University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Template revised October 2005)
Code: UPSNQB-30-3 Title: Criminal Justice Placement Version: 2
Level: 3 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15
Module type: Project
Owning Faculty: SSH Field: Sociology
Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: Awards up to BA (Hons)
Pre-requisites: Research Themes and Issues in Criminology (UPSNMW-30-2)
Co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations: Criminology Project (UPSNPW-30-3)
Learning outcomes:
On completion of the module students will be expected to demonstrate:
- Identify and appraise the knowledge and skills developed and acquired through the work-based learning. (Component A)
- Identify and use relevant source material. (Component A)
- Identify the links between the experience of work and the theories and debates which underpin the study of criminology. (Component A)
- Reflect upon the practical challenges encountered when completing a work-based project, and identify potential solutions to such challenges. (Component A)
- Carry out research in an ethical and competent fashion. (Component A)
- Analyse data and integrate their findings with an existing body of literature. (Component A)
- Write up and present a piece of original research. (Component A)
Syllabus outline:
Not applicable. Eligible students will be identified in Semester 2 of level 2. They should be single honours students who will be interviewed by the module and award leaders to assess appropriateness of placement. The interview will be supported by a reference from a relevant level 2 criminology tutor. Before the placement commences they will be required to attend the 2 seminars of introduction to the placement areas. They must also attend the preparatory seminar, which will deal with issues such as placement allocation, assessment requirements and ethical matters.
Students will be expected to participate in a placement equivalent to 20 days work experience. It is anticipated that students will be on placement one day a week as this allows students to take other modules without interference. However, it may be necessary for students to undertake the placement in a block (e.g. Easter break), working outside the teaching timetable. This may be necessary to meet the requirements of the placement provider.
It is anticipated that placements will take place within the Bristol area however, this will not exclude placements that students may wish to arrange for themselves nearer to their home. There is no expectation that students will be paid for their work.
Prior to the placement commencing, the placement organization is required to provide a ‘work plan’ to the module leader and the student. This will highlight the specific tasks that the student will be expected to undertake. It is essential that the student is afforded time within the ‘work plan’ to undertake the research required for the assessment.
Teaching and learning methods:
4 – seminars - one preparatory seminar before placement starts and three, 2 hour workshops across semesters 1 and 2, introducing some of the placement settings. Professionals working in the placement organisation will present the introduction to placement seminars.
- Personal tutorials with the module leader – at least 4 during the academic year.
- Project titles will be negotiated between the module leader and the student.
Reading Strategy:
As the topic to be researched will be based upon the placement it is not appropriate to provide specific readings. However, they will be pointed in the direction of literature relating to research methods. There is a substantial amount of literature relating to this and it is important that students use that which is most appropriate and up to date. In order to assist the student with this a list of recommended texts and a guide to the most appropriate internet resources will be given in the module handbook.
Indicative Reading List:
The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, as indicated above, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.
• Bell, J (1987) Doing Your Own Research Project: a Guide for First Time Researchers in Education and Social Science. Buckingham. Open University Press
• British Society of Criminology Code of Ethics http://www.britsoccrim.org/ethical.htm
• Denscombe, M (1998) The Good Research Guide. Buckingham. Open University Press
• Noakes, L., and Wincup, E. (2004). Criminological Research: Understanding qualitative methods. London. Sage.
• Robson, C. (1998). Real World Research. Oxford. Blackwell Publishers Ltd.
• Sarantakos, S. (1998). Social Research. Second Edition. London. MacMillan Press.
• Sapsford, J., & Jupp, V. (1996). Data Collection and Analysis. London. Sage.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B A: 100% B: N/A
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (Controlled conditions)
Description of each element Element weighting
Reflective journal (approx 2000 words) 25%
Individual presentation 20 mins 25%
4000 word report 50%
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
N/A
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A (Controlled conditions)
Description of each element Element weighting
5000 word report 75%
Individual viva on report 25%
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
N/A
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is not required.
Specification confirmed by ……Approved at VARC meeting……………Date …30.05.07……………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)