Colombo Institute of Research & Psychology - CIRP - Diploma in Forensic& Criminal Psychology

Course Overview

Criminal & Forensic Psychology is a specialty in psychology that has become very popular as it offers many exciting, interesting and challenging career options. Using psychological concepts in law enforcement, judicial and correctional processes professionals in criminal and forensic psychology serve community fighting and preventing crimes to make society a safer place.

As the sophisticated nature of the crimes increase day by day, governments and corporate organizations around the world are making crime preventions and crime fighting also equally sophisticated. While government organizations are trying to reduce crime rates in the society corporate organizations are working to reduce fraud and cybercrimes.

From evaluating and assessing criminals, understanding and fighting radicalizations and terrorism to profiling and catching sex offenders, Criminal and forensic psychologists are using their understanding of human behavior and thinking to uncover the dark side of human mind.

Diploma in Criminal & Forensic Psychology is a program designed to provide individuals with basic knowledge and skills required to better understand behaviors and thinking patterns of individuals who commit crimes and display deviant tendencies.

During the program students will be introduced to biological, cognitive, social, developmental determinant of behavior and their contribution to criminal behavior. Program will also discuss how psychological frameworks could be used in forensic psychology in terms of offender profiling, forensic interviews, eye witness testimonies and jury decision making.

Aims & Objectives

Upon successful completion students are expected  to :

1. Understand the genetic, biological, social and developmental factors that contribute to criminal and anti-social behaviors
2. Demonstrate core knowledge of psychological theories applicable to criminology and forensic science 
3. Apply psychological insights to crime prevention, crime fighting, rehabilitation of criminals and improving forensic investigations
4. Using psychological assessments in profiling, predicting and identifying criminals 
5. Apply psychological theories in policy making, protecting vulnerable groups and managing prisoners 

Program Delivery

Program is delivered using modern teaching methods and training techniques that inspires the minds of the students creating enthusiasm, interest and motivation to explore further in to the field. A variety of methods from face to face lectures to case studies, journal discussions, workshops and seminars, small group discussions and group activities are used to create and maintain passion of the students.

Program Structure

Duration                              Standard : 01 Year            Fast-track : 06 months

Delivery                               On Campus / Online

Modules                              08

Compulsory                        05

Electives                              03

Credit Value                       120 UK Credits

Level                                    05 (RQF Standard)

Classes                                Sundays

Awarding Body                 Colombo Institute of Research & Psychology

Accreditation                     Tertiary & Vocational Education Commission  Sri Lanka

Credit Transfer                  Available

Transfer abroad                   Available

Progression                        Higher Diploma / Bachelor’s Degree

Module Structure

Core Modules (Each module is worth 15 UK RQF Credits)

1              Introduction to Psychology                                         

2              Biopsychology                                                                                                  

3              Cognitive Psychology                                                                                    

4              Developmental Psychology                                                                        

5              Social Psychology                                                            

Specialization Modules (Each module is worth 15 UK RQF Credits)

1. Introduction to Criminology & Forensic Science                            

2. Theories of Criminal Behavior & Offender Profiling                     

3. Psychology in Courtroom                                                                        

4. Sexual Offenders                                                                                       

5. Criminal & Forensic Psychology Assessments                                                

A student may select three (03) of the above modules.

Placement & Supervised Training

Students who wish to improve their practitioner skills by obtaining a supervised training and/or placement may benefit from the supervised training programs provided by CIRP life center, CIRP’s own psychotherapy and counseling center.

Assessments

Assessments are designed to ensure that the students have achieved the required learning outcomes. Students are provided opportunity to take a range of assessments that will empower students to face the various different challenges and demands of their work life upon graduation including written examinations, essays and assignments submitted online, individual and group presentations, social media projects, mini research projects.