Psychology
Forensic psychology
The International Centre for Research in Forensic Psychology has an established international reputation for conducting a broad range of criminological and forensic psychology research. Research in Forensic Psychology has been a cornerstone of the Department of Psychology since 1990 and the Centre now comprises an impressive team of research staff and students.
Our primary aim is to delivery high quality research in Forensic Psychology at both national and international level. Our work has been funded by: ESRC, Home Office, British Academy, Nuffield Foundation, US Government, Leverhulme Trust, British Psychological Society and Prison Service Headquarters. Several members of the Centre regularly serve as Expert Witnesses.
Centre director: Dr Claire Nee
Deputy director: Dr Lucy Akehurst
Research
The expertise of our in-house centre members includes:
Interventions with offenders
Detecting deception
Suggestibility
Witness memory
Decision making in the forensic context
Monthly research meetings
ICFRP holds a monthly research meeting for the presentation and discussion of research and associated topics.
ICFRP Research Days (every six months)
On research days, ICFRP members (in house staff/research personnel/post-grad students) get together to discuss our ongoing research and research plans. The day ends with one of our external members updating us on their work. Recent presentations have been given by Dr Dan Wright, Prof Graham Towl and Prof Tony Ward. These days provide an excellent opportunity for everyone to become familiar and keep up-to-date with the broad range of research we undertake.
ICFRP conferences (bi-annual)
Once every two years the Centre hosts a conference for professionals, academics and students. Our last conference (entitled "Aiding child witnesses: Lessons from forensic psychology") took place on 18th April 2008. Prof Kathy Pezdek (Claremont Graduate University, California) delivered the keynote address. Previous keynote addresses have been given by Prof Saul Kassin, Prof Mary McMurran, Prof Richard Wright and Prof James McGuire.
Members of the Centre external to the University
The Centre has an advisory panel to ensure the validity and integrity of its research. It comprises senior officials and practitioners from the Home Office, police, probation and prisons, and a group of nationally and internationally renowned academics. We also have several associate members who work closely with us from other parts of the University and other academic and professional institutions. A full list of our external members can be found in our brochure, which can be downloaded by following the link below.
Teaching
Centre members contribute to the teaching and supervision of students on the following courses:
BSc (Hons) Psychology (British Psychological Society accredited)
BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology (British Psychological Society accredited)
BSc (Hons) Psychology & Criminology (British Psychological Society accredited).
MSc Forensic Psychology (British Psychological Society accredited)
MSc Child Forensic Studies: Psychology and Law (distance learning for professionals in the field)
MSc in Psychological Research Methods (ESRC accredited)
MSc in Investigative Psychology (ESRC accredited)
PhD in Psychology
Further information
Download a copy of our latest brochure.
Contact Information
The Director
International Centre for Research in Forensic Psychology
Department of Psychology
King Henry Building, King Henry I Street
Portsmouth PO1 2DY
UK