What makes people commit crime? Are there gender differences? What is the role of perception? How are assessments and interventions conducted with those convicted of a serious crime, or those who have been the victim of a crime?
Forensic psychology is explored from individual to societal levels, with critical analysis of and examples from a European perspective. Selected topics include cognitive, emotional, social, and neuropsychological approaches to the nature and treatment of criminal behavior.
If you are interested in gaining more hands-on lab experience, consider enrolling in Forensic Psychology Lab alongside this course.
Travel on Study Tour
You only take one Core Course per semester, and each Core Course includes two Study Tours: one Short Study Tour to a nearby destination for three days, and one Long Study Tour to another European country for six days.
Led by your faculty, Study Tours take you into real-world settings where you will apply what you’ve learned outside the classroom.
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology (China University of Political Science and Law, 2010). Post Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (Gothenburg University, 2012). Worked as an organizational consultant in areas of leadership and cross-cultural competence training in Sweden. Also has worked as a teacher and researcher at universities in China, and was promoted to the position of associate professor in China. With DIS since 2016.
Long Study Tour
About this tour
This study tour will focus on forensic psychology from national, organizational, and individual levels in a broader European context.
The Netherlands is recognized for its progressive and rehabilitative approach to criminal justice. During our week-long Study Tour to Amsterdam, we will delve into the Dutch forensic psychology landscape, exploring how the legal system balances public safety with humane treatment of offenders.
Through site visits and expert-led seminars, students will gain insight into the role of gender, trauma, and social context in offending behavior, as well as strategies used in the Dutch system to support victims and reintegrate offenders. We will also explore how restorative justice practices are implemented and evaluated in the Netherlands.
We will engage directly with professionals, researchers, and practitioners working at the intersection of psychology and law, connecting theory to real-world application in one of Europe’s most innovative criminal justice systems.
Learning outcomes
Explore means for understanding the prevention and occurrence of crime, and the treatment of offenders and victims from an individual to societal level
Gain insight into the legal frameworks around sex work and critically analyze the criminalization and legislation of sex work
Become familiar with national initiatives relevant to forensic psychology
Possible activities
Meet with professionals who are active in the transfer of victim/offender intervention from academia to real-world crime prevention
Meet with victim support networks to enhance awareness of the challenges faced by victims, explore best practices in victim support, and identify ways to contribute to a survivor-cantered approach in addressing sexual violence
Observe the process of offender/victim intervention programs through case studies and develop questions to enhance learning and further study
Visit the International Criminal Court
About this tour
This study tour will focus on forensic psychology from national, organizational, and individual levels in a broader European context.
In 2014, the Scottish Justice System introduced an act to improve the experience of victims and witnesses of crime. During our study tour to Scotland, we will explore the rationale for these changes and how they were implemented, as well as crime prevention strategies and their effectiveness.
Since the early 2000s, changes to the Scottish criminal justice system have led to increased sentencing. Thus, the role of perpetrators will be explored and a gender perspective considered.
We will also explore rehabilitation services. Examples include the strength-based approach, which aims to reduce criminal offenders’ risk of re-offending, and a women-centered approach for female offenders. Assessment and treatment of victims and witnesses of crime will also be considered. With Scotland as our classroom, we will bring theory into practice by meeting scholars and practitioners that will share insight on current research within the field of forensic psychology.
Learning outcomes
Explore means for understanding the prevention and occurrence of crime, and the treatment of offenders and victims from an individual to societal level
Gain insight into the experiences of perpetrators and victims of crime, and learn how Scottish society views each
Explore how leading forensic consultants work to support police investigations
Become familiar with national initiatives relevant to forensic psychology
Possible activities
Meet with national organizations, leading scholars, practitioners, and investigators in the field of forensics
Meet with past perpetrators, victims, and/or witnesses
Visit a state prison
Learn about an ‘Exit Program,’ a resource for ex-offenders to make successful transitions, as well as visiting female offenders’ rehabilitation programs
Short Study Tour
Sweden
About this tour
Alongside a two-day seminar in Stockholm, the short study tour is designed to give you a nuanced understanding of how classroom theories can apply to a real world context. While in Greater Sweden, and specifically Gothenburg, you will learn about forensic psychology from individual and organizational perspectives in a Scandinavian context.
By visiting national institutions, you will gain a deeper understanding of the justice system in Sweden, learn how the Swedish welfare system operates, and how psychological, judicial, and crime prevention strategies and programs are used and why. You will also be exposed to various clinical settings, and meet with prominent researchers and practitioners to learn about the assessment and treatment of perpetrators, victims, and/or witnesses of crime.
The study tour is supplemented with visits to give you further insight to Swedish history and culture, as well as provide a more well-rounded understanding of the environment in which forensic psychology operates.
Learning outcomes
Explore means for understanding the prevention and occurrence of crime and the treatment of offenders and victims from an individual to societal level
Learn how Swedish society views both perpetrators and victims of crime
Become familiar with Swedish initiatives relevant for forensic psychology
Possible activities
Meet with national organizations such as The Department of Justice and Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health
Meet with leading scholars from the research unit; Criminal, Legal, and Investigative Psychology (CLIP) at Gothenburg university
Visit practitioners working with perpetrators
Looking for some advice? We’ll support you every step of the way.
