Policing Studies and Forensics

Awards

Target Award

Award Description:Bachelor of Science with Honours - BSH

Alternative Exit

Award Description:Bachelor of Science - BS

Award Learning Outcomes:Demonstrate a broad and comparative knowledge of the general scope of the subject, its different areas and applications, and its interactions with related subjects. A detailed knowledge of a defined subject or a more limited coverage of a specialist area balanced by a wider range of study. In each case, specialised study will be informed by current developments in the subject. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the essential theories, principles, and concepts of the subject(s) and of the ways in which these are developed through the main methods of enquiry in the subject.

Alternative Exit

Award Description:Certificate of Higher Education - CHE

Award Learning Outcomes:Define identified aspects of the criminal law Identify key concepts, theories and methods informing the study of policing and forensics and be able to refer to these in engaging with academic literature and debates on contemporary issues Identify the origins, trajectory and impact of legislation, policy and practice at a national, regional and local level on policing Describe the relationship between different agencies that make up or are connected to the Criminal Justice System

Alternative Exit

Award Description:Diploma of Higher Education - DHE

Award Learning Outcomes:Define identified aspects of the criminal law and be able to select, illustrate and apply the appropriate use of these aspects in a range of scenarios Apply key concepts, theories and methods informing the study of policing and forensics and engage with academic literature and debates on contemporary policing issues and synthesise these with practice in the field Analyse the origins, trajectory and impact of both legislation and polices at a national, regional and local level on policing Distinguish the roles of different agencies that make up or are connected to the Criminal Justice System and explain the relationship between them Show reflexive thinking in the development of their personal practice taking account of human rights, ethics and consideration of diversity thereby preparing foundations for the continuous development of professional practice

Programme Offerings

Full-Time

F2F-SEP

Educational Aims of the Course

To prepare students who are seeking a career in policing or associated field, such as crime scene investigation, forensic science or other roles within the criminal justice sector by providing a coherent programme of study that takes cognisance of the developing agenda within policing and law enforcement. Apply knowledge of Forensic Investigation, incorporating theoretical concepts and employing a range of skills to real and theoretical forensic scenarios. To provide a stimulating learning experience that engages students and encourages them to take responsibility for their own learning by cultivating critical, analytical, problem-solving and reflective skills within a work-based context. To challenge taken for granted notions of policing thereby deepening and broadening understanding of issues faced in the professional field. To link theory, criminal law, policy and professional practice and show how they impact on continuing professional development. To encourage students to engage with the development of employability skills by completing a self-awareness statement. The principal themes in the programme are: The development of knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours required to work in policing, associated criminal justice or security roles.

Learning Outcomes

Define identified aspects of the criminal law, policing policy and practice and be able to select, illustrate and apply the appropriate use of these aspects in given scenarios

Critically evaluate contemporary research issues

Identify and investigate problems

Independently engage with the subject literature, analyse and assess it to support critical and normative judgements on policing issues and theories with relevant evidence and structured argument

Apply major theories and concepts to the study of policing

Identify a range of research strategies and methods and reflexively assess the merits of each

Demonstrate the skills necessary to plan, conduct and report a research project

Undertake and present scholarly work

Understand the ethical implications of policing enquiry

10.

Recognise the relevance of the study of policing to social, public and civic policy

11.

Demonstrate problem solving skills

12.

Systematically evaluate key concepts, theories and methods informing the study of policing and forensic science.

13.

Retrieve and organise relevant information effectively

14.

Interpret and apply the principles and methods of disciplines underpinning forensic science, such as anthropology, analytical chemistry, toxicology, molecular biology.

15.

Evaluate the significance of experimental data or evidence, draw appropriate conclusions and place them in a subject /scientific context.

16.

Recognise the implications of professional ethics and standards and apply them.

17.

Recognise and apply safe working practice in the laboratory and/ or the field with an awareness of good laboratory practice (GLP) COSHH and risk assessments

18.

Manage time and tasks effectively as an individual and as part of a team.

19.

Use integrative skills to analyse and solve problems, applying numerical and statistical techniques where relevant.

20.

Communicate scientific information effectively by discussion, written materials, use of images and oral presentations.

21.

Synthesise knowledge of key concepts that underpin modern policing and by critical reflection deepen their understanding of contemporary issues such as diversity, leadership, multi-agency working, neighbourhood policing and problem solving

22.

Possess the conceptual understanding that enables them to place the role of policing within wider society

23.

Understand and be able to apply concepts and principles of the subjects and techniques employed in forensic science including; Scene of crime procedures; Search and recovery procedures and the analysis and evaluation of evidence.

24.

Use and develop laboratory skills, principles of experimental method and the research process.

25.

Have developed reflexive thinking skills and to recognise the importance of reflection in the development of personal and professional practice

26.

Demonstrate knowledge of research strategy and methods while using these to investigate policing issues and policing problems

27.

Demonstrate awareness of professional, legal, security and ethical issues

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Acquisition of all learning outcomes is through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical sessions with a combination of staff-led and student centred techniques. The former includes both formal and interactive lectures and seminars that are delivered through traditional and technology enhanced methods. Emphasis is placed on students presenting ideas, discussion and reflection. In the latter tutorials, workshops and private enquiry based study are used. The programme incorporates work-based learning in a range of modules which utilise up to date case materials with guest speakers drawn in when relevant and appropriate. These methods are designed to: 1. Foster student progression 2. Stimulate interest and encourage participation 3. Provide opportunities for learning and develop learning skills for students with diverse needs 4. Encourage critical analysis, problem solving and the application of evidence based practice 5. Utilise technology enhanced learning Throughout the learner is encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught / learnt and to both broaden and deepen their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. Knowledge and understanding is assessed via formal examination, individual and team coursework, demonstration of practical work (including International fieldwork assessment),and a full-scale individual project which is work based. Reflective writing is used throughout, particularly on work-based assessments and within the International Fieldwork module. Skills are assessed across all modules while the variety of assessments across the programme ensures that these skills are assessed in different appropriate ways. Within each level formative assessment is used to develop knowledge, understanding and skills while summative assessment is used to assess the learner’s success in achieving the learning outcomes.

Opportunities for work related learning

All students in their first year of study will have an opportunity to engage with the CareerSmart programme as an integral part of a core module of study. Once this has been completed, a wide range of other career-related provision and services will be available to support students’ development throughout their studies. The new CareerSmart e-learning tool will introduce students to the steps involved in making informed choices about their career. It will enable students to consider their strengths and development areas, their career motivators, the options available and the necessary steps to take to achieve their career goals. If students have not already done so they are encouraged to join the Special Constabulary. If they wish to apply for Merseyside Police Special Constabulary while on the programme, a specific process has been arranged and the Policing Studies Team will support students who wish to apply through this route. Assessment is through reflection on their experience through this module. Alternatively, students can take up other opportunities that are supported through the team. These are wide ranging but are contextualised within a reflective consideration of the placement in relation to policing, criminal justice or the wider law enforcement sector. As examples some students have worked on projects organised through the Office of the Crime Commissioner, others have worked with the National Crime Agency and Security Services and some have gone to work in the Homeless, Drug Dependency and Witness Support Sectors.

Programme Structure

Programme Structure Description

The programme is offered in full time and supported by information and communications technologies (ICTs). Entry to the programme is at Level 4 although prior learning may be considered (RPL/ RPEL). The qualification is relevant within policing, the Criminal Justice Sector and associated fields. The programme is taught within the University Academic Framework. The programme is modular in construction with modules normally of 10 credits (equivalent to 100 hours of study) or 20 credits (equivalent to 200 hours of study) delivered in one semester. However, a 40-credit project module at level 6 is delivered across two semesters. Students are required to study a total of 120 credits per level. Level 4 has six 20 credit modules, including one that is Forensics related. Level 5 has five 20 credit modules including one that is forensics related and two 10 credit modules. Level 6 is four 20 credit modules, including one that is forensics related and a 40 credit project jointly supervised by Policing and Forensics based tutors. Students will be offered the opportunity of study abroad at Level 5. Option A: the opportunity of 60 credits of study at Level 5. Students will be enrolled on a 360 credit honours with study abroad programme. A 60 credit Level 5 study abroad module 5110PS will normally replace the semester 2 modules on the standard programme. This study abroad should cover the same learning outcomes as the modules being replaced. The modules to be studied in the host institution must be agreed in advance. The Level 5 mean for the final award mark will be calculated based upon the 120 credits at Level 5. Option B: the opportunity of an additional study year abroad following Level 5. Students will be enrolled on a 480 credit honours with study abroad programme. Of those 480 credits, 120 will be taken via a Level 5 study abroad module 5109PS. The modules to be studied in the host institution must be agreed in advance. The Level 5 mean for the final award mark will be calculated based upon the 240 credits at Level 5.

Course Catalogue