Criminal Psychology: Understand Motives, Patterns, and the “Why” Behind Crime

Sep 27, 2024
1 min read

Updated: Jan 4

Criminal Psychology: Understand Motives, Patterns, and the “Why” Behind Crime

Build a grounded, ethical understanding of criminal behaviour using core criminology and psychology frameworks, without the TV myths.

Who it’s for...

Aspiring justice professionals
Community workers
Counsellors/coach-trainees
HR/people leaders
Students/gap-year learners
Curious lifelong learners (no prerequisites)

What you’ll be able to do...

Explain key psychological and criminological principles that underpin criminal behaviour
Compare major criminology theories and identify what each explains (and what it doesn’t)
Describe how the justice system’s core frameworks connect to real-world offending and responses
Apply cultural competence to reduce bias and improve fairness in interpretation and discussion
Use practical analytic tools to evaluate cases, weigh evidence, and form defensible conclusions

Format...

Online self-paced with guided activities and reflection prompts from our education partner International Open Academy.

Time + CPD hours...

6–8 hours total with 6 CPD hours (estimated) please confirm with your professional body.

Assessment Options...

Optional knowledge checks + short reflection activity as part of the course content. We encourage that you also undertake the Live Online Nexus CPD Assessment Interview which validates learning outcomes for the Australia / Asia-Pacific context and includes Nexus College Certificate of Attendance for various peak bodies recognition.

Provider...

Delivered through International Open Academy our education partner. Nexus College Australasia provides optional CPD verification and certification support for the Asia-Pacific region (assessment booked separately; International Open Academy enrolment fees apply).