University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Template revised October 2005)
Code: UPSN84-30-M Title: Criminal Justice Work-based Learning Version:1
Level: M UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15
Module type: Project
Owning Faculty: SSH Field: Sociology and Criminology
Valid from: January 2009 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: Awards up to MSc
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes:
On completion of the module students will be expected to demonstrate:
- Identify and critically appraise the knowledge and skills developed and acquired through the work-based learning. (Component A)
- Identify and use relevant source material. (Component A)
- Identify and integrate the links between practice and the theories and debates which underpin the study of criminology. (Component A)
- Critically reflect upon the practical challenges encountered when completing a work-based study and identify potential solutions to such challenges. (Component A)
- Carry out a work-based study in an ethical and competent fashion. (Component A)
- Analyse data and integrate their findings with an existing body of literature. (Component A)
Syllabus outline:
Not applicable. Students will be expected to arrange their own placement but it is anticipated that in most cases this will be through their existing employment. Students will be expected to identify their individual learning requirements on commencement of the module through the production of a learning contract. This contract will be discussed and agreed with the module leader. The students will be required to undertake a study which demonstrates their ability to integrate theory with practice and will be based upon their individual work experiences. They will also be required to reflect upon their work-based learning and the production of their work-based study by keeping a reflective journal.
Teaching and learning methods:
- Personal/email tutorials with the module leader – a minimum of 4 during the academic year.
- Work-base study titles will be negotiated between the module leader and the student.
Reading Strategy:
As the work-based study 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 ethical considerations and data protection. 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. This module is offered entirely by distance learning. Students will be provided with guidance to writing the work-based study and how to keep a reflective journal through a module handbook/additional texts. Additional materials and the opportunity for on-line discussion groups will be provided by Blackboard.
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
Indicative Reading:
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.
Beard, C., and Wilson, J-P. (2006). Experiential Learning: A Best Practice Handbook for Educators and Trainers. 2 Rev Ed edition. London. Kogan Page Ltd.
British Society of Criminology Code of Ethics http://www.britsoccrim.org/ethical.htm
British Journal of Criminology
Bolton, G.E. (2005). Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development. Second Edition. London. Sage Publications Ltd;
Guirdham, M. (2002). Interactive Behaviour at Work (3rd Edition). London. Pearson Education.
Hayes, J. (2002). Interpersonal Skills and Work. London. Routledge.
Lichtenberger, E. O. (2004). Essentials of assessment report writing. London. Wiley.
Maguire, M., Morgan, R., and Reiner, R. (2007). (eds). The Oxford Handbook of Criminology. Oxford. Oxford University Press.
Pedler, M, Burgoyne, J., Boydell, T. & Welshman, G. (1990). Self-development in organisations. Berkshire. McGraw-Hill.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B A: 100% B: N/A
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1. 3000 word work-based report 50%
2. Reflective journal (2000 words) 50%
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1. 3000 word work-based report 50%
2. Reflective journal (2000 words) 50%
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is not required.
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………