Legal and investigative psychology in practice

Main field of studies

Psychology

Specialization

G1N, First cycle, has only uppersecondary level entry requirements

The course focuses on psychological knowledge of practical relevance to the judiciary and above all in the field of human rights law, where assessments of people's stories are in focus. The course provides basic knowledge in investigative psychology, such as witness psychology and memory psychology, as well as in-depth knowledge and practical application exercises in interview and interrogation methods.

Furthermore, the course also focuses on forensic psychology, such as legal decision-making, reliability and credibility assessments, which is followed by application exercises. The course ends with an individual written project.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

 Knowledge and understanding

• show general understanding of current research in important areas of forensic
psychology
• identify and describe key psychological sources of error in investigation and in
court

Competence and skills

• explain and discuss knowledge of forensic psychology in terms of its practicality and benefits
• explain and apply relevant evidence-based interrogation and interview methods
• explain and apply relevant evidence-based methods for evaluation of statements
• formulate a researchable forensic psychological problem and search for and summarize literature relevant to this problem

Judgement and approach

• evaluate knowledge of forensic psychology and its applications in different legal contexts based on a scientific approach
• evaluate and problematize different evidence-based interview and interrogation methods
• evaluate and problematize relevant evidence-based methods for evaluation of
statements

The course is web-based and is conducted via scheduled and non-scheduled teaching. The teaching methods include teacher-led lectures, recorded lectures, workshops with practical application exercises and webinars where the students actively participate by discussing and reflecting on the practicality of the course content.

Language of instruction: Swedish

All teaching and readings can form basis for examination. The course is examined through examining webinars, individual written assignments and an individual written project. Compensation for absence is made according to the course coordinator´s
instructions.

A student who has failed the same examination twice by the same examiner has the right to change the examiner. The student shall submit a written request to the Department. The request shall be granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6,
Section 22 of Higher Education Ordinance).

A student with a recommendation for special educational support from the University of Gothenburg may receive an adapted examination or alternative examination form provided that the examiner decides it is compatible with the course objectives and it does not require unreasonable resources.

In the event where a course has been discontinued or has undergone major changes, the student is guaranteed at least three examinations (including the ordinary examination) during a period of at least one year up to two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies for internships and on-the-job trainings, but
with a restriction to only one additional examination session.

The grading scale comprises: Pass (G) and Fail (U).

To receive a Pass (G) in the course, students must:

• actively participate in all compulsory parts

• get a passing grade on written assignments

• get a passing grade on a written project

The course coordinator is responsible for ensuring that students are given the opportunity to provide an anonymous, written course evaluation at the end of the course. On completion of the course, the course coordinator writes a course report, which includes a summary of students' feedback about the course.

The course report is
discussed in a relevant course evaluation group and is communicated both to the students who completed the course evaluation as well as to the students who are starting the course. The reports are available to students.

As the course is online, access to the internet, computer, headset and webcam is required.