Awards
Target Award
Award Description:Master of Science - MS
Alternative Exit
Alternative Exit
Programme Offerings
Full-Time
F2F-JMU-SEP
Educational Aims of the Course
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 criminal investigation 2 - Develop a student’s understanding in the areas of investigation management, suspect, witness and victim management, forensics and investigative interviewing by drawing on current debates in policing, psychology and sociology. 3 - Enable students to develop an advanced and critical knowledge of the key ontological, epistemological and methodological issues that impact upon research into policing and criminal justice practice. The curriculum will allow students to generate a critical appreciation of diverse approaches to conducting research, methods of data collection and analysis to advance their appreciation of the logistical, political and ethical issues related to the operation of good quality social research 4 – With support to provide students with the knowledge and skills to design, conduct and deliver a research project focused on an area of interest. The programme develops a student’s ability to plan and implement an agenda for research, to critically reflect on policy and practice developments that have taken place in the subject area, to document and reflect upon the challenges of conducting such research, and by its conclusion produce critical commentary on how an understanding of practice may meaningfully be developed 5- Enable students through reflexive awareness to synthesise the knowledge and understanding gained through study to develop their personal practice and identify how their work fits within a policing context and with the wider social world
Learning Outcomes
1.
Identify, understand, explain, analyse and evaluate the complex issues that criminal investigators face when conducting major and serious investigations.
2.
Demonstrate the skills necessary to plan, conduct and report a research project
3.
Undertake and present scholarly work
4.
Understand the ethical implications of policing enquiry and show sensitivity to values and interests - to identify and take account of normative and moral positions
5.
Recognise the relevance of the study of policing to social, public and civic policy
6.
Show sensitivity to diversity issues and competing interests in criminal investigation, policing, community safety and criminal justice practice
7.
Demonstrate the capacity to work independently and with others to professional standards, and display higher skill levels in the subject areas
8.
Select effective information collection methods and use the most appropriate analytical tools
9.
Articulate arguments and conclusions based on evidence and that are subject to a well- developed critical appraisal and imaginative judgement
10.
Present information in various formats and for different audiences
11.
Self-manage learning, utilising time-management and effective planning strategies
12.
Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the influences and drivers of policy and practice change in the area of criminal investigation particularly in relation to the management of suspects, witnesses and victims
13.
Collaborate and co-operate in working with others to investigate questions or issues relating to policing, community safety and criminal justice
14.
Prioritise time to work to strict deadlines
15.
Communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms
16.
Use ICT to access contemporary sources of information
17.
Apply numerical skills to cases involving a quantitative dimension
18.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the research designs, methodological choices, and validity of sources of empirical research and good/best practice guidance that seek to analyse and measure the performance of policing, community safety and criminal justice interventions
19.
Show how the boundaries of knowledge are extended through the production of a research-informed critical commentary that advances innovative practice development or serves to enhance the understanding of the need to develop greater efficiencies and enhanced performance in professional practice
20.
Have developed reflexive thinking skills and to recognise the importance of reflection in the development of personal and professional practice.
21.
Use problem solving skills - show imagination and flexibility in seeking solutions to problems
22.
Apply major theories and concepts to the study of policing
23.
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
24.
Identify a range of research strategies and methods and reflexively assess the merits of each
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
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 (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. Coursework 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, examinations, 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 portfolio
Programme Structure
Programme Structure Description
Completion of 60 taught credits provides Postgraduate Certificate in Policing and Criminal Investigation Completion of 120 taught credits provides Postgraduate Diploma in Policing and Criminal Investigation Completion of 180 credits award: MSc Policing and Criminal Investigation 7120PS (Dissertation) will be led by the module leader from the Policing Studies team … For more content click the Read More button below.
Structure
Level 7
Entry Requirements
IELTS
RPL
Undergraduate degree