Criminal Psychology: Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer

Who this Course is for:

Step into the fascinating world of Criminal Psychology. Explore and learn how evaluate and apply the Biological, Psychological and Sociological factors that explain Criminal Behaviour. Delve into the mind of history's infamous serial killers and discover the how and why behind the worlds most heinous crimes.

Do you love watching TV Series like Cracker, Wire in the Blood, Criminal Minds and CSI?
Do you want to learn more about the psychology of crime and deviance? Do you dream of working in the field of criminal or forensic psychology and want to study this area of psychology at further and higher education? Then this course is for you! You will learn, step by step, the Biopsychosocial factors that influence criminal behaviour.
As a foundation course, you will learn the theories that guide and inform Criminal and Forensic Psychologists in their work.
This course will provide you with solid foundations and depth of understanding of the Biopsychosocial factors that influence crime and deviance; particularly the extreme end of the scale-serial killers.
You will not only learn the biological, psychological and social theories but also the why of the mind behind such crimes; that is, the motivations, intentions and thought processes behind the worst offenders in history.

What is Criminal Psychology?

Criminal psychology is a specialised subfield of psychology that is dedicated to the study of criminal behaviour, and the psychological factors that contribute to it; as well as the impact of crime on individuals and society.
One of the primary focuses of criminal psychology is the study of the criminal mind, the thoughts and motivations behind the crime. This involves understanding the psychological and social factors that influence individuals to commit crimes. These factors can include personality traits, adverse childhood experiences, substance abuse, social and cultural influences together with the neurological, biological and psychological makeup of individuals who commit crimes.

Why is Criminal Psychology Important?

Criminal psychology involves understanding and analysing patterns of criminal behaviour, identifying potential risk factors that may lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, and understanding the different types of criminal behaviour that exist.
Knowledge of the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behaviour, enables criminal psychologists to develop profiles of criminals to aid in the investigation and prosecution of crimes.
Each of these areas is critical to understanding the complex factors that contribute to crime and to developing effective strategies for preventing and addressing criminal behaviour; including risk assessments prior to granting parole, and the rehabilitation of offenders.

Course Curriculum

Introduction to Psychoanalytic Theory and Violence
6 Lessons
- Introduction to the Course - What you will learn
  Preview
- My Learning Journey - what I would like to learn in this course.
  Start
- What is Criminal Psychology and Why is it Important?
  Start
- An Introduction to the History of Criminal Psychology - Early Criminologists
  Start
- A Step Back in History - The First Documented Serial Killer - Gilles de Rais
  Start
- The Psychology of Evil - What Makes a Child Grow up to Become a Serial Killer
  Start
The Biological Approach in Criminal Psychology
7 Lessons
- Early Biological Theories of Criminality
  Start
- The Biological Approach in Psychology
  Start
- Frontal Lobe Trauma - The Incredible Story of Phineas Gage
  Start
- Brain Injury and Violence
  Start
- Simple Brain Structures and Functions
  Start
- Genetics and Crime
  Start
- Assignment - Frontal Lobe Injury
  Start
The Cognitive Behavioural Approach in Criminal Psychology
4 Lessons
- Behaviourism - Classical Conditioning
  Start
- Behaviourism - Operant Conditioning
  Start
- Albert Bandura - Social Learning Theory
  Start
- Cognitive Behavioural Understanding of Violence and Serial Murder
  Start
Child Development - The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences
3 Lessons
- Attachment Theory Maternal Deprivation
  Start
- Freud and Dann 1951
  Start
- Case Study: The Impact of Abuse and Neglect in Childhood
  Start
Psychoanalytic Theory and Violence
7 Lessons
- Introduction to The Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic Approach
  Start
- Freud's Theory of Life and Death Instincts - Eros and Thanatos
  Start
- The Significance of Eros and Thanatos in Criminal Behaviour
  Start
- Freud's Structural Theory of Personality
  Start
- Freud's Theory of Human Development - The Psychosexual Stages
  Start
- Frustration Aggression Hypothesis
  Start
- The Psychoanalytic Understanding of Violence and Serial Murder
  Start
Personality, Violence and Serial Murder
6 Lessons
- An Introduction to Psychopathy and Serial Murder
  Start
- Psychopathy and Serial Murder Lesson 2
  Start
- Psychopathy and Serial Murder Lesson 3
  Start
- The Psychopathic Brain (read and watch resources)
  Start
- Anti-Social Personality Disorder
  Start
- Understanding the Relationship between ASPD and Violent Criminal Behaviour
  Start
Interactionism, Reductionism and Determinism
1 Lesson
- Understanding Interactionism, Reductionism and Determinism in Psychology
  Start
Behavioural/Offender Profiling
4 Lessons
- The Role of Behavioural Analysis in Criminal Investigations
  Start
- Behavioural Profiling - Definition, History and Process of Behavioural Profiling
  Start
- The Four Types of Serial Killers - Typology and Subtypes
  Start
- FBI Profiling versus UK Profiling: Top Down, Bottom Up
  Start
Pulling it Altogether - Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer
1 Lesson
- The Psychology of Evil - Why?
  Start

Katherine Gray

Katherine Gray BSc (Hons) Combined Social Science, PGCE, PGC Psychology

Course Pricing

Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer

£44.99

From Newborn to Serial Killer. An in depth course in criminal psychology, exploring the minds of serial killers.

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