UniSA Online’s 10-week short courses give you the flexibility to upskill in a certain area, stay current with developments in your field, diversify your knowledge, or even explore a new direction in your career – without having to commit to the time and cost of a full university degree.

Delivered 100% online, you’ll be able to study where and when it suits you. Access online academic and student support seven days a week, fit study around work and life commitments, view learning resources 24/7, and log in to the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

This is a third-year course from UniSA Online’s Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology degree. Please note: you are responsible for completing any relevant prerequisite courses before enrolling in this course.

Should your course have an exam it will be scheduled for Australian Central Standard Time or Australian Central Daylight Time, depending on the time of the year.

Assessments

Continuous Assessment (60%)
Project - 1800 words (40%)

Textbooks

For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).