Awards

Target Award

Award Description:Bachelor of Science with Honours (Fnd) - BSHF

Alternative Exit

Alternative Exit

Alternative Exit

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 the forensic examination of computers, forensic digital examination and telecom analysis and by providing a coherent programme of study that takes cognisance of the developing agenda within policing and law enforcement. To provide students with knowledge of computing, security and networking, such as legal, ethical and privacy requirements and practical computer forensics skills so that they can enact information security within computing environments. 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

1.
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
2.
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
3.
Have knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to Computer Security
4.
Apply major theories and concepts to the study of policing
5.
Utilise methods and skills to solve well-defined computer-based problems
6.
Demonstrate the skills necessary to plan, conduct and report a research project
7.
Undertake and present scholarly work
8.
Understand the ethical implications of policing enquiry
9.
Recognise the relevance of the study of policing to social, public and civic policy
10.
Critically evaluate and test theories, concepts and systems
11.
Retrieve and organise relevant information effectively
12.
Systematically evaluate key concepts, theories and methods informing the study of policing and computer forensics.
13.
Apply skills in choosing and applying appropriate methods for research and the treatment of collected data with appropriate analytical methods
14.
Apply skills of literature search, critical review and selection of relevant sources to enable the systematic synthesis and treatment of key materials and relevant policy documentation
15.
Apply skills of reflective practice to study and programme activity as part of continuous development and to prepare for professional practice
16.
Work independently and as a member of a team
17.
Use Information and Communication Technologies known as ICTs and traditional methods for the retrieval and presentation of information
18.
Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing
19.
Exercise critical reflection on and tolerance of, the work of others
20.
Demonstrate how to write software to solve problems using the software development process.
21.
Define computer security and its impact upon computer forensic investigations.
22.
Have been exposed to and applied a range of tools, techniques and procedures used in complex Computer Forensics investigations: Networking, Security and Privacy tools, ethical principles and legal procedures.
23.
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.
24.
Have a clear understanding of how to effectively and creatively manage a computer forensics investigation.
25.
Have knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to Computer Forensics.
26.
Critically evaluate and testing of theories, concepts and systems.
27.
Specify, design and construct programs to be used for the purpose of computer forensics.
28.
Analyse evidence data for an investigation.
29.
Evaluate investigation methodologies in terms of general attributes.
30.
Apply numerical skills to cases involving a quantitative dimension.
31.
Demonstrate knowledge of Internet protocol, networking, network investigations, explain hardware / software and use of computer forensics tools to perform investigations.
32.
Demonstrate knowledge of Physical and logical security, legal issues, privacy, internet security, protection including computer forensics.
33.
Have developed reflexive thinking skills and to recognise the importance of reflection in the development of personal and professional practice
34.
Demonstrate knowledge of research strategy and methods while using these to investigate policing issues and policing problems including those associated with computer forensics.
35.
Demonstrate awareness of professional, legal, security and ethical issues
36.
Critically evaluate contemporary research 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 second 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). 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 … For more content click the Read More button below.

Structure

Approved variance from Academic Framework Regulations

A variance to the Academic Framework regulation UG.A3.2 which states that modules comprise 10 or 20 credits except for a research project/dissertation module at Level 6 which may comprise 30 or 40 credits has been approved by the Chair of Education Committee on 01.06.17.

Entry Requirements

A levels

Access awards

Alternative qualifications considered

BTECs

International Baccalaureate

Irish awards

Other international requirements

HECoS Code(s)

(CAH11-01) computing

(CAH15-01) sociology, social policy and anthropology