BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY AND CRIMINOLOGY (HFPC)

Module Code	Module Name	Description
HCDP100	Introduction to Psychology	The module introduces students to the core concepts and development of the psychological thought from its origins in philosophy and history. The module traces the historical development of psychology as a scientific study of behaviour, demonstrates the terminology used in psychology; identifies research models and relates the findings of research to life situations. Again, the module demonstrates the different theoretical approaches to psychology and be able to articulate the different assumptions behind them; applies theories of psychology to diverse life situations and helps in applying the psychology practically to problems confronting them in society.
HCDP101	Introduction to Social Psychology	The module introduces students to the development of social psychology. It traces the history of social psychology and its relationship with sociology and social work. It introduces students to the application of psychological theories, concepts and experiments to a variety of social settings. For example, the concepts of social distance, social stigma, hate and ethnicity and their application in the fight against the spread of public health emergencies. The module prepares students to be able to produce research projects in psychology and to offer models that improve social wellness and social connectedness in individuals and groups under the supervision of a qualified psychologist.
HFPC100	Introduction to Critical Forensic Psychology	This module introduces students to the field of forensic psychology. This module provides an introduction to the various domains of expertise of forensic psychologists. It examines the way in which psychologists produce and use psychological theory and research within the criminal justice setting. In particular, the course focuses on the use of psychological assessments in court, issues of criminal responsibility and predicting dangerousness, jury processes and decision making, eyewitness testimony, the use of psychological knowledge in prisons, and the psychology of criminal behaviour. The module explores the interaction between psychology and the legal system, examining the foundations, history, and terminology of forensic psychology. It debates the pros and cons of using Western versus traditional justice systems. Students will analyze the role of forensic psychologists in criminal and civil proceedings, public policy, law enforcement, and victimization, applying behavioral science concepts to understand the complex interplay between individual psychology and legal processes. Through critical examination of case studies and research, learners will develop an understanding of how psychological principles are used to analyze behavior within legal contexts and how these applications impact past and present social, political, and economic issues
HCDP104	Psychology Concepts, Methods and Applications	This module builds on the Introduction to Psychology module. The theories, concepts, methodology support the continuation of an introductory exposure to the central themes and controversies of the discipline. The major concepts and theories in Psychology enable provision to students of a strong understanding of the human mind and behaviour.
HCDP106	Contemporary and Applied Social Psychology	The module focuses on various challenges that Social Psychology can help to address. Examples of such challenges are promoting behaviour change, well-being, managing diversity, increasing justice and cooperation, and/or understanding social change. In this module we examine the fundamental connection between individuals and situations. The module demonstrates how social psychologist conduct their research and how to critically appraise that research, inculcates an understanding of the major theories and orientations in social psychology and explains world events, realities and trends in terms of social psychological tenets.
HCDP105	Statistics for Psychology	Building on the understandings gained in ‘Experimental Psychology” students will be introduced the fundamental of descriptive and inferential statistics through weekly exercises using both Microsoft Excel and SPSS. It is expected that students will develop an understanding of hypothesis testing that will enable them to carry out and report the results of inferential statistics at least to the level of one-way analysis of variance for independent groups and multiple and partial bivariate correlation. In addition, the ability to interpret results and present them graphically will be developed.
HFPC102	Introduction to Criminal Justice System	This module serves to introduce students to the three main components of the criminal justice system: Police, Courts, Corrections. Important background information addressing crime, classification and definitions of offenders, and victims and offenders will also be discussed. The focus of this introductory course includes: 1) Police organization, roles, functions, and responsibilities, 2) Court organization, processes, and outcomes (i.e. sentencing), and 3) Punitive sanctions including probation, parole, jail, prison, and additional community corrections.
FSBT100	Social & Behavioural Theory (Faulty Wide Module)	This interdisciplinary module introduces students to foundational concepts in the social and behavioural sciences, spanning Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Demography, Political Science, Public Policy, and Lifelong Learning. It equips students with analytical tools, values, and competencies to study human behaviour and society through the lens of social and behavioural theory. Emphasis is placed on theorising as a practical activity, encouraging students to critically apply theory to issues affecting individuals, groups, communities, and societies. The module also serves as preparation for professional practice, fostering skills for engaging with policy, politics, economics, and knowledge production as emerging social scientists.
SDLSSB101	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.
IDSB101	Information & Digital Skills (University Wide Module)	The Information and Digital Skills module develop learners’ ability to find, assess, and use information effectively while building confidence with digital tools. It covers online research, data management, communication, and collaboration, emphasizing ethical and responsible practices. By completion, learners can critically engage with digital resources across academic, professional, and everyday settings.
LAICSBKI100	Language Acquisition And Intercultural Communication For Social And Behavioural Sciences - KISWAHILI	This is a Kiswahili module targeted for beginners with no prior knowledge of the language. There are no predetermined prerequisites required to undertake this module. Any beginner student who intends to learn and speak Kiswahili as a second or foreign language can benefit from this module. The course offers interactive skills which underlie elementary communication in view of developing learners’ skills in social interactions. The teaching philosophy adopted is based on communicative and competency-based approach to language teaching. Focus is on the competency which learners have to accomplish in the target language for them to be able to communicate naturally in business and other social settings. It is hoped that the module will equip Kiswahili students with listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through various learning activities such as role play,exercises and tests. Upon completion of this module, students will have basic language skills that will enable them to function in multilingual and multicultural contexts in the spirit of Education 5.0
HFPC200	Introduction to Criminology Theory	In this module, students critically examine the development of modern criminological thought through an examination of various theories (e.g. biological, sociological, psychological, conflict and social control). In particular, students undertake a multi-disciplinary approach to investigating how theoretical constructs frame and inform policy and legislative responses within the Zimbabwean criminal justice system. They critically explore the role of the media vis-a-vis the construction of society's "crime problem" that includes an analysis of sources and use of crime statistics. Through interactive lectures, case studies, discussion, and individual and group activities, students learn the importance of criminological theory to Zimbabwe's criminal justice system.
HCDP202	Psychobiology	Psychobiology course covers anatomy and physiology of the the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is concerned with the biological and neuro-physical bases of human behaviour. Psychobiology is sometimes referred to as behavioural neuroscience, physiological psychology, biopsychology or brain and behaviour. Second year Psychology (Hons) students take the Psychobiology course (Psy 202) after successful completion of foundation courses in first year. Other courses linked with Psychbiology are Sensation and Perception, Cognition, Psychopathology, and Comparative Psychology.
HIOP202	Ethics and Professional Practice in Psychology	This module is designed to provide an overview of professional ethics including individual, group, and organisational/institutional challenges resulting in enhanced understanding of the world of work, citizenship behaviours and related practice and research concerns. This module is for Level 2 honours students who are required to further their research and practice training in psychology, particularly as preparation for their attachment.Students are also required to engage in independent work outside of lectures, be critical thinkers and consumers of research on human behaviour and ethics in work settings.
HCDP205	Sensation, Perception and Cognition	This module presents an overview of neural structures and functions, describes the key imaging and electrophysiological methods used in neuroscience research, and acquaints students with core domains in this area such as attention, vision, memory, language, lesion studies, executive functions of the brain, and the social and emotional brain. The module will be useful to psychology students who are interested in the connection between cognition and neuroscience, and who want to acquire some knowledge of theoretical issues, concepts, and research techniques in this interdisciplinary area.
HCDP203	Principles of Learning	The module contributes to students’ mastery of critical and creative thinking in Psychology. Topics covered include: Knowledge of key principles of learning, motivation and neurobiology; Integration of these principles within a socio-psychobiological context to explain normal and abnormal behaviour; Key principles of conditioning, motivation, memory and associated neurobiological mechanisms. Students should be able to identify and recall appropriate terminology, and explain how principles of learning were arrived at through key experimental studies. They must apply the principles in analysing animal and human behaviours and in analysing normal and abnormal human behaviours
HCDP204	Qualitative Research Methods and Data Analysis	This module introduces students to the principles and practices of qualitative research, focusing on how to design, conduct, and analyze studies that explore human experiences, behaviors, and social phenomena.
HIOP204	Youth Justice and Working with Young Offenders	This module helps students to understand how the system works for young people. The module encompasses the legislation, processes and institutions involved in the treatment of children accused of committing criminal offences. Due to the specific needs and circumstances of children, the module focuses on youth justice as a field of law which is distinct from the regular adult criminal justice system. The module provides students with a rich and deep insight into this subject, with an overview of youth justice at a local legal level, as well as that at the supranational level and on the international stage.
HCDP206	Personality	This module introduces students to the nature of personality with regard to the psychodynamic, behaviouristic, dimensional, humanistic/phenomenological and cognitive perspectives, psychological wellbeing. This module is intended for all people who are pursuing a career in the field of industrial and organisational psychology, including practitioners in the field of human resources. The purpose of learning in this module is to enable students to develop a solid knowledge base and sound understanding of the theory of individual differences and its practical implications for work performance for the purpose of improving employee productivity and organisational effectiveness.
HCDP208	Quantitative Research Methods and Advanced Statistics	This module aims to explain the principles and philosophies around research in psychology and illustrate how research in psychology is conducted. It illustrates the concepts, theories and models in research methods in psychology and to provide the application of research methods principles. The module focuses on hypothesis testing in psychological research. It seeks to acquaint students with scientific techniques of analysing research data using inferential statistics in order to arrive at scientific conclusions. The module will assist students demonstrate knowledge and application of inferential statistical procedures to solve relevant psychological problems using data analysis software such as Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
SDLSSB201	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.
CCLSSB201	Critical Consciousness & Life Skills (University Wide Module)	Develops students’ awareness of social, cultural and personal issues while fostering essential life skills for decision-making, problem-solving and responsible citizenship.
RISSB202	Research and Innovation Skills ( Faculty Wide Module)	This module equips learners with the essential knowledge, tools, and practices required to conduct effective research and foster innovation in academic, professional, and entrepreneurial settings. It emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and the application of systematic research methods to generate new ideas and solutions.
SSRM201	Social Science Research Methods	This module engages with the emergence of Social Science Research Methods and their need to deal with unique experiences, meanings making processes and interpretations of people and thus of society. At the end of the module students should be able to conduct qualitative research to inform policies and development initiatives.
EPECPSB301	Entrepreneurship, Professional Ethics Communication and Philosophy	The module capacitates students with skills to organically grow enterprises through cultivating employees that are creative and innovative. These skills and knowledge are the corner stone of enterprise growth as they remove dependence on the owners to all in the organisation. Through the module organisational rejuvenation and sustainable competitiveness hence growth is guaranteed.
LAICSBGMB200	Language Acquisition And Intercultural Communication For Social And Behavioural Sciences -GERMAN	This is a German language module that focuses on the development of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as well as intercultural communication skills. It aims to equip students with basic German language skills necessary for professional and social interaction while fostering the ability to recognise, analyse and navigate cultural differences in German-speaking environments. This will be achieved through communicative, action- and learner-oriented teaching methods which are anchored on the intercultural approach
HIOP380	Industrial Attachment	Industrial attachment is a means of integrating knowledge with practice skills. The main objective of practical fieldwork is to provide the student with an opportunity to engage actively in actual professional tasks which complement as well as reinforce classroom learning in preparation. Students are expected to apply the theories, concepts and methods of Population Science and Applied Demography that they learn in the classroom to address issues/problems at the individual, group, community and policy levels. Students will be afforded hands-on experience on demographic processes which include the design of instruments, collection of data, analysis and report writing, in addition to writing policy briefs and intervention programmes within a varied spectrum of situations.
HCDP301	Community Psychology	This course provides an introduction to the field of community psychology. Community psychology is concerned with person-environment interactions and the ways society impacts upon individual and community functioning. Community psychology focuses on social issues, social institutions, and other settings that influence individuals, groups, and organizations. Community psychology as a science seeks to understand relationships between environmental conditions and the development of health and well-being of all members of a community. The practice of community psychology is directed towards the design and evaluation of ways to facilitate psychological competence and empowerment, prevent disorder, and promote social change. The goal is to optimize the well-being of individuals and communities with innovative and alternative interventions designed in collaboration with affected community members and with other related disciplines inside and outside of psychology. The course will emphasize experiential learning and will draw upon resources and competencies of students in the class and the local community.
HFPC300	Cybercrime	This module provides students with a detailed understanding of cybercrime, exploring the reasons why cybercrimes occur, as well as how they can be policed and prevented. This module also examines various cybercrime types, digital forensic investigation techniques, and the ethical dilemmas posed by technology and cyber offenses. Students will learn about the technical aspects of cybercrime, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations, preparing them to make informed decisions in their future cybersecurity careers. This understanding of cybercrime will be accomplished in three parts. First, students will develop a deep knowledge of both historical and contemporary forms of cybercrime, such as hacking, phishing, illicit online trading, cyber-violence, amongst others. Next, students will explore the application of relevant criminological theories to explain cyber-deviance and better understand offender pathways into cybercrime. Finally, students will critically appraise and evaluate the current state of policing, crime control and prevention strategies.
HCDP303	Community Psychology	Community Psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on understanding individuals within their social, cultural, economic, and political environments. Unlike traditional psychology, which often emphasizes individual treatment, community psychology emphasizes prevention, empowerment, and social change.
HFPC302	Substance Misuse and Addictive Behaviours	This module provides an overview of the fundamental concepts in substance misuse and abuse. The contents of this module helps to introduce students to terminologies used in substance abuse as well as their definitions. Students will be provided with a comprehensive overview of the drugs of abuse that are most commonly used in Zimbabwe, Africa and beyond, in addition to an overview of common substance induced disorders. Factors (historical, geographic, economic, socio-cultural, genetic) impacting substance misuse will be covered. It describes the problems associated with substance misuse (personal, public health, family, social, economic), explaining the transition from experimentation with drugs to dependence, identifying substance misuse as a chronic medical illness. Personal and societal responsibilities in the onset of substance misuse are highlighted and the cost of substance misuse to the country is discussed. It lists strategies for preventing and controlling substance abuse and describes the different approaches to treatment as well as the different treatment settings for managing substance abuse. It also describes the intricate role that motivation plays in substance abuse treatment.
SDLSSB301	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.
HFPC400	Global Terrorism and Transnational Crime	This module provides opportunities for students to explore, analyze and critically evaluate issues related to global terrorism, transnational crime and international cooperative efforts to combat it. These transnational crimes have direct or indirect effects on two are more countries and are carried out for profit. Tackling them therefore requires international cooperation. Most of the following global and transnational crimes will be covered especially in terms of their economic, political and social impacts: money laundering; corruption; the international drug trade; trafficking of humans for sex, marriage, labor, and organs; cybercrime; and counterfeiting. The scope of global terrorism and transnational crime; agencies and institutions involved in interdiction efforts; efforts to control smuggling and piracy; tax evasion and money laundering; human trafficking networks; the international drug trade; intellectual property rights regimes and violations; cybercrime; terrorism; crimes against humanity.
HFPC401	Policing, Police Psychology and Society	This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of psychology as applied to modern practices in managing crowds, criminals, delinquents, and the public. The major topics of study include an examination of psychological principles as applied to criminals and the effects of trauma on the criminal justice professional. This module provides an introduction to and overview of the field of police psychology, examining the role of the police psychologist, the psychological impact of police work on the individual officer, and the issues involved in providing psychological services to officers and law enforcement agencies. It covers the many and diverse roles of the police psychologist and the legal, ethical and practical considerations inherent in these roles. It includes an examination of the special concerns when providing psychological services to police officers (and all law enforcement personnel and emergency service workers) including confidentiality, mandatory referrals and weapons removal/retention. Also includes diverse perspectives on the role of the police psychologist by various individuals within and outside the law enforcement community.
HFPC402	Psychopathology and Mental Health Law	This "Psychopathology and Mental Health Law," module is designed for fourth year undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Forensic Psychology and Criminology. The course explores the intricate intersection of mental health, the legal system, and forensic psychology. Through this module, the student will gain a comprehensive understanding of various mental disorders, their manifestations, and their relevance within a legal context. This module will also equip the student with the knowledge to critically analyze and address the complex challenges arising at the intersection of mental health and the law. Knowledge will be gained concerning legal frameworks governing mental health, including civil commitment, criminal responsibility, and patient rights. This understanding is essential for any aspiring forensic psychologist or criminologist working within the criminal justice system or related fields.
HIOP404	Offender Behaviour Interventions	This module equips students with structured, evidence-based initiatives designed to change the thinking, attitudes, and behaviours that lead to criminal activity. They typically employ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to reduce recidivism by addressing criminogenic needs.
HFPC470	Research Project	The dissertation equips students with the competencies required to plan, execute and write an acceptable academic research project in Forensic Psychology and Criminology. Students will be able to gather, analyse, evaluate and apply knowledge and reason and debate in written format a specific topic, recognizing existing research on the topic and integrate appropriate research methodologies into a project.
HFPC405	Victimology and Victim Services	This module focuses on victimology as an explanatory force for understanding the experience of being a victim of crime and harm. It will explore various theoretical perspectives of victimhood including ideal victim theory. This module aims to enable students to: develop a critical appreciation of research on victimisation (its nature, extent, patterns, contexts and consequences), and of the discipline of victimology within which much of this research is located; explore debates about a number of issues to which the boundaries of victimisation or the impacts of victimisation are central, and the implications of different positions; introduce students to the international and global dimensions of victimology and victimisation; and give detailed consideration of specific case studies to interrogate the role of state organisations, corporations and NGOs in both creating victimisation and in dealing with its aftermath.
HFPC 411	Psychological Assessment and Testing in Forensic and Victimology Settings	By the end of the module, students are expected to be able to,demonstrate understanding of the core ethical principles and their application to the practice of Forensic Psychology. The module also helps analysing ethical dilemmas that are specific to forensic contexts, including work with offenders, victims and the legal system, evaluate the link between ethics, law, and cultural considerations in the practice of forensic psychology and develop skills in ethical decision making and professional accountability
HFPC 410	Ethics and Professional Practice in Forensic Psychology and Criminology	The module helps students to understand the core ethical principles and their application to the practice of Forensic Psychology. It also helps students to analyse ethical dilemmas that are specific to forensic contexts ,including work with offenders, victims and the legal system, evaluate the link between ethics, law, and cultural considerations in the practice of forensic psychology. The module also helps students to develop skills in ethical decision making and professional accountability.
HFPC403	Crime, Place and Space	In this module students will critically question many taken-for-granted assumptions about fear of crime and crime itself. Central to this will be an examination of crime and social harm at spatial scales from local to global. While the urban environment is the main stage for a critical examination of social and cultural constructions of cities as loci of crime and disorder, the culturally imagined safeness, peacefulness and 'neighbourliness' of rural and more isolated environments also comes under scrutiny. The module aims to examine the multifaceted nature of crime and harm from different perspectives and describe its main spatial expressions over time. It also seeks to analyse theoretical and empirical approaches to the links between crime, harm and space.
SDLSSB401	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.