Course Catalogue

The overall aim of the programme is to develop the research, problem solving and critical thinking skills of students who are policing, security or criminal justice professionals or who have an interest in these fields. The programme examines the nexus of law, policy and practice and seeks to embed critical engagement with, understanding of, and application of research activity at the core of decision-making in these areas. This will be achieved by developing a student's ability to identify and critique sources of research data; by developing a student's research skills set so that they can advance their ability to design, conduct and deliver good quality research; and is underpinned by the ambition to encourage students to think innovatively and critically about the approaches taken to crime control, community justice and public safety that are embedded in policy and practice. The specific aims are to: 1 – Develop a student’s critical appreciation and understanding of the impact evidence-informed policy has, and continues to have, on practice development within the broad areas of policing and criminal justice policy 2 - Develop a student’s understanding of the emerging challenges to the delivery of policing policy and practice, to enhance their understanding of the social, cultural and political contexts within which these challenges are developing, and to think critically about the respective roles played by the police, policing organisations and the public in managing crime control and public safety

Acquisition of 1 - 5 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 a student’s independent investigation and critical application of existing knowledge while presenting ideas, joining discussions or reflecting on their studies. 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. Assessment methods are specified in each module handbook. Modules will be assessed through coursework and portfolio (assignments of varying lengths) . All forms of assessment will require students to demonstrate an advanced level of relevant knowledge and understanding of the stated learning outcomes. Skills 1 - 8 are taught through lectures and developed through tutorial work throughout the course Intellectual skills are assessed across all modules while the variety of assessments (including essays, a critical practice reflection, and individual presentation) across the programme ensures that these skills are assessed in different appropriate ways. 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. Practical skills are developed throughout the programme. Courseworks will generally and specifically seek to develop transferable practical skills. Workshops and coursework preparation will require a degree of personal responsibility, effective communication, and successful time management. These skills are assessed across all modules while the variety of assessments across the programme ensures that these skills are assessed in different appropriate ways. 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 Key skills are developed throughout the programme in a variety of forms. Specifically through a combination of research related coursework, guided independent study and projects, group work and presentations. Transferable skills are an essential part of the activities throughout the programme. In particular the programme seeks to develop a student's ability to engage with and analyse sources of quantitative and qualitative research data. Key skills are assessed as part of coursework, projects and presentations

Opportunities to develop work-related learning come through the featuring of guest lecturer inputs from policing, community safety and criminal justice professionals throughout the programme. Research projects that are based in policing, community safety and criminal justice will be encouraged.