Diploma of Higher Education in Psychology & Criminology

Criminal & Forensic Psychology

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 prevention 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 cyber crimes.

From evaluating and assessing criminals, understanding and fighting radicalization 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 of Higher Education in Criminal & Forensic Psychology (DHEPCr)

This Level 5 Diploma is designed to provide students with the ground knowledge required to start their journey towards becoming a professional and criminal and forensic psychology. Program provides a thorough understanding of human behavior through core modules delivered in the first two semester and then go on to introduce the students to applications of psychology in forensic and criminal fields.

At the end of the  DHEPCr, you will cover the content covered in the first two years of the Bachelor;s degree in Psychology as well as knowledge relevant to first two years of a degree in forensic and criminal psychology. Hence giving you the opportunity to select your academic and career path at the end of the second year.

You have the options of completing a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic & Criminal Psychology (Check transfer options) or completing a BSc (Hons) in Psychology with a Specialization in Criminal & Forensic Psychology.

Please check-out the Dual Qualification Series offered by CIRP

Career Opportunities in Forensic & Criminal Psychology path

Please note that some of these professions require you to complete further studies and training after a bachelor’s degree.

• Forensic Psychologist

• Criminal Psychologist

• Correctional Psychologist

• Rehabilitation Psychologist

• Child Protection

• Forensic Psychology Lecturer & Researchers

• Special consultants to Police, Prisons and Military

• Private Detectives

• Prison Psychologist

• Prison welfare Managers

• Probation Officers

• Advocacy & Policy Making

How is the program delivered?

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

Qualification Title                   : Diploma of Higher Education in  Psychology & Criminology

Qualification Level                 : UK RQF Level 5

Awarding Body                      : Colombo Institute of Research & Psychology UK          

Credits                                    : 240 UK RQF Credits

Modules                                  : 16

Duration                                  : 02 Years

Progression                              : BSc (Hons) Psychology Final Year

Transfer Options                     : Available

Combinations                          : Dual Qualifications & Double Majors

Accreditation                          : Tertiary & Vocational Education Commission, Sri Lanka

Schedule                                 : Weekday or Weekends

Delivery                                  : On Campus or Online

Intakes                                    : February & September

Module Structure

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

1. Introduction to Psychology                    

2. Biopsychology                                        

3. Cognitive Psychology                             

4. Developmental Psychology                   

5. Social Psychology                                  

6. Memory                                                  

7. Personality                                              

 Forensic & Criminal Psychology 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 (Each module is worth 15 UK RQF Credits)                              

Common Modules  

1. Research Methods – Quantitate         

2. Research Methods – Qualitative         

3. Statistics 1                                          

4. Statistics 2                                           

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.

Entry Criteria

Educational Qualifications - Standard Entry

Completed A/L  (SL / Edexcel / Cambrdige / Recognized examinations body) with a minimum of 2 Passes in any Stream

or have completed a Foundation  Programme awarded by a recognized College /University

Educational Qualifications - Special considerations for mature students

A professional qualification with two (02) years work experience in a relevant field

or follow the Access Diploma to Higher Education at CIRP

Language Requirement

A high level of English Proficiency is required to successfully complete this programme.

English Proficiency of the students will be assessed in the beginning of the programs and students who do not meet the expected standard will be asked to follow the English Language Proficient Program (ELPP) offered by CIRP and obtain the required level of mastery before commencing the program

Award & Certificate

DHEP qualifications awarded by CIRP and is recognized by TVEC Sri Lanka. Certificate is issued by CIRP and you are able to get the certificate attested by TVEC Sri Lanka as a registered qualification when you apply for foreign universities.

Academic Progression & Transfer Options

Most of the students who complete the dual qualifications will enter the final year of the BSc (Hons) Psychology program delivered at CIRP in Sri Lanka in affiliation with UK university Partner.

Some students opt to transfer to different countries and universities around the world. As a result of DHEP curriculum meeting international standards, students are able to get exemptions with almost all the universities they apply to. CIRP has already established transfer pathways to many universities in UK, Australia, Canada, Dubai and many other countries

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Student Life

CIRP offers and excellent campus life that provides students ample opportunities to enjoy their university life combining academic work with a range of other activities. Most are aimed at providing students the much required recreational time and sufficient time away from classrooms essential for psychological well-being. Working together with the students council, CIRP organizes many activities and events to bring our hidden talents in students, provide confidence, enhance social and interpersonal skills, embrace cultural diversity and have fun in a responsible  way in a safe environment. 

We invite all students to check out student life at CIRP.