Community Justice

Awards

Target Award

Award Description:Bachelor of Arts with Honours - BAH

Alternative Exit

Award Description:Bachelor of Arts - BA

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:Diploma of Higher Education - DHE

Award Learning Outcomes:Demonstrate an understanding of how theory, research and practice interrelate and connect and in doing so demonstrate a critical understanding of the relationship between practice and professional judgement and be able to explain how the probation service operates in partnership with other organisations. Show understanding of the key concepts and theoretical approaches that have developed and are developing in relation to crime, victimisation, and responses to crime and deviance. Demonstrate an appreciation of the dynamic and wide ranging voices that contribute to the contemporary criminal justice system. Explore and analyse the concept of professional development.

Accreditation

Programme Offerings

Full-Time

B-JMU-MAR

B-JMU-SEP

Educational Aims of the Course

To provide a rigorous, interdisciplinary study of criminal justice, probation practice and the role of the Probation Service.

To provide a clearly defined academic programme with linked learning outcomes.

To develop learners' critical, analytical and evaluative skills alongside a contemporaneous knowledge base of probation practice.

To enhance learning, IT, communication and reflection skills both from an academic and professional perspective.

To enhance the self-efficacy of learners, to produce effective, resilient and professionally curious probation practitioners of the future.

Learning Outcomes

Develop critical engagement with key concepts and theoretical approaches that have developed and are developing in relation to crime, victimisation and the criminal justice system.

Demonstrate an understanding of how theory, research and practice interrelate and connect.

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the relationship between practice and professional judgement.

Use a variety of concepts, theories and approaches to analyse information and data.

Demonstrate the ability to develop critical and reasoned arguments in written and oral form.

Explore and analyse the concept of Continuous Professional Development.

Develop an understanding of the meaning of ethical practice and the role of the probation practitioner in the supervision of people on probation.

Acquire, critically evaluate and integrate knowledge and understanding of diversity within practice and multidisciplinary working.

Demonstrate and evidence understanding around professional curiosity, resilience, values and ethics within practice.

10.

Develop a critical understanding of models of behavioural change and their application in practice.

11.

Develop a critical understanding of rehabilitation/reintegration/resettlement and their application in practice.

12.

Develop a critical understanding of models of desistance and their application in practice.

13.

Explain how the probation service operates in partnership with other organisations and the wider community.

14.

Construct evidence based arguments that challenge current thinking and practice where appropriate and advance the professional agenda.

15.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key concepts relating to risk assessment and the management of risk.

16.

Critically appraise the integration of theory, research and policy in relation to the principles of risk, criminogenic need and responsivity within practice.

17.

Utilise a broad range of information and technological skills.

18.

Present scholarly work in an academic and professional way.

19.

Self-manage learning, utilising time management and effective planning strategies.

20.

Engage the skills of learning from study, experience and self-reflection.

21.

Develop an understanding of research skills.

22.

Develop and evidence understanding of the dynamic and wide ranging voices that contribute to the contemporary criminal justice system.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The programme has been designed in discussion with HMPPS and the Ministry of Justice and has been agreed as part of an external design approval board process. The programme is only open to PQiP learners recruited and employed by the Probation Service and the programme is one part of the overall PQiP Qualification.

The programme will be offered via an active blended learning approach and will consist of asynchronous (pre-recorded)and synchronous (live) and in person delivery methods and will use the full capability of the Canvas platform to engage the learners in the curriculum/modules that are delivered as part of the programme. This will include the use of pre-recorded materials, discussion boards, 'live' workshops/drop ins, quizzes, discussion boards and videos/podcasts. Learners will be encouraged to undertake independent study and this will form an essential part of the pedagogic ethos and promote independent learning. The teaching, learning and assessment activities will also embed opportunities for skill development seeking to support occupational vocational learning. These will particularly focus on communication, problem solving, collaboration, organisation and planning, cultural awareness, time management and interpersonal skills. These will be supported by self-reflection and the inclusion of the vocational element into a level 6 module. Each of the modules will have built into them formative processes that will contribute to overall academic development and to the associated summative assessments.

The programme team acknowledge that the profile of learners on the programme will be different to many undergraduate programmes that are delivered and as such each learner will receive a diagnostic assessment that will feed into an individualised learning plan. Learners will be supported through the programme in a variety of ways. Each of the modules will have a named module leader, learners will be allocated an academic tutor and they will additionally be allocated a PQiP personal tutor who will meet with them in accordance with the LJMU's Personal Tutor Policy. This is a bespoke role introduced as part of this programme to ensure the connections are made between the practice and academic elements of the programme and between theory, research and practice.

The assessment of intellectual skills is closely linked with subject knowledge and assessment skill, however there is a focus on learners being able to recognise, understand, assimilate and critically construct and defend arguments. All summative assessments will be to university standards and will include a variety of assessments methods including, online exams, presentations, case studies and essays. Overall 60% of the academic credits achieved will be done so through written work. This was agreed with HMPPS and The Ministry of Justice as part of the Design Approval Process as it is essential that competent probation practitioners possess the skills and ability to write a variety of reports and assessments and can evidence this as part of their academic engagement. All assessments will be structured around the learning outcomes set against each of the modules and the associated content.

All of the summative assessments will be submitted, marked (where appropriate) with feedback given via Canvas. Clear marking criteria and guidance will be provided to ensure clarity and support. As the learners progress through level 5 and 6 there will be opportunities for learning rubrics to be co-created. Feedback will be forward facing and developmental and will be provided in a variety of ways (audio, written and 1:1) to ensure engagement.

Opportunities for work related learning

As the learners on this programme are employed by the probation service, work related learning is integral to its delivery. Throughout the programme there are opportunities for the learners to relate their workplace practice to the academic elements and embed this in the various assessments linked to modules (case studies as an example).

Programme Structure

Programme Structure Description

The programme is delivered over 15 month and is taught within the University Academic Framework. There are two intakes per calendar year; in March and September. The programme is a closed client programme. Learners will be employed by the Probation Service with the BA (Hons) Community Justice forming one part … For more content click the Read More button below. There are no taught modules at level 4 as all learners will apply for 120 credits Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning (RPEL) via LJMU Faculty Recognition Group. Some learners may be able to apply for credit transfer of level 5 credits (RP(E)L) depending on their prior qualifications and experience (see 'routes' below). All applications for RPEL and RPL will follow the process and procedures as outlined in the LJMU RPEL Policy. All Learners are required to complete all of the Level 6 modules and are unable to RP(E)L any prior learning or experience at this level. Level 5 runs for six months and consists of four core modules (amounting to 80 credits) alongside two optional modules (each worth 40 credits). The four core modules are 20 credit modules (The Criminal Justice System; Understanding Crime and Criminal Behaviour; Penal Policy and Punishment & Rehabilitation) and these are each delivered over five weeks and sequentially to ensure development and to scaffold learning. There are two 40 credit modules (Adult learning and Reflective Practice & Professional Practice and Development). Each of these are optional and will run for the six months, enabling learners to assimilate and integrate learning from the 20 credit modules. There are three 'routes' into the BA(Hons) for learners. These routes will determine the level 5 content to be completed by learners. 1. The Probation Service Officer Pathway (PSOP) represents the route for those who are currently employed by the Probation Service as a Probation Service Officer. Those who follow the PSOP route are required to complete all of the Level 5 core modules. For those without degrees, they would also have to complete the optional module: 5005COMJUS Adult Learning and Reflective Practice. For those with non cognate degrees - they will be provided with the opportunity to RP(E)L prior learning and experience to 5006COMJUS Professional Practice and Development via the gateway assessment service (GAS) process. 2. The second route is for learners with a previous degree qualification in a non-cognate academic discipline. These learners will complete all of the 4 core modules and will be provided with the opportunity RP(E)L prior learning and experience to 5006COMJUS Professional Practice and Development via the gateway assessment Service (GAS) process. 3. The third route is for learners with a previous degree qualification in a partially-cognate degree disciple. These learners will only be required to complete one of the core modules, after applying for RP(E)L via the GAS process, applying prior learning and experience to the remaining three core modules and the optional module of 5006COMJUS Professional Practice and Development. All modules at level 6 are core and learners are required to complete and pass all of the modules to gain the BA(Hons) Community Justice. Level 6 runs for nine months in total and there are five modules. There is one 20 credit module (Professional Ethics, Values and Practice) delivered over eight weeks and two 30 credit modules (Rehabilitation and Change Agency and Risk Assessment and Management) delivered over eleven weeks and two 20 credit modules (Developing Research Informed Practice in Criminal Justice and Developing Professional Practice in Criminal Justice) that are delivered over nine months with the intention of again allowing learners the opportunity to assimilate and integrate learning from the other taught modules. The 20 credit module (Developing Professional Practice in Criminal Justice) incorporates a submission of a career development plan as part of the vocational qualification element of the Professional Qualification in Probation Practice (PQiP). The alternative awards available are a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE). The BA will be awarded to those learners who achieve 300 credits (120 at Level 4, 180 at Levels 5 and 6, of which at least 60 must be at Level 6) as well as achieving the learning outcomes outlined in the overview section of this document. The DipHE will be awarded to those who achieve 240 credits: 120 at Level 4 and 120 at Level 5 as well as achieving the learning outcomes outlined in the overview section of this document.

There are no taught modules at level 4 as all learners will apply for 120 credits Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning (RPEL) via LJMU Faculty Recognition Group. Some learners may be able to apply for credit transfer of level 5 credits (RP(E)L) depending on their prior qualifications and experience (see 'routes' below). All applications for RPEL and RPL will follow the process and procedures as outlined in the LJMU RPEL Policy. All Learners are required to complete all of the Level 6 modules and are unable to RP(E)L any prior learning or experience at this level.

Level 5 runs for six months and consists of four core modules (amounting to 80 credits) alongside two optional modules (each worth 40 credits). The four core modules are 20 credit modules (The Criminal Justice System; Understanding Crime and Criminal Behaviour; Penal Policy and Punishment & Rehabilitation) and these are each delivered over five weeks and sequentially to ensure development and to scaffold learning. There are two 40 credit modules (Adult learning and Reflective Practice & Professional Practice and Development). Each of these are optional and will run for the six months, enabling learners to assimilate and integrate learning from the 20 credit modules.

There are three 'routes' into the BA(Hons) for learners. These routes will determine the level 5 content to be completed by learners.

1. The Probation Service Officer Pathway (PSOP) represents the route for those who are currently employed by the Probation Service as a Probation Service Officer. Those who follow the PSOP route are required to complete all of the Level 5 core modules. For those without degrees, they would also have to complete the optional module: 5005COMJUS Adult Learning and Reflective Practice. For those with non cognate degrees - they will be provided with the opportunity to RP(E)L prior learning and experience to 5006COMJUS Professional Practice and Development via the gateway assessment service (GAS) process.

2. The second route is for learners with a previous degree qualification in a non-cognate academic discipline. These learners will complete all of the 4 core modules and will be provided with the opportunity RP(E)L prior learning and experience to 5006COMJUS Professional Practice and Development via the gateway assessment Service (GAS) process.

3. The third route is for learners with a previous degree qualification in a partially-cognate degree disciple. These learners will only be required to complete one of the core modules, after applying for RP(E)L via the GAS process, applying prior learning and experience to the remaining three core modules and the optional module of 5006COMJUS Professional Practice and Development.

All modules at level 6 are core and learners are required to complete and pass all of the modules to gain the BA(Hons) Community Justice. Level 6 runs for nine months in total and there are five modules. There is one 20 credit module (Professional Ethics, Values and Practice) delivered over eight weeks and two 30 credit modules (Rehabilitation and Change Agency and Risk Assessment and Management) delivered over eleven weeks and two 20 credit modules (Developing Research Informed Practice in Criminal Justice and Developing Professional Practice in Criminal Justice) that are delivered over nine months with the intention of again allowing learners the opportunity to assimilate and integrate learning from the other taught modules. The 20 credit module (Developing Professional Practice in Criminal Justice) incorporates a submission of a career development plan as part of the vocational qualification element of the Professional Qualification in Probation Practice (PQiP).

The alternative awards available are a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE). The BA will be awarded to those learners who achieve 300 credits (120 at Level 4, 180 at Levels 5 and 6, of which at least 60 must be at Level 6) as well as achieving the learning outcomes outlined in the overview section of this document. The DipHE will be awarded to those who achieve 240 credits: 120 at Level 4 and 120 at Level 5 as well as achieving the learning outcomes outlined in the overview section of this document.

Structure

Level 5

Level 5 Core

Level 5 Optional

Level 6

Level 6 Core

Approved variance from Academic Framework Regulations

A variance to regulation UG C8.1 (iii) has been approved. The award mark will be calculated using all 120 credits at level 5 and the 100 credits of mark bearing modules at level 6 (this excludes the pass/fail module (6005COMJUS) which must be passed but does not contribute to the … For more content click the Read More button below.

A variance to regulation UG A3.2 permitting a variation in module size has been approved to the following module: 5006COMJUS Professional Practice and Development.

A variance to regulation UG A3.2 permitting a variation in module size has been approved to the following modules: ‘Adult Learning and Reflective Practice’ (5005COMJUS); ‘Rehabilitation and Change Agency’ (6002COMJUS) and ‘Risk Assessment and Management’ (6003COMJUS) (Approved 10/1/23)

Entry Requirements

Alternative qualifications considered

Candidates are recruited by the Probation Service and so application will become part of the Probation Service recruitment to the Professional Qualification in Probation Practice (PQiP), as outlined by the Ministry of Justice website. As part of the recruitment process LJMU will be consulted for advice and guidance on suitability to study at UG level and also to provide an assessment of equivalency of prior learning or experience.

HECoS Code(s)

(CAH15-01) sociology, social policy and anthropology

Course Catalogue