MSc Working with Adult and Young People who Offend

01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2029

Course Leader Ian McKim
Course Team Daniel Welch, Helen Martin
Awarding Body University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions University of South Wales
Modes of Study Full Time, Part Time

Document Version

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2029

QAA Benchmarks

FHEQ Benchmark for L7 Qualification https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdfQAA Subject Benchmark for Criminology https://www.qaa.ac.uk/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements/criminology

Educational Aim

The main aims of the course are:

To provide a learner centred opportunity to develop in-depth and advanced knowledge and understanding of criminal justice, informed by current practice, scholarship, and research. The focus being for learners to demonstrate:

a systematic understanding and critical awareness of topics which are informed by the forefront of the subject of criminology, crime and justice.

a critical awareness of the history of ideas, the cultural context, and the social and political theories that inform and influence the practice of criminology, crime and justice.

a critical awareness of the intersectionality of power in relation to criminal justice agencies and responses to crime, law and order

an ability to develop a critical discussion and analysis of power (for example in relation to gender, age, class, ethnicity, sexuality)

an ability to identify appropriate methodologies for dealing with complex problems.

an ability to develop critical discussion and analysis of complex concepts, and work independently and with some originality.

an ability to successfully complete a substantial research project, informed by wide current understandings in relation to criminal and justice and present these findings.

Learning Outcomes

A1 Critical knowledge and understanding of criminal justice and related systems.
A2 Critical knowledge and understanding of criminological theory.
A3 Critical knowledge and understanding of research evidence.
A4 Critical knowledge and understanding of social policy, ethical approaches, and governance.
B1 An intellectual and critically evaluative engagement with core concepts and theories of criminal justice.
B2 An understanding of the research process in fields relevant to criminal justice.
B3 An ability to formulate research data and present these professionally in written and oral formats.
B4 A professional confidence in formulating theoretically informed judgements to issues of criminal justice.
C1 The capacity to analyse complex, incomplete or contradictory areas of knowledge and take appropriate action in order that the task may be completed.
C2 The capacity to synthesise information or ideas and create responses to problems and/or gaps in knowledge.
C3 Knowledge and critically evaluative understanding of the links between theoretical ideas of criminal justice and how these can be applied to policy and practice
C4 Actively engage in critical debate with stakeholders to demonstrate autonomy, knowledge, and transferrable skills.

Course Structure

Level 7 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
CM4S05 MOD009359 Drug Interventions Running 20 specified
CM4S160 MOD013267 Working with Adults who Offend  Running 20 specified
CM4S161 MOD013269 Approaches to Forensic Mental Health Running 20 specified
CM4S162 MOD013270 Working with Children and Young People in the Criminal Justice System Running 20 specified
CM4S163 MOD013271 Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Restorative approaches Running 20 specified
CM4T150 MOD013273 Research Project Running 60 core
PC4S041 MOD012039 Applied Investigation and Public Protection Running 20 specified

Teaching and Assessment


Learning and Teaching Methods

TutorialsThe block course delivery is structured into all day workshops which will include the characteristics of tutorials/seminars/lectures/activitiesSeminarsThe block course delivery is structured into all day workshops which will include the characteristics of tutorials/seminars/lectures/activities.

Employer Engagement

Visiting Speakers

All guest speakers will be organised adhering to USW’s Engage procedure.

Industry partners and stakeholders will engage students in deeper exploration of contextual and theoretical study areas. They will enhance teaching though expert lectures and real - world briefs to catalyse thinking around key themes and challenges in crime and justice.

Employer Forums

Links to employers via the Criminal Justice Futures event that is held annually by the Criminology course teams.


Means of Assessment

Formative Assessment

This takes place as part of the in-class delivery and can take the form of informal presentations, discussions, and peer review to measure learning progress and understanding.


Learning Support

Induction

The Induction for this course will be carried out using the Hydra Simulation Centre. Students will carry out a number of problem-solving ice breaking tasks involving LEGO, VR challenges and escape room type activities to introduce students to the concept of Hydra to prepare them for its use later in the course – this will also act as a team building exercise.

Interspersed within such activities there will be input regarding study skills, support and employment opportunities. The course handbook will also be introduced as will Blackboard.

Students will receive detailed face to face information about the course, course aims, structure, delivery, and expectations during the induction.

Personal Academic Coach

Although PG students are not involved in the USW PAC process, a personal tutor system will be in place for students to provide extra support and it will be signposted appropriately.

Learner Analytics

The functions available to the course leader such as attendance data, data available to student support officers (SSOs) will enable the course team to tailor and target the required support.

Office hours

The course team will consist of full and part time academic staff, as such they will be available during standard working hours to discuss academic and related issues.

Progress meetings

Course and module leaders will track the progress of students and also be supported by the Subject Support Officers in the Faculty.

Research Supervision

All students will be assigned a research supervisor during the research project module.

Online Resources

Available to the student via USW UNILIFE and the Blackboard VLE.

Advice Zone

Students will be signposted to the Advice Zone during induction, meetings/emails with the course teams, signposting on Blackboard

Disability

The course team will liaise with the Advice Zone, students in relation to individual support required.

IT/Library

Students will be introduced to the criminology librarian in the induction with regular signposting via email, Blackboard, and guest speaker sessions to promote engagement and support for this resource.

Students will be signposted to the contact detail and resources available with the IT team – links available on Blackboard and USW Unilife.

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final
Master of Science 180 credits of which at least 150 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 Final
Postgraduate Certificate 60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 Exit
Postgraduate Diploma 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 Exit

Progression Route

PhD


Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

A minimum 2:2 Honours degree.

Applications are not limited to academic experience in criminology or related disciplines as the multidisciplinary nature of criminology, crime and justice is not limited.

Applicants with established professional experience but no formal academic qualifications (level 4 or above) will be considered on an individual basis and will be required to submit a detailed application, interview with course leader to outline and discuss prior knowledge, ambitions and motivations relating to the course.

If deemed necessary, an academic bridging exercise can be utilised to ensure academic capability for a level 7 qualification.

International entry requirements:

We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements:

In general, international applicants will need to have achieved and overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.


Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/


Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A


Methods Of Quality Standards

N/A


Quality Of Standards Indicators

N/A