1. A systematic understanding of the psychological principles that impact the justice system, including, but not limited to:
- The manner in which psychological principles are used to evaluate concepts related to legal proceedings (e.g., interrogations, confessions, and eyewitness testimony).
- The manner in which variation in the integrity of psychological constructs (e.g., memory, decision-making, attention, emotion) may impact legal proceedings.
- The major theories pertaining to the psychological underpinnings of antisocial behaviour.
- An awareness of, and an ability to, critically evaluate the assumptions that the justice system makes about human behaviour.
- An awareness of the impact that burgeoning research (e.g., neuroscience, genetics) is having on the justice system, including the technological, methodological and moral/ethical issues that this research raises.
2. A conceptual understanding and methodological competence that:
- Enable a working comprehension of how established psychological techniques are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.
- Support a critical evaluation and integration of current research in the field.
- Demonstrate experience and competence implementing methodologies for the critical examination of hypotheses related to forensic psychology.
- Support the development of a sustained argument pertaining to the field of forensic psychology orally and in written thesis form.
3. Competence in the research process by applying an existing body of knowledge to the critical analysis of a new question, problem or issue relevant to forensic psychology; The ability to develop and convey their research process, from initial project conception to interpretation of research findings, in both oral and written form.
4. An ability to communicate information, arguments, methods and analyses accurately and reliably, orally and in writing, to a range of audiences.
5. An ability to communicate the theoretical, methodological and analytical details of their master’s thesis, including its implications for the academic and/or legal communities, orally and in writing, to a range of audiences.
6. A recognition of:
- The limits of their own knowledge.
- The uncertainty inherent within the psychological sciences, which can only predict outcomes with incomplete certainty.
- The current limits of knowledge in the discipline as a whole, and the fact that these limits are continuously evolving.
- The manner in which alternate ideas, methods and interpretations can usefully contribute to the further development of their own ideas, methods and interpretations.
7. Qualities and skills necessary to support further study, employment, community involvement and/or other related activities, including the exercise of initiative, personal responsibility and accountability in both individual and group contexts, the ability to work effectively with others, and the capacity to make decisions in complex contexts.
8. The ability to initiate, motivate and manage their own learning development, including necessary coursework inside and outside the discipline, and the development of their thesis work.
9. Behaviour consistent with academic integrity and social responsibility, as seen through their coursework, their thesis work, and their interactions with students, faculty and the university and civic communities.
