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Battle of the Ology's: Exploring Female Serial Killers

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Battle of the Ology's: Exploring Female Serial Killers

Topic - Schools and Colleges

The University of Sunderland’s ‘Battle of the Ologies’ returns for its second year. 

How clear are you on the differences between Forensic Psychology and Criminology? Are you interested in studying a degree in these areas? 

Join our online event to see how each subject approaches the recent case of serial killer, Lucy Letby, a former neonatal nurse who murdered seven infants and attempted to murder six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital from June 2015 to June 2016. 

Join Dr William Webster (Programme Leader for BSc Forensic Psychology) and Lauren Doyle (Deputy Programme lead for BSc Criminology) as they discuss female offenders and how they are viewed within society.  

In Psychology we will: 

  • explore theories to better understand why females offend and engage in criminology 
  • use forensic case formulation to better understand why Lucy Letby committed her crimes. 
  • conclude how that assessment can be used to help develop a treatment plan, targeting Lucy's specific criminogenic needs.  

In Criminology we will:

  • review the Lucy Letby case taking on a criminologist viewpoint
  • consider media representations of female serial killers
  • consider the role the media plays in the public perception of female offenders. We will look at the gendered nature of crime, sentencing and deviance to attempt to understand and challenge gendered criminal justice powers.  

This event is for anyone interested in a degree in psychology and criminology. If you have any questions, please email events.recruitment@sunderland.ac.uk