There are many different theories when it comes to the origins of criminal behaviour. And understanding them can give you valuable insights into the thoughts and behaviours of people who cross the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in today’s society. This course is ideal for welfare officers, youth workers, counsellors, psychologists, support workers, and those in the legal, security and crime prevention professions.
The Certificate of Criminal Psychology is an online program that will develop your understanding of criminal psychology and how psychology is used in law enforcement and crime prevention.
In this professional development course, you will learn about learning disabilities and crime, mental disorders and crime and the scope and nature of psychopathology.
You will also study gender and crime, youth and crime, and how psychology can affect interactions with the police, in the courtroom and in crime prevention.
On completion of this course, you will have gained a strong understanding of criminal psychology, which will help you navigate and support the complex nature of your fellow human beings.
Course Structure
Unit - Criminal Psychology
Unit 1 – Introduction to criminal psychology
- Definitions of crime
- Consensus view of what crime is
- Conflict view of crime
- Interactionist view of crime
- Scope of criminal psychology
- What criminal psychologists do
- Case study
- Profiling
- Courts
- Correctional system
Unit 2 – Psychological approaches to understanding crime
- Biological explanations of crime
- Phrenology
- Eugenics
- XYY chromosome model
- Genetics
- Twin studies
- Adoption studies
- Nature, nurture
- Environmental explanations of crime
- Family influence
- Agency explanations
- Rational choice theory
Unit 3 – Psychology and understanding serious crimes
- Aggression
- Types of aggression
- Terminology
- Drive theories
- Freudian theories
- Social learning theories
- Biological and evolutionary theories
- Types of aggression
- Aggression an against outsiders
- Aggression in species
- Aggression in humans
- Environmental influences on human aggression
- Imitation or modelling
- Familiarity
- Reinforcement
- Aggression and culture
- Other factors in aggression: alcohol, pain, frustration
- Murder
- Sexual assault
- Stalking
- Pursuit behaviour
- False stalking syndrome
Unit 4 – Mental disorder and crime 1 – learning disabilities and crime
- Meaning of learning disabilities
- IQ testing
- Crime and intelligence
- Modern intelligence testing
- Learning disabilities and crime
- Sex offences and people with learning disabilities
- Courts
Unit 5 – Mental disorder and crime 2 – psychopathy
- Scope and nature of psychopathology
- Personality disorder
- Psychopath
- Heartlessness
- Emotionless
- How do people become psychopaths
- Treatment
Unit 6 – Gender and crime
- Scope and nature of gender and crime studies
- Rates of crime
- Murder and violence
- Prostitution
- Case study … Women offenders
- Victims
- Murder
- Domestic violence
- Sexual abuse
Unit 7 – Youth and crime
- Age of criminal responsibility
- Risk factors
- Mental health risk
- Conduct disorders
- ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
- Cumulative affect of risk factors
- Prevalence and offending
- Case studies
- Young people as victims
Unit 8 – Psychology and the Police
- Social construction of reported crime
- Eyewitness testimony
- Early research
- Schemas and EWT
- Police line ups
- Every day uses of psychology by police
Unit 9 – Psychology in the courtroom
- Social cognition
- Behaviour
- Appearance
- Expectations
- The primacy effect
- Attribution
- Schemas and social perception
- Central traits
- Stereotypes
- Social inference and decision making
- Psychology and the law
- Guilt bias
- Media effect
- Defendant attributes
- Attorney attributes
Unit 10 – Psychology and crime prevention
- Punishment
- Types of punishment
- History of punishment
- Reasons for punishment
- Deterrents
- Punishment and impartiality
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
It was very well structured and enabled me to learn more than what I initially thought I would
C. Miller, Hawthorn, VIC | Certificate of Criminal Psychology
I really enjoyed studying with Australian Online Courses. The information provided covered a great deal of content & I learnt a lot about the area I was studying. Overall a great experience
T. Denning, Penrith, NSW | Certificate of Criminal Psychology
The assessments were very interesting and allowed me to delve deeper into my interest
A.Luong, Glen Waverley, VIC | Certificate of Criminal Psychology
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Security Professionals
- Law Enforcement Professionals
- Social Workers
- Legal Professionals
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