Skip navigation

Exploring the Mind: Forensic and Clinical Psychology


This is a Psychology Subject Spotlight with Dr Emma Barrowcliffe from Canterbury Christ Church University. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Psychology.

Take this Subject Spotlight to...

Join Dr Emma Barrowcliffe on this fascinating journey into the human mind, and understand the unique role of clinical and forensic psychologists. In episode one, Emma establishes the key differences between clinical and forensic psychology, and where they sit in the wider field. In episode two, Emma discusses the various clientele that clinical and forensic scientists may work with, and the settings you may find them in. Emma also outlines the necessity for ethical considerations as well as the various methods and assessments for clients. In episode three, Emma talks through a case study with a focus on analysing the information and determining how we can successfully assess a client, and what treatments we could adopt for efficient rehabilitation. Finally, in episode four, Emma sets you an activity which asks you to look at another case study, identify the notable causes of the offender’s behaviour, and then outline what the best care options look like for the offender.

About Canterbury Christ Church University

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) has campuses in Canterbury and Medway offering great locations for studying. One of only a handful of universities to have a campus in a World Heritage Site and with coastline and countryside nearby, the main campus in Canterbury is less than an hour from London by high-speed train. CCCU has invested heavily in facilities with the new multi-million pound STEM building and the creative arts hub providing an innovative learning experience with industry level facilities. Courses at CCCU offer strong routes into careers and employment, from medicine and teaching, to engineering, sport science, computing and games design. In fact, CCCU is 1st in the UK for graduates.

Meet the academics

Dr Emma Barrowcliffe

Dr Emma Barrowcliffe is the BSc (Hons) Psychology (Clinical & Forensic) Course Director.  She has an undergraduate degree in psychology and her MSc and PhD are both in Forensic Psychology. Her research experience relates to Forensic Psychology and predominantly focuses on developing an understanding of the prevalence and characteristics of people who engage in deliberate firesetting. In addition to teaching and research, Emma delivers specialist training to Fire and Rescue Services to improve the understanding and aid in the prevention of deliberate firesetting behaviour. Emma has also been involved in a research project with the NHS relating to assessing fire interest using virtual reality technology. Emma has various work experience relating to both general Psychology and Forensic Psychology in mental health hospitals, youth work, pupil referral units, and the Probation Service. Emma is also a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Graduate Member of the British Psychology Society, and Senior Fellowship of the Advance HE.

In every Subject Spotlight you'll find

On-demand interactive video content

Sign up, log in, and access a wide range of potentially life-changing Subject Spotlight experiences that will help you make informed decisions about your university future.

Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!