About

I began working for the University of Derby in 2013 as an Associate Academic, became a Lecturer in 2016, and am currently a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, working on a range of modules across our online Programmes. 

I am currently the Programme Leader for our new BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology (online) Programme which mirrors the successful on-campus degree, and this is an exciting opportunity to bring together Derby's experience in delivering online content with subject specialists and practitioners in Forensic Psychology.  I am also the Deputy Programme Leader for the BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology (campus) Programme, and the Quality Assurance Lead for the School of Psychology.  I continue to teach on the BSc (Hons) Psychology (online) Programme and have a particular interest in helping new students settle into their studies with us.

I have over 20 years experience of working with distance learners of psychology at several different Universities at all levels. Whilst I naturally gravitate toward modules allied to forensic psychology, I have also delivered modules in introductory, social, developmental, cognitive, and biological psychology, and in research methods. I have extensive experience in both individual and small-group project supervision, and in using quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Prior to this, I worked in prison psychology and was involved in research into the treatment of criminal psychopaths which formed the basis of my PhD. More recently, I have completed a postgraduate study in online and distance education and have a particular interest in educational technology and MOOCs.

Research interests

My PhD research investigated criminal psychopaths on a cognitive behavioural group work programme in prison and special hospitals.

Membership of professional bodies

• British Psychological Society – Chartered Psychologist, Chartered Scientist and Associate Fellow
• Higher Education Academy - Senior Fellow

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology, Brunel University, 1997
• MSc Forensic and Legal Psychology, University of Leicester, 1999
• Diploma in Psychology (Conversion for Postgraduates), Open University, 2000
• PhD Forensic Psychology, University of Surrey, 2006
• MA Online and Distance Education, Open University, 2012
• Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, Open University, 2014
• Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching of Psychology, Glyndwr University, 2018

Courses

• Psychology BSc (Hons) (online)
• Forensic Psychology MSc
• Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons)
• Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons) (online)
• Forensic Psychology MSc (online)