Program Overview

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Diploma in the Psychology of Criminal Behaviour

Course Outline

The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour Diploma is designed to provide a flexible part-time third-level learning opportunity, suitable for anyone with a desire to learn about the workings of the criminal mind, what motivates an individual to commit crimes, and how investigators collect psychological clues. The Diploma will provide a comprehensive insight into criminal behaviour and the criminal mind.

Course Practicalities

Assessment

Through a variety of interesting and engaging assessments, students will develop competencies around the skills of academic reading, writing, and referencing according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Assignments include book reviews, essays, reflective practices, group projects, and an individual project in year 2.

Who Teaches This Course

The lecturers who contribute to the Diploma are experts in their fields with PhDs and/or significant experience in various organisations associated with the criminal justice system.

Why Choose This Course

The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour is the only course of its kind in the Republic of Ireland offered at NFQ Level 7. It is also the only diploma in the field of forensic psychology that offers a unique part-time flexible option, allowing students to combine work with study. Previous students include members of An Garda Síochána, juvenile liaison officers, community Gardaí, outreach workers, solicitors, counsellors, addiction counsellors, law clerks, students of psychology, prison officers, probation officers, youth workers, teachers, and numerous individuals who are simply fascinated with the study of the criminal mind.

Skills and Careers Information

Previous students of the Diploma have successfully gained entry to a number of other courses, including degrees in psychology and law, as well as postgraduate courses such as MAs in criminology. The progression routes open to students depend on their individual background. Other students of the course have gained employment with various voluntary and community agencies. Members of An Garda Síochána and students from other professions who completed the course have found that implementing what they have learned on the course is tremendously beneficial to their line of work.

Requirements

• Being at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application
• A detailed application form prior to the closing date, which will request applicants to present a 500-word statement indicating their reasons for applying for the course
• Applicants may be invited for an interview
• English Language Requirement: All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score.

Fees and Costs

€2,100 per academic year

How to Apply

Applicants need to be aware of the IT student checklist before applying:

• Access to a laptop or desktop computer running a modern supported operating system with all software updates
• Some of UCC’s services (e.g., the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment) link to an external site and also have mobile apps for iOS and Android Devices that students may wish to use as part of their studies
• Students should always use the most current version of their preferred browser
• A reliable broadband connection with at least 2Mbps or more is required
• An Office suite of software (Microsoft Office or equivalent) and a PDF reader are necessary

To apply for this course, follow the steps below:

• Log into the Application Portal
• Click Apply Online
• Select Start a new Adult & Continuing Education Application
• On the 2nd tab Academic Level, select the following options:
  • Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
  • Course Type: ACE Part-time Courses
  • Academic Programme: The course title you are applying for
• During the online application, upload the following documents:
  • Birth Cert or Passport
  • Passport Photograph
  • English Language Test Report [if applicable]
  • 50% of the fees are also required to complete the application

Modules

Year 1

• AP1838: Introduction to Forensic Psychology and Criminal Behaviour
• AP1839: Young Offenders
• AP1840: Risk Assessment and Management
• AP1841: Mental Health and Crime

Year 2

• AP2822: Sexual Offenders
• AP2823: Policing and Investigative Psychology
• AP2824: Psychology of the Courtroom
• AP2825: Criminal/Forensic Psychology Project

Similar Courses

• MA in Criminology
• BA Psychology
• HDip Psychology

Diploma in the Psychology of Criminal Behaviour

Download the Programme Brochure here.