Forensic Psychology (2022)

Forensic Psychology links psychology to both criminal behaviour and its reduction and prevention, and to the functions of the legal and correctional systems. This subject will also give students an opportunity to align the strong empirical and theoretical traditions from western psychology to Māori-led approaches to understanding and reducing recidivism, and the overrepresentation of Māori in the criminal justice system.

Forensic Psychology is available as a minor.

To complete a minor in Forensic Psychology, students must complete 60 points, including FPSYC101, FPSYC201, FPSYC301 and 15 points from CRSCI101, CRSCI105, PSYCH100, PSYCH101 or SOCIO102.

Note: Forensic Psychology will be introduced as a minor in 2022.


On this page


  • 100 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    CRSCI101Introduction to Security and Crime Science15.022A (Hamilton) & 22A (Online)
    This paper is an introduction to topics, approaches and disciplines that help to define Security and Crime Science's approach to reducing and preventing crimes before they happen, thus helping to create safer communities.
    FPSYC101Introduction to Forensic and Criminological Psychology15.022B (Hamilton) & 22B (Online)
    This paper introduces students to forensic psychology and encompasses a wide range of topics derived from the intersection of psychology with the crime, the legal system and the criminal justice system.
    PSYCH100Brain, Behaviour and Cognition15.022A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
    This paper introduces perceptual systems, mechanisms of learning, emotions and motivation, the biological basis of psychology, such as brain structure and functioning, processes underlying behaviour, memory and cognition.
    PSYCH101Social Psychology, Health and Well-being15.022B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
    This paper will introduce major issues in psychology particularly as they relate to health, wellbeing, mental illness, forensic psychology, lifespan development, and social factors in a range of contexts.
    SOCIO102The Sociology of Crime, Deviance and Social Justice15.022B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
    This paper provides students with an introduction to criminology and the criminal justice system, with a focus on the New Zealand context.
  • 200 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    FPSYC201Psychology and Crime15.022B (Hamilton) & 22B (Online)
    Crime is a result of how people think, feel, and behave within their ecological context, making psychology one of the core disciplines in understanding, explaining and addressing problems associated with crime.
  • 300 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    FPSYC301Correctional Psychology: Theory, Research and Practice15.0No occurrences
    This paper examines the application of psychological theory, research and practice to the operation of correctional systems and their various roles with the people in their care. There is a strong emphasis on New Zealand practice, including emerging Maori-led and Maori-influenced practices.

2022 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 22 March 2024 8:11pm

This page has been reformatted for printing.