You've been reading a lot of crime novels lately? You'd like to delve further into the criminal mind? Why not investigate the National College of Industrial Relation's diploma in the psychology of criminal behaviour course? The course takes place one night per week over two years.

Co-ordinator Bernard Owens says that the course is designed for people who have an interest in the psychological processes associated with crime and criminal behaviour. "In the first year we look at the whole area of psychology and human behaviour," he explains. The second year is more practical, examining the criminal justice system, eye-witness testimony, interview techniques, investigative psychology and crime profiling.

"We look at why people go wrong," says Owens. "We look at a broad spectrum including social and home backgrounds and triggering factors including stress and poverty."

Everybody has the potential to be criminals, says Owens. "Anyone who has ever thrown litter, gone through a red light or had a parking ticket has broken the law," he notes. The course examines why some people go on to become criminals and looks at the differences between whiteand blue-collar crime.

"The shop-lifter who steals £20 worth of goods regularly from Dunnes Stores is far more likely to get a prison sentence than the person who defrauds the Revenue Commissioners of a million pounds," Owens comments.

Many of the people who take the course find it useful in their work. "Each year we have a completely different group of students. Some people come because they have an interest in the whole area of investigative and forensic psychology, but other people work in related areas."

Over the years, students have included members of the Garda, airport police, prison officers, rape crisis staff and community, social workers and journalists.

Places on the course are restricted to 30 students - over 23 years of age. However, younger people who have completed, say, first year of a third-level psychology course or have relevant work experience as a security guard, for example, will be considered.

NCIR phone: (01) 406 0501