Course Catalogue

To prepare students who are seeking a career in policing, investigation or associated field by providing a coherent programme of study that takes cognisance of the police service requirement for initial training and the developing professionalization agenda within policing.

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, investigation or associated criminal justice or security roles.

Acquisition of all learning outcomes are achieved 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.

All students in their first year of study will have an opportunity to engage with the 'Future Focus' 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 'Future Focus' 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.