MSc/Diploma/Certificate in Advanced Social Work Studies (Criminal Justice) Graduate School of Social & Political Studies University of Edinburgh

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1 MSc/Diploma/Certificate in Advanced Social Work Studies (Criminal Justice) Graduate School of Social & Political Studies University of Edinburgh Introduction This proposal outlines plans for a taught MSc in Advanced Social Work Studies (Criminal Justice), which will be offered from September This is a refreshed and revised MSc building on the existing MSc in Advanced Social Work Studies in Criminal Justice, which was introduced in The MSc was originally established with the financial support of Government and it continues to receive financial backing from the Scottish Government. The current MSc is part of the education/training provision for criminal justice practitioners, delivered by the Criminal Justice Social Work Development Centre for Scotland. This revised MSc will join the MSc in Advanced Social Work Studies in Adult Protection and in due course, other MSc/Diplomas/Certificates in Advanced Social Work Studies in subjects including Mental Health, Practice Learning, and Child Welfare. This reflects the increasing market for post-qualifying training and continuing professional development in Social Work. This degree programme firmly locates the practice of social work within the field of social scientific enquiry. It will be offered on a part-time, modular basis, with students able to study anything from an individual course to a full degree. All courses are set at SCQF level 11 (postgraduate level); students may enter and exit the course with a PG Certificate, PG Diploma or Masters degree. Students for this programme will be drawn primarily from practitioners and managers within criminal justice social work however other suitably qualified/experienced professionals who work in this area would also be eligible. It is important to state from the outset that, unlike the BSc (Social Work) and Master of Social Work, this is not a qualification route to social work practice. Background In 1992 the Scottish Office awarded funds to the Universities of Edinburgh and Stirling to develop training for experienced practitioners and managers in the statutory and independent sectors, That provided criminal justice social work services. This led to the establishment of the existing Masters programme.. Two significant developments have occurred in relation to this programme. Firstly, in 1

2 2003 the Criminal Justice Social Work Development Centre for Scotland had its remit extended by its funding body, the Scottish Executive, to include education and training. A decision was taken that the MSc and all staff associated with it should become part of the Development Centre. Secondly, following review of their structures/ course provisions, in June 2008, our partner, the University of Stirling, took the decision to withdraw from the partnership in relation to managing/ administering the MSc. At this point, in consultation with the Scottish Government, the decision was taken that Edinburgh should continue to run the programme solo, however in light of other developments within Social Work, it seemed timely to review and refresh the existing programme. Rationale Public Protection, the effective assessment and management of difficult and dangerous offenders and the provision/delivery of credible alternatives to custody are the key government priorities in criminal justice social work. Such priorities demand a well-trained and educated workforce who can deliver best practice based on sound objective drawn from evidence of what is and what is not, effective practice. While Social Work qualifying courses lay sound foundations for practice, it has long been recognised that there remains the need for more advanced, sophisticated education and training for staff to fulfil the increasing demands on them. This was the original rationale for setting up the MSc in 1993 and it remains so today. Given the large number of local authorities in Scotland (32), many of which are quite small, a central point where practitioners and managers can come together from all over Scotland, to develop, enhance and share their knowledge/skills, is and remains a strong feature of this programme. Over the years we have built up strong working alliances with many Local Authorities. These have had positive spin- offs particularly in relation to CPD (social workers are now required for the purposes of registration, to maintain a record their professional development). Over the last 2 years we have developed and provided a range of CPD courses, these have contributed to participants enrolling on the current Masters programme. I would envisage this continuing and developing with the new programme. Aims and objectives To develop the confidence, competence and autonomy of relevant staff working in the complex field of criminal justice social work. To develop an enhanced learning and skill based culture within the profession. To enhance the standard of service provision to the public, courts and those who have committed crimes, and to increase the level of public protection in accordance with agency remit, procedure and statutory mandate. Entrance requirements Entrants should normally hold a first degree and/or a postgraduate qualification in social work or allied profession. Applicants who are professionally qualified but who do not hold a degree level qualification may ask for special consideration when applying. Entrants are also expected to have two years experience in social work practice. Applicants who have already completed a professionally-validated postgraduate training at degree or diploma level may qualify for Entry with Advanced Standing (EAS), and may secure exemption from the requirements of the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Social Work Studies. 2

3 Delivery The MSc in Advanced Social Work Studies (Criminal Justice) can be completed over two-and-a-half years part-time or over a longer period, if preferred. It consists of 120 credits of taught courses and a 60-credit dissertation. It has core courses and an opportunity for students to undertake an elective course related to a subject of their own interest. All courses (with the exception of the dissertation) can be studied as stand-alone, CPD courses. The degree programme will be run via flexible delivery. This will involve both classroom sessions (based either at The University of Edinburgh, or, if there are sufficient numbers to allow this, in another location) and online learning. Classroom sessions will be delivered through a mixture of half-day events and some evening or weekend sessions, and will include a range of presentation, discussion and practical exercises. Online learning will be facilitated through an on-line tutor. Students will be expected to take forward their learning through independent study and application in the workplace setting. Structure and content The MSc in Advanced Social Work Studies (Criminal Justice) is structured in such a way that students can focus on their own area of practice, whilst at the same time embedding this is in a broader context. It consists of three parts: 1. Two units made up of four compulsory taught courses which make up the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Social Work Studies (Criminal Justice) (60 credits in total); 2. Two further units: one compulsory unit (made up of two courses) plus one unit made up of two parts an optional course from a prescribed list of relevant courses and another which encourages the application of this to the student s practice setting. Together these courses make up the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Social Work Studies in (Criminal Justice) (60 credits in total); 3. The Masters dissertation (60 credits). The decision to structure the programme into 30 credit units is to make it comparable with other MScs being developed within Social Work, e.g. Advanced Social Work Studies (Adult Protection). Students may choose to exit at any point and receive either the Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Advanced Social Work Studies in (Criminal Justice) if appropriate. However, all students at the point of entry will be registered for the MSc in Advanced Social Work Studies in (Criminal Justice). Unit 1a Legislative and Policy Context (20 credits) Unit 1bCriminology for Social Workers (10 credits) + Unit 2a Assessment & Risk Practices in Criminal Justice (10 credits) Unit 2b Evidence based practice in Criminal Justice (20 credits) = PG Certificate + Unit 3a Research & Evaluation: Theoretical Approaches (20 credits) Unit 3b Research & Evaluation in Practice (10 credits) + Unit 4a Specialist Electives in Practice & Management (20 credits) 3

4 Unit 4b Application to a Practice Setting (10 credits) = PG Diploma + Unit 5 Dissertation (60 credits) = MSc Staffing and resources The design of the first four courses in the programme (leading to the Certificate), as well as the delivery and assessment, will be undertaken by University staff. In time, it is hoped that graduates from the course will in turn become involved in its delivery and development. University staff will initially be drawn from Social Work; Susan Wallace as Programme Director and Brian Fearon as Course (sessional) Tutor. It is likely that payment will also be required for some specialised University and external teachers who will be invited to contribute to specific elements. The design and delivery of the programme will be undertaken in consultation with a wider group of staff from within Social Work, the university and relevant local authority personnel. It is envisaged that, where possible, time spent in the classroom will be shared by students studying the MSc in Advanced Social Work Studies (Criminal Justice) and students studying other MScs in Advanced Social Work Studies, e.g. Adult Protection. This will not only make sense in terms of resource allocation, but will lead to a much more interesting and diverse student group, with opportunities for shared and transferable learning. It is envisaged that Social Work s e-learning development officer, Francis Emmerson, will provide support in creating an online environment for the programme. Finance for resourcing the programme will continue to be provided (as is present) through Scottish Govenrment funding to the Social Work Development Centre for Scotland Cost of the MSc in Advanced Social Work Studies (Criminal Justice) The existing arrangement relating to fees will continue, however the actual amount is currently subject to discussions within the University. The current fee is 6016 parttime (two years of study). Evaluation The programme will be fully evaluated throughout and again on completion of the first cohort. 4

5 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION FOR MSc in ADVANCED SOCIAL WORK STUDIES (CRIMINAL JUSTICE) 1) Awarding Institution: University of Edinburgh 2) Teaching Institution: University of Edinburgh 3) Programme accredited by: University of Edinburgh 4) Final Award: MSc 5) Programme Title: MSc in Advanced Social Work Studies (Criminal Justice) 6) UCAS Code: Relevant QAA Subject Benchmarking Group(s): Social Policy and Social Work 7) Post-holder with overall responsibility for QA: Mark Smith 8) Date of production: December ) Educational aims of programme: To equip students to identify, analyse and understand the issues for theory, policy and practice in relation to the criminal justice social work practice. 10) Programme Outcomes: (a) Knowledge and understanding of Evidence and research as it applies to criminal justice social work. Legislation and policy in relation to criminal justice. The concepts of risk, risk assessment and risk management as they inform good practice in relation to criminal justice practice. The ethical base, which underpins good practice in relation to criminal justice social work. Research and evaluation theories, methods and approaches. (b) Intellectual skills The application of analytical, critical, philosophical and empirical methods to the study of professional criminal justice social work practice. Using, and later structuring own research into this area, and organising presentation of analysis and argument in response. (c) Professional/subject-specific/practical skills Risk assessment, risk management and planned risk-taking. Managing the tensions within multi-disciplinary and interagency responsibilities. Where applicable constructively involve those who use services within the parameters of professional and ethical practice. Using theories to inform practice in a professional context. (d) Transferable skills Critical analysis. 5

6 Research and presentation skills. Application of theoretical understanding to practical contexts. Ability to understand conceptual and normative issues generated by practical issues. Programme Structure and Features: As stated earlier, the MSc in Advanced Social Work Studies (Criminal Justice) is structured in such a way that students can focus on their own area of practice, whilst at the same time embedding this is in a broader context. It consists of three parts: 1. Two units made up of four compulsory taught courses which make up the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Social Work Studies (Criminal Justice) (60 credits in total); 2. Two further units: one compulsory unit (made up of two courses) plus one unit made up of two parts an optional course from a prescribed list of relevant courses and another which encourages the application of this to the student s practice setting. Together these courses make up the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Social Work Studies in (Criminal Justice) (60 credits in total); 3. The Masters dissertation (60 credits). Students may choose to exit at any point and receive either the Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Advanced Social Work Studies in (Criminal Justice Subject) if appropriate. However, all students at the point of entry will be registered for the MSc in Advanced Social Work Studies in (Criminal Justice). 6

7 PROGRAMME TEMPLATE TABLE Degree Programme Title Advanced Social Work Studies (Criminal Justice) Degree Type MSc Normal year taken Course Criminal Justice (MSc/Dip/Cert) Schedules Level Credit Total 1 Legislative and Policy Context J Criminology for Social Workers J Assessment & Risk Practices in Criminal J Justice 1 Evidence based practice in Criminal J Justice Social Work 2 Research & Evaluation: Theoretical J Approaches 2 Research & Evaluation in Practice J Specialist Elective in Practice or J Management 2 Application to a Practice Setting J Dissertation J