Advanced Certificate in Criminology & Law

Designed as an introduction to the world of criminology and law, this comprehensive course will help you develop an understanding of criminal psychology and how psychology is used in law enforcement and crime prevention. You will also be introduced to legal terminology, discover how modern science can be applied in law and how it can help to solve crime, and better understand and identify common mental health issues and abnormal behaviours.

Course Outline

Students will undertake 5 Key Modules, made up of 10 subjects each.

Module 1: Introduction to Forensics (100 Hours)

This module was designed as an introduction to the scope and nature of forensic science; from how modern science can be applied in law, to how it can help to solve crimes. Discover how it draws on principles and methods from traditional sciences as well as specific forensic science techniques, such as anthropometry, fingerprinting, and blood stain analysis. Learn how evidence gathered using scientific principles is then prepared for submission in courts, to be presented impartially, to help uncover the truth.

Module 2: Criminal Psychology (100 Hours)

This module aims to provide a fascinating insight into the mind of the criminal and what makes someone commit criminal offences. There are many different theories and approaches to understanding the origins of criminal behaviour, from social learning theories, to labelling theory, to individual differences.

It is important to understand different theories in order to nurture a broad understanding of how crime is conceptualised. Once this is in place you can better understand the thoughts and behaviours of criminals
and people who cross the boundary of what is considered acceptable in society. You will gain an understanding of criminal psychology and how psychology is used in law enforcement and crime prevention.

Module 3: Legal Terminology (100 Hours)

This module aims to increase your understanding of legal terminology, which is useful for people in a variety of professions, from paralegals, to legal assistants and receptionists, to law enforcement officers, writers and journalists, campaigners and activists, to authorised government inspectors and officers. It’s also beneficial to those looking to improve their understanding of the government and the community.

Module 4: Abnormal Psychology (100 Hours)

Throughout this module, you will be introduced to a range of common psychological disorders, from their aetiology, symptoms, prognosis, to possible treatment options. Whilst the module largely mirrors classifications systems used in the DSM and ICD, the student is also encouraged to consider additional issues, such as the definition of normality and abnormality, and when is an individual’s behaviour within the bounds of what is regarded as “normal” in society and when is it “abnormal”?

The module aims to help you better understand common mental health issues so you can recognise and accommodate the behaviours of the people you work with and interact with, so you can relate and communicate with them in a more understanding
and positively beneficial manner

Module 5: Psychopharmacology (Drugs & Psychology) (100 Hours)

This module is designed to help you understand how different types of drugs (manmade and natural) can influence our behaviour. From substance abuse, dependency, and withdrawal effects on the nervous system, to the impacts of drugs on society, this introductory module provides a solid foundation to psychopharmacology.

You will learn how our thinking can be affected by both legal and illegal drugs, the effects of pain killers, alcohol and prescription drugs, and discover the differences between the main groups of illicit drugs and how to identify drug abuse and dependence.

For the full subject list and course guide, fill out our Enquiry Form and our course advisors will be in touch.

Assessment

Assessments are a critical step in the learning process. They help ensure you stay on track and meet the learning objectives of each lesson before moving onto the next. They also help your tutor identify where any further support may be required, so that you get the most out of your course.

You will learn via various methods; a combination of reading, interacting with tutors, undertaking research and watching videos. Each lesson will conclude with an assignment which is marked by your assigned tutor and returned to you with feedback, and if necessary, some recommended additional reading. Assessments may come in the form of – case studies, quizzes and written assessments.