Module Information

Module Identifier
LC29220
Module Title
Psychopathology
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-Requisite
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Group Poster Presentation  3000 words (equivalent)  50%
Semester Assessment Essay assignment  1500 Words  50%
Supplementary Assessment Reflective summary  Reflective summary of group poster presentation (if failed or did not submit)  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmit Essay Assignment  1500 Words  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Identify the key areas of psychopathology in relation to offending.

2. Explain psychological and criminological theories to the understanding of criminal behaviour and self-violence;

3. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the context and the social issues involved in understanding mental illness;

4. Identify and evaluate clinical assessment tools;

Describe and comment on ceompetency to stand trial and criminal responsibility.

6. Demonstrate a psychological understanding of the impact of working in the criminal justice system and the effect it has on criminal justice practitioners;

7. Analyse and evaluate the related literature in psychopathology in relation to crime and criminality, self harm and the criminal justice system.

Brief description

Psychopathology and general mental health issues are becoming increasingly prominent in discourse surrounding crime, imprisonment, and the treatment/rehabilitation of offenders. The module will address the main areas that have been identified as problematic in relation to crime and offending and enable students to appreciate their etiology and prevalence.

This module also explores violence and harm, as a result of mental illness, to the self. It considers the vulnerability of those with a mental health disorder, the comorbidity between mental illness and drug / alcohol abuse and its relationship with the criminal justice system.

Aims

Delivering an introduction to the key areas surrounding the identification and impact of psychopathology and mental health, the module will focus on those areas of mental illness related to offending and criminal behaviour, victimology and looking at psychopathology in other criminal justice sectors (e.g. the police and prisons).

Content

1. ​Psychopathology: Concepts and Classifications;

2. Mental Health, Crime and Society;

3. Alcohol / Substance Abuse, Misuse and Crime;

4. Violence and Harm to the Self;

5. Psychopathology and Prisons;

6. Psychopathology in the Courtroom; and

7. ​Psychopathology of the Police and Police Work

Delivery:
10 x 2 hour lectures
3 x 2 hour seminars
2 x 2 hour workshop (week 2 and week 9)

Student workload - 170 hrs

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Through the critical analysis of research findings students will develop an appreciation of the epidemiology of psychopathological disorders
Communication Oral communication will be encouraged during interactive seminar discussions on various key aspects of the module. Written skills will be developed through coursework task.
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will have the opportunity to learn from the first element of the assessment before they engage with the second element.
Information Technology Searches of on-line electronic databases and journals will provide practice in IT skills.
Personal Development and Career planning ​Preparation for seminars and the assessed assignment will develop time management skills; collation of sources for assessment will nurture research skills; appreciation of complex theoretical issues will develop critical thinking skills
Problem solving Consideration of the wide range of issues raised in relation to psychopathology will develop and enhance students' critical problem solving skills
Research skills Research skills will be developed by accessing literature on psychopathology
Subject Specific Skills This module provides students with the opportunity to identify, analyse, evaluate and practice a series of skills with respect to psychopathology.
Team work Students will work in small groups for the poster presentation.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5