A Guide to Criminology and Criminal Justice Postgraduate Certificate( diploma)Diploma/MA)

Transcription

1 Course Handbook Criminology and Criminal Justice Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/MA Ealing Law School

2 Criminology and Criminal Justice Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/MA Programme Handbook AY Ealing Campus Page 1 of 20

3 Criminology and Criminal Justice Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/MA Programme Handbook Contents Page No. Section 1 Key Information 1.1 Welcome to the Course Overview of the Course Sources of Help and Support Your Responsibilities 5 Section 2 Structure and Content 2.1 Introduction Award Title, Exit Points and Progression Course Philosophy, Aims and Objectives Course Outline Course Summary 11 Section 3 Learning, Teaching and Assessment 3.1 Learning and Teaching Approaches Assessment 13 Section 4 Quality Management and Enhancement 4.1 Course Management Student Evaluation Course Committee/Board 19 Page 2 of 20

4 Section 1 Key Information 1.1 Welcome to programme Welcome to the Criminology and Criminal Justice Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and Master of Arts (MA) programmes at University of West London (UWL). This handbook will try to answer most of your queries. You will need to become familiar with the structure and procedures of the University at various stages of your University career. It is important to remember to keep the University informed of any changes in telephone number and address, both home and term time, and for you to keep important documents and information safe. It will be your own responsibility to ensure you attend the appropriate examinations, submit assignments to the correct department on the correct date, fill in forms etc. You will receive information as to the appropriate offices you will need to contact in the next few weeks. Our aim is to provide postgraduate courses that will prepare students for careers in the criminal justice sector. The purposes of this handbook are: 1. To complement the UWL Student Handbook and to answer many of the questions which you as a new student may have about the programme and the Ealing Law School. 2. To provide you with information about the subjects you will study. UWL operates on several sites. Lectures, workshops and tutorials take place in the main Teaching Centre at the St Mary s Road campus. Teaching staff have their offices in the Library building on the St Mary s Road site. Their internal telephone extensions are detailed in the module study guides, and you will also find them at the end of this handbook. All staff have a voic facility for you to leave messages in their absence and an address. About the Ealing Law School We are a nationally recognised centre of teaching excellence offering a range of courses which are interesting and relevant for those seeking employment in the field of law and criminology and we pride ourselves on our commitment to Page 3 of 20

5 teaching. We have lawyers, judges, policemen and prosecutors as visiting lecturers and honorary professors and we keep in close contact with the world of work and, through our Law School Advisory Committee, with judges, broadcasters, solicitors and barristers. We are in close contact with the Middlesex Law Society (MLS) and Professor Malcolm Davies member and former President. Our students take part in the MLS's Young Members Group and our past students keep in regular contact and provide lectures, mentors and job training opportunities for our new students. 1.2 Overview of the course This handbook contains information based on a programme specification formally approved by the University. The relevant sections of the specification, for example, the programmes aims, module content, learning outcomes, teaching and learning methods and assessment requirements are incorporated into the handbook. The full programme specification is available from the Programme Leader. For information regarding the university regulations, policies and procedures, please see the current Student Handbook and the UWL website. The regulations applying to a student will be those in place for the academic year of their enrolment. 1.3 Sources of help and support Course Leader: Dr. Alberto Testa Administrative contact: Sue Kirkham alberto.testa@uwl.ac.uk sue.kirkham@uwl.ac.uk Telephone: Telephone: The Head of the Ealing Law School is Professor Julia Fionda. One of your lecturers will be your Personal Tutor. You will be allocated a tutor upon commencing your programme. Please ensure that you maintain contact with your Personal Tutor and inform them of any problems you encounter. School Office: The School Office is located at St Mary s Road, and any queries you may have will be dealt with by the School Office staff. During term time the office will be open from: Monday to Thursday: Friday: Saturday: 9.00am pm; pm am 4.00 pm am pm. Page 4 of 20

6 1.4 Your responsibilities Work: We must stress that the PGCert/PGDip/MA Criminology and Criminal Justice are very intensive programmes. You will need to devote much of your spare time to reading and preparing for classes. Lectures must be backed up and classes prepared for by your own reading, either in the Library here, elsewhere or at home. It is worth emphasising that the work, which you do on your own, is of tremendous value. It is arguable that all your programme can do is to provide you with the opportunity to learn; the learning has to be done by yourself. However, we hope that you will find your programme stimulating, challenging and rewarding Attendance You are required to attend lectures and seminars in the subjects which you are studying. Whilst it is acknowledged that you may occasionally be prevented from attending classes by ill health or other reasons, if you are absent for more than two days, you should contact the Programme Leader to alert him of the difficulty. Attendance hours and independent learning hours: Most of the modules you will be studying are worth 30 credits. This means that you will be expected to attend 60 hours of classes over weeks and undertake 16 hours of independent study per week per module Assessment The preparatory work for seminars, workshops and tutorials is essential and the ability to manage your time is important. There are significant aspects of the course we expect you to be able to plan so that you can carry out these activities on time, these include the submission of coursework and attending examinations. Please note: Failure to submit a coursework or attend a summative examination will result in a zero mark. If you have a problem, please contact your personal Tutor or the Programme Leader Student Involvement and Programme Management: Each full-time and part-time cohort will elect two student representatives to serve on the Programme Committee. This committee comprises additionally, of representatives of the Staff Course Team, the Head of Subject and Subject Librarian. It meets once a semester to discuss general matters concerning the operation of the programmes and the student experience. The minutes of this Committee meeting form part of the Annual Programme Report which, in turn, feeds into the appropriate School committees. Your views on each module will be collected, formally at the end of the semester, by means of an anonymous Module Evaluation Questionnaire. Any Page 5 of 20

7 useful suggestions which can be implemented as a result of informal feedback will be put into effect for the remainder of the semester. The information from the anonymous questionnaires will also feed into the Module Report which in turn will be considered in the Annual Report. Additionally, there is the opportunity for further student involvement within the School and the wider University. Student representatives are invited to sit on various School and University committees, including the University Refectory Focus Group. The Student Union is another vehicle by which the student voice is heard. It should be noted that individual difficulties which you may have relating to a particular class are not matters for the Committee but should be discussed with the lecturer or tutor concerned, or Programme Leader as soon as possible. The procedure for formal complaints is set out in the UWL Student Handbook. Page 6 of 20

8 Section 2 Structure and Content 2.1 Introduction Outlined below are the awards available at various points in your study as well as a general philosophy and academic rational for the course content and its aims. 2.2 Award title, Exit points and Progression Name of final award Programme title Exit points, level and credits Master of Arts (MA) Degree Criminology and Criminal Justice MA Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Certificate 180 Credits 120 Credits 60 Credits Name of final award Programme title Exit points, level and credits Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Criminology and Criminal Justice Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Certificate 120 Credits 60 Credits Name of final award Programme title Exit points, level and credits Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) Criminology and Criminal Justice Postgraduate Certificate 60 Credits Page 7 of 20

9 2.3 Course philosophy, aims and outcomes Philosophy and Rationale The MA Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a scholarly appreciation of the work and challenges encountered by criminal justice agencies and aim s to meet the intellectual needs of those seeking a career in the criminal justice sector or interested in further study at PhD level. It covers contemporary issues within the study of crime and the criminal justice process, murder investigation, the threat of global organized crime and financial crime investigation. The PGDip Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a scholarly appreciation of the work and challenges encountered by criminal justice agencies and aim s to meet the intellectual needs of those seeking a career in the criminal justice sector. It covers contemporary issues within the study of crime and the criminal justice process, murder investigation, the threat of global organized crime and financial crime investigation. The PGCert Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a scholarly appreciation of the work and challenges encountered by criminal justice agencies and aim s to meet the intellectual needs of those seeking a career in the criminal justice sector. It covers contemporary issues within the study of crime and the criminal justice process Aims of the Course MA Criminology and Criminal Justice To be eligible for an award of Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of West London, students are required to meet the appropriate level (7) of attainment. An MA Criminology and Criminal Justice award requires a student to demonstrate: An understanding of knowledge that is both systematic and critical in its awareness of current issues in criminology, serious crime investigation and criminal justice, which can be informed by academic study or professional practice; An advanced understanding and ability to synthesise various techniques in research and advanced scholarship; An advanced level of originality in the application of knowledge and the practical understanding of how a variety of established techniques of research can be used to hypothesise, interpret and further knowledge of criminology and criminal justice; Page 8 of 20

10 Be conceptually aware; critically evaluating current research and advanced scholarly activity and methodology so as to appropriately hypothesise. PGDip Criminology and Criminal Justice To be eligible for an award of Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of West London, students are required to meet the appropriate level (7) of attainment. A PGDip in Criminology and Criminal Justice award requires a student to demonstrate: An understanding of knowledge that is both systematic and critical in its awareness of current issues in criminology, serious crime investigation and criminal justice, which can be informed by academic study or professional practice; An advanced understanding and ability to synthesise various techniques in research and advanced scholarship; An advanced level of originality in the application of knowledge and understanding; and an ability to interpret advanced knowledge in criminology and criminal justice; Being conceptually aware and able to critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarly activity. To be eligible for an award of Postgraduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of West London, students are required to meet the appropriate level (7) of attainment. PGCert Criminology and Criminal Justice A PGCert in MA Criminology and Criminal Justice award requires a student to demonstrate: An understanding of knowledge that is both systematic and critical in its awareness of current issues in criminology and criminal justice, which can be informed by academic study or professional practice; An advanced understanding and ability to synthesise various techniques in research and advanced scholarship; An advanced level of originality in the application of knowledge and understanding; and an ability to interpret advanced knowledge in criminal justice; Being conceptually aware and able to critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarly activity. Page 9 of 20

11 2.4 Course outline MA Criminology and Criminal Justice Students will study the following three core modules: 1. Dissertation (40 credits) 2. Research Methodology (20 credits) 3. Contemporary Crime and Criminal Justice Issues (30 credits) You will also choose three from the following four options: 1. Investigating Financial Crime (30 credits) 2. Homicide Investigation (30 credits) 3. Organised Crime (30 credits) 4. Counter Terrorism Policing (30 credits) PGDip Criminology and Criminal Justice Students will study the following four core modules: 1. Contemporary Crime and Criminal Justice Issues (30 credits) 2. Counter Terrorism Policing (30 credits) 3. Homicide Investigation (30 credits) 4. Organised Crime (30 credits) PGCert Criminology and Criminal Justice Students will study the module Contemporary Crime and Criminal Justice Issues plus one from the following three modules: 1. Counter Terrorism Policing (30 credits) 2. Homicide Investigation (30 credits) 3. Organised Crime (30 credits) Page 10 of 20

12 2.5 Course summary Dissertation (40 Credits) The Dissertation provides the student with the opportunity to demonstrate the mastery of a particular subject area by the completion of an extended piece of self-managed research. The aim of the dissertation is to develop and test the student s ability to conceptualise, appraise and critically evaluate a significant topic in the fields of criminology and criminal justice through a process of research. It will involve conducting both primary and secondary research in the chosen topic / discipline area and presenting the research and its findings in the form of a 10,000-12,000 word dissertation. Submission of dissertations will be one year after the start of the programme for full-time students and after two years for part-time students. Thus, if you are a September start it will be 31st August, if a February start, it will be 31st January. During the induction at the start of the programme, students will be advised on the requirement of the dissertation. Throughout the year, they will meet with a dissertation tutor. At the start of their course all students will undertake the Research Methodology module and then will additionally have the summer period free to work exclusively on the dissertation. Research Methodology (20 Credits) This module provides a thorough basis for Masters level research methods. The module is free-standing, but links easily with the subsequent or concurrent preparation of your dissertation. The module addresses core content areas appropriate to research in a criminological and criminal justice context, and supports participants to achieve appropriate levels of competence in these areas. It will be equally relevant to all participants who wish to broaden their armoury of research tools, whether that is for workrelated purposes or in support of further academic work. Contemporary Crime and Criminal Justice Issues (30 Credits) This module looks at some of the important contemporary issues surrounding crime and criminal justice. It critically evaluates the three broad levels of criminological explanations of crime: the individual, the situational, and the structural as well as the methodological assumptions underpinning our knowledge of crime. It also critically examines some of the recent developments in criminal justice looking at the decision makers in the criminal justice process so as to provide the student with a critical understanding of the legal and non-legal factors that determine the implementation of the law in practice. Overall this module will provide students with the knowledge to formulate a critical understanding of some of the key contemporary developments in crime and criminal justice. Page 11 of 20

13 Organised Crime (30 credits) This module will explore organised crime and its investigation by drawing on a number of sources. Relevant literature will be supported by academic expertise and guest speakers who are experts within diverse fields in the investigation of organised crime and its support. Students will critically analyse UK and international police investigative practices in relation to organised crime as well as the varying governmental responses internationally. Investigating Financial Crime (30 Credits) The aim of this module is to give students of criminal justice an understanding of the principles involved in forensic accounting as it relates to detecting and investigating financial fraud. Through active learning sets students will gain the necessary confidence to engage in investigating suspected cases of fraud and collecting evidence for prosecution. Homicide Investigation (30 Credits) Homicide is the most serious offence in criminal law. Not surprisingly its investigation attracts a significant response from the police in terms of resourcing and investigative strategies. Most of these strategies have generic utility and by gaining an in depth understanding of homicide and equivocal death investigation in the UK, students will be able to use that knowledge to underpin studies of other crime types. The module also aims to demonstrate the skills and availability of experts in investigative support and critically analyse the frequency and extent of their deployment. The module is further resourced with the use of murder databases such as murderuk.com. Counter Terrorism Policing This module looks at the basic motivations for terrorism and how law enforcement counters the threat of terrorist attack in the UK. The module aims to engender an understanding of the balances needed in a democracy to deal with the threat and ensure the safety of society. The methods used include legal, proactive measures and engaging with the community. The module will enable the student to understand the checks and balances in counter terrorist policing. Page 12 of 20

14 Section 3 Learning, Teaching and Assessment 3.1 Learning and Teaching approaches A variety of assessments will be used including oral presentation and written report, summative essay and examination. The Dissertation on the MA will provide the student with the opportunity to apply a practically focused independently researched study based on a practical criminal justice or criminological problem related to the programme. The programmes will use a diversity of teaching strategies i.e. workshops, case studies, interactive seminars and lectures to develop students awareness, understanding and critical thinking ability. The strategy provides students with a learning environment that will use a variety of learning and teaching methods. The methods used to guide and facilitate the learning will include: - Dissemination of information via lectures and Internet. - Seminars and plenary sessions to promote discussion, debate and disagreement. - Workshops to provide students with the opportunities to develop their communication and presentation skills. - Use of case studies and databases to provide students with experience of particular criminological and criminal justice issues. - Directed reading through the use of essential texts and articles/handouts. - Guest speakers to articulate current approaches, views and ideas on particular criminal justice issues. - Development of a research proposal on the MA resulting in the completion of a dissertation. The varied range of activities and exposures will appropriately support students as independent learners working towards achieving high standards of performance. It also accommodates the differing learning styles of students by providing opportunities for learning which match individual styles. Each module applies a selection of methods and activities appropriate to its learning outcomes. Page 13 of 20

15 3.2 Assessments The programmes assessment strategy is underpinned by the Programme Learning Outcomes which has informed the design of the assessment strategy. The design of the programmes assessment and feedback strategy is linked to its multidisciplinary nature and aims. The assessment methods involve individual and group analysis and presentation of case studies, essay writing, evaluation and comparison of theories as well as exams for some modules. MA students will undertake an independent formulation and presentation of a research proposal, critical review of research papers and a substantial supervised dissertation. This variety of assessments caters for differing learning styles and modes by offering opportunities for reflective and conceptual learning. Each assessment will be looking for evidence that the student has achieved the specific learning outcomes of the module and the broader learning outcomes of the programmes. The emphasis on cross-module synthesis is reinforced by the recognition and centrality of the student experience. Assessment approaches using group activity, and requiring individual reflection all foster a synthesis of ideas and insights thereby reducing any chance of students seeing individual modules as separated silos of knowledge. Finally, the dissertation offers a unique and creative area for synthesis and specialised sustained enquiry, mediated from the taught modules by the discipline and challenge of the Research Methods module. Anonymous Marking In addition to the current practice of anonymous marking of all written examinations, the School adopts a policy of anonymous making for all written assignments where this is practical. The Dissertation, by virtue of supervision, cannot be anonymously first marked by the Supervisor. The second, double marker will receive the work by student number rather than by student name. Pass, Merits and Distinctions The PGCert/PGDip/MA programmes can be achieved with Distinction, Merit or Pass. The Regulations governing the award are published in the Postgraduate Student Handbook and at School Level. Page 14 of 20

16 Please ensure you have read these Regulations. Modules are passed if the student attains between 50 60% Modules are passed with merit where the student attains between 60 70% Modules are passed with distinction where the student attains over 70% Students are entitled to a re-sit opportunity where they attain between 25-49% in the module. You can judge your performance using the scale set out below which indicates the criteria that need to be satisfied before a particular mark can be awarded. You must remember that the scale is applicable throughout the PGCert/PGDip/MA however individual markers will give appropriate weighting to criteria that is relevant to their particular module and assessment type. 80 and above: Shows exceptional performance at a level of distinction which surpasses the requirements associated with the level in at least one of the following: a. Originality in conceptual understanding and synthesis including critical evaluation, hypothesis, methodological approach or application; b. Critical analysis and evaluation of current research; c. Greater understanding of research, methodology and ethical implications with subtlety in communication; d. Advanced appreciation of data. Examples of this may be work at such a high quality that it comfortably sits within this level or would merit further study i.e. PhD or refereed publication. In addition this will be exceptionally well written and presented : Performance that is superior at distinction level falling short of being exceptional, surpasses the criteria associated with the level in several of the following areas: a. Originality in conceptual understanding and synthesis including critical evaluation, hypothesis, methodological approach or application; b. Critical analysis and evaluation of current research; c. Greater understanding of research, methodology and ethical implications with subtlety in communication; d. Advanced appreciation of data. Page 15 of 20

17 Work falling into this level will be well written and presented with a very strong potential to pursue research at doctoral level : Performance that is very good at merit level which may include superior achievement in the criteria suggested by the level but lacks consistency. Work falling in this band will surpass the quality of work produced in the range in several of the following areas: a. Deployment of information that goes beyond simple reliance on standard secondary sources; b. Clear and coherent argument; c. Some critical insight and evaluation; d. Evidence of advanced analysis and management of data. Similarly work that falls within this band will be well written and presented with some possibility of pursuing research at doctoral level : Satisfactory performance at pass level, this work will fall short of the level in several of the following: a. Grasp of principal materials relevant to the subject with partial casual link with sustained argument from premises to conclusions; b. Logical structure not properly thought through; c. Some evidence of analytical and critical ability to handle data sources and evidence; d. Unlikely to demonstrate originality in thought and methodology. Work falling in this level may be well written and presented with no obvious faults : Fail Below satisfactory performance. This work will be similar in characteristic to work in the level but will be insecure in some of the following key areas: a. Concept and grasp b. Content c. Demonstration in understanding d. Sustenance in logic and coherency e. Analytical and critical evaluation f. Presentation 26-39: Fail a. Lack structure b. Rely too heavily on secondary sources c. Contain argument that is inadequately supported by evidence d. Does not acknowledge sources Page 16 of 20

18 0-25: Serious Failure a. Lack in relevant material to the subject b. Be significantly incomplete or unbalanced c. Show major errors d. Contain garbled, incomplete and confused information e. Scrappily presented coupled with inadequate citation f. Lacks critical appraisal nearing plagiarism Page 17 of 20

19 Section 4 Quality Management and Enhancement 4.1 Course Management Quality Assurance Mechanisms There is ongoing evaluation of course content, management and delivery. A number of mechanisms enable evaluations to be carried out, and ensure that results are communicated to academic management. Course and module development are nourished by constructive feedback received from students. Further detail about these mechanisms is given below: Student Experience Concerns raised by students regarding delivery or quality in respect of their learning experiences within the modules which comprise their course, are addressed and responded to by the module leader in the first instance, although members of a module team may also contribute. If a concern is not satisfactorily resolved in this way, it can be raised with the course leader, who will then consult with the module leader and team in a joint effort to achieve resolution. A course committee meets once in each semester, and offers student representatives opportunity to formally raise issues. The programme leader attempts to respond to the concerns either immediately or soon thereafter. The end of module evaluation report is designed to enable the module leader to identify and address concerns, and implement action, prior to the next delivery of the module. The module report is presented to and discussed at the programme assessment board. Programme Assessment Board meetings are held in each semester, to collate and ratify the results of assessments, and to ensure that all assessments have been administered and marked in full accordance with the University requirements and regulations. External Examiners are of central importance within this process of Quality Assurance, and are required to submit oral and written reports which provide comment on issues relating to maintenance of standards, achievement of relevant benchmarks, and compliance with procedures. The Course Leader incorporates recommendations made by the External Examiner within the Programme Action Plan for the following academic year. Course Leaders are required to submit an Annual Programme Monitoring Report to the University Quality Audit office. The office also receives External Examiners reports. Page 18 of 20

20 Programme Evaluation Your programme will be evaluated annually by the Course Leader with the help of Course Committee Minutes and student evaluation forms. Reports of evaluations go to the Subject Head for discussion and form part of the Annual Programme Report which is submitted to the University Quality Audit Office. Annual Programme Report This document summarizes all the issues raised throughout the year. It details student numbers, and chronicles individuals progress. Strengths and developmental needs are identified, and recommendations made pertaining to the improvement of the Programme. 4.2 Student Evaluation Student participation in Evaluation through Questionnaires For each module there is a student based evaluation that takes place. Firstly you are encouraged to discuss matters informally with your module tutor. This enables most matters to be sorted out immediately. Any matters that require issues taken further will be dealt with by the Course Leader and the Subject Leader. During the course, you will be asked to complete anonymously questionnaires dealing with all aspects of the course: these are reviewed by the Course Leader. 4.3 Course Committee /Board Monitoring and Evaluation Processes for the Performance of the Course Programme Committee meetings are held each Semester. Membership comprises the Subject Head, Field Leader, Course Leader, Programme Administrator, Module Team members, and two student representatives. Students select their own representatives. Any matters of concern are assigned to a named individual, who reports to the Subject Head. Students are informed accordingly. Programme Committee/Board meetings will be held on: Semester 1 (TBC) Semester 2 (TBC) Page 19 of 20