PC0S011 - Careers in the Criminal Justice System 01 Sep 2019 - 31 Aug 2025 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PC0S011
Module Title: Careers in the Criminal Justice System
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Policing and Criminology
Faculty Sub Group: Policing
Module Leader: Rachel Brown
Module Team: Daniel Welch, Janine Vickery,
First Intended Intake: SEP 2019 Final Year of Intake: 2024
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 3
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100486 - policing
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2019
Valid To 31 Aug 2025

Module Aims

To enthuse students about the benefits of a career in law enforcement and to provide them information on the lifestyles and challenges that come with the job and signpost possible career stages from application onwards.

To engage students in discussions concerning the objectives of policing and how specialist branches and partner agencies support these objectives.

Content Summary

Brief history and objectives of policing. The place of the police service in society. Applying to the police service.
Qualifications, behaviours and skills required for a successful career.

Assessments and stages in the recruitment cycle. Career options, lifestyles, roles and planning.

Introduction to relevant and current professional frameworks. Detailed examination of the role and demands of PC and supervisory ranks and of selected specialist appointments. Links with other agencies and volunteering opportunities

The rank structure. Organisation of the police service. The tripartite relationship. Performance management at individual and organisational level. Career opportunities in the ‘wider police family’.

This module includes mandatory formative assessment activities, to support students learning and development prior to summative assessment tasks’

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical classes and workshops 44
Independent Study 82
Directed Study 74
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Describe the roles and responsibilities of selected criminal justice personnel.
LO2 Demonstrate understanding of the recruitment process and the qualifications for entry

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Practical Assessment (CW) Practical Coursework 1 Students to participate in a mock interview for the role of a constable or other relevant role in the CJS 10 N/A 50 No 40
Oral Assessment (CW) Presentation (CW) 1 Presentation based on formative tasks and VLE discussions 10 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Coursework 1
Presentation (CW) 1

Reading List

Bjørgo, Tore, and Marie-Louise Damen. The Making of a Police Officer : Comparative Perspectives on Police Education and Recruitment. 2020. Print. Routledge Frontiers of Criminal Justice.

Clabby, K. (2004) Careers & jobs in the police service. London: Kogan Page

Pepper, I. K., and McGrath, R. (2020). Introduction to Professional Policing : Examining the Evidence Base. Routledge: Abingdon-on-Thames,

Read, T. Lewis, R. & Rogers, C., (2011). Police Work: Principles and Practice, United Kingdom: Willan Publishing

Rogers, C. & Lewis, R., (2007). An Introduction to Police Work. United Kingdom: Willan Publishing.

Sampson. F., (2015) Preparing for Duty, Oxford: Oxford University Press.