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B1 PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
COURSE/SUBJECT TITLES:
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice Criminology Minor
This specification provides a concise summary on the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he or she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, context and the teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the course/subject handbook.
1 AWARDING INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER
2 TEACHING INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER
3 LOCATION: JORDANSTOWN
4 ACCREDITED BY: N/A
5 FINAL AWARD: BSc (Hons) CRIMINOLOGY &
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CRIMINOLOGY MINOR
6 MODE OF ATTENDANCE: FULL-TIME/PART-TIME
7 SPECIALISM: NONE
8 COURSE/SUBJECT CODES: 2916; 2395/M900
9 DATE WRITTEN/REVISED: 2012
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11 EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE/SUBJECT
The single honours degree and minor programme are situated within the context of Northern Ireland in a transitional phase and draw upon national and international contexts. This is in line with the Criminology benchmark statement which has informed the aims of the programmes.
The aim of the single honours degree is to provide an intellectually coherent programme of study which:
• Provides students with a knowledge of key concepts and theoretical approaches, and the analytical and technical skills which underlie the study of criminology as an academic discipline and enables them to use this knowledge in order to understand and analyse crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance;
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• Provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills required for criminological research, including the adoption of appropriate research methodologies and techniques and ethical principles, and the evaluation of results;
• Enables students to demonstrate a systematic understanding of the criminal justice system, its institutions and those involved in the system and its representations, and the political, social and economic context within which it operates;
• Cultivates a professional attitude and a responsibility for individual learning coupled with the development of communication, team working, planning and problem solving skills necessary for career progression and further study.
The aim of the Minor programme is to provide an intellectually coherent programme of study which:
• Provides students with a knowledge of key concepts and theoretical approaches, and the analytical and technical skills which underlie the study of criminology as an academic discipline and enables them to use this knowledge in order to understand and analyse crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance;
• Enables students to demonstrate a systematic understanding of the criminal justice system, its institutions and those involved in the system and its representations, and the political, social and economic context within which it operates.
11 MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES
The following reference points were used to inform the development of the programmes and learning outcomes:
• the University’s Vision and core strategic aims, teaching and learning strategy
and policies;
• current research or other advanced scholarship carried out by academic staff;
• subject benchmark statement ‘Criminology 2007’, published by the Quality
Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA);
• national and University qualifications and credit frameworks.
The single honours programme provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning through the study of 18 modules. The Minor programme provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate a number of the following learning outcomes, with the exception of I6, through the study of 6 modules, whilst additional learning outcomes are achieved through the study of major strands. The learning outcomes achieved by students on the minor programme will depend on their choice of optional modules at Levels 5 and 6. The learning outcomes are mainly based on compulsory modules due to the range of optional modules on offer to students. Whilst criminological issues are studied more in depth by single honours students through a range of modules, the provision of
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optional modules is designed to enable single honours and minor students to specialise in areas of interest.
11K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SUBJECT
Successful single honours and minor students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
K1 The development and nature of criminology as a distinct area of study and
inquiry.
K2 Alternative theoretical approaches and concepts, and current debates in the
fields of criminology and criminal justice.
K3 The definition, nature and representation of crime, deviance and victimisation. K4 The local, national and international dimensions of criminology and criminal
justice.
K5 The development, structure and operation of the criminal justice system and
related agencies.
K6 The contribution of criminology and criminal justice to, and impact on, wider
society.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
Students will acquire knowledge and understanding through lectures, seminars, directed reading, blended learning using Blackboard Learn, electronic systems of information retrieval and case studies. Interactive approaches, visual and audio aides will be used in lectures and seminars. The intention will be to provide diverse teaching methods to address diverse learning needs and barriers to learning that may be experienced by students.
Assessment Methods:
A range of means, including essay and report writing, seen and unseen examinations, class tests, project work, the dissertation, oral presentations and directed discussions, will be used to enable students to demonstrate achievement of outcomes in terms of breadth and depth of knowledge, understanding, interpretation and application of theories and approaches, and to measure students’ performance. In accordance with SENDO (NI) 2005 and the University’s ethos of inclusion, the facilitation of alternative arrangements for students with disabilities will be applied in relation to assessment schemes. A flexible approach will always be taken using the guidelines from both the Examinations Office and/or Student Support to ensure that Disabled students have the same opportunity as their peers to demonstrate the achievement of learning outcomes.
4 11I INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES
Successful single honours students will be able to:
I1 Describe, critically assess and evaluate facts, theories, principles, concepts and
paradigms.
I2 Research, analyse and interpret evidence and information.
I3 Understand and apply theories and concepts to practical situations. I4 Apply knowledge as a means of solving problems.
I5 Develop and apply reasoned arguments, and challenge assumptions. I6 Make ethically sound judgements in relation to research practice.
Successful minor students will be able to:
I1 Describe, critically assess and evaluate facts, theories, principles, concepts and
paradigms.
I2 Research, analyse and interpret evidence and information.
I3 Understand and apply theories and concepts to practical situations. I4 Apply knowledge as a means of solving problems.
I5 Develop and apply reasoned arguments, and challenge assumptions.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
Intellectual qualities will be developed through a combination of undertaking self-directed learning dealing with case studies, engaging in seminar exercises, discussion and role playing, and the study of research-based teaching materials. The use of flexible methods will address barriers to learning that may be experienced by Disabled students.
Assessment Methods:
Assessment of student performance will focus on methods which enable students to demonstrate achievement of the outcomes. It will include the use of coursework, presentations, projects, seminar exercises and discussion, and examination and the completion of the dissertation.
In accordance with SENDO (NI) 2005 and the University’s ethos of inclusion, the facilitation of alternative arrangements for students with disabilities will be applied in relation to assessment schemes. A flexible approach will always be taken using the guidelines from both the Examinations Office and/or Student Support to ensure that Disabled students have the same opportunity as their peers to demonstrate the achievement of learning outcomes.
5 11P PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS
Successful single honours and minor students will be able to:
P1 Plan, design and communicate the results of independent intellectual work. P2 Plan, design and execute practical tasks and exercises within set timeframes. P3 Recognise and respond to moral and ethical issues within the wider criminal
justice field.
P4 Reflect on practice and incorporate reflections in work.
P5 Participate in academic discussions and debates in a professional, tolerant
manner.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
Teaching and learning methods will place emphasis on independent learning, the completion of seminar exercises, research and coursework, including the Dissertation within set time frames, seminar discussions, the provision of feedback and students’ incorporation of feedback in their work. The divergence of methods will address barriers to learning that may be experienced by disabled students.
Assessment Methods:
Coursework, presentations, independent research and project work will enable students to demonstrate their achievement of the above outcomes to contribute to methods of assessment.
In accordance with SENDO (NI) 2005 and the University’s ethos of inclusion, the facilitation of alternative arrangements for students with disabilities will be applied in relation to assessment schemes. A flexible approach will always be taken using the guidelines from both the Examinations Office and/or Student Support to ensure that Disabled students have the same opportunity as their peers to demonstrate the achievement of learning outcomes.
11T TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Successful single honours and minor students will be able to:
T1 Communicate effectively, and present accurately and coherently through
speech, writing and presentation skills.
T2 Use the library, and information and communication technology for the retrieval,
manipulation and presentation of information.
T3 Work effectively independently and as a member of a team. T4 Problem-solve using a variety of ideas and techniques.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
Transferable skills, including information technology skills, essay writing skills and problem-solving will be delivered throughout the course via lectures, seminars and the dissertation. Modules in Levels 4 and 5 will focus on essay writing and referencing skills, and induction procedures will address the effective use of the library and information and communication technology. The use of flexible methods will address barriers to learning that may be experienced by Disabled students.
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Assessment Methods:
Assessment is by way of essay and report writing, seminar exercises and discussion, presentations and the dissertation, to enable students to demonstrate achievement of the outcomes and to measure performance.
In accordance with SENDO (NI) 2005 and the University’s ethos of inclusion, the facilitation of alternative arrangements for students with disabilities will be applied in relation to assessment schemes. A flexible approach will always be taken using the guidelines from both the Examinations Office and/or Student Support to ensure that Disabled students have the same opportunity as their peers to demonstrate the achievement of learning outcomes.
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BSc (HONS) CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE LEARNING OUTCOME MAP
Please note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme.
Module Title Level Code K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 I6 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 T1 T2 T3 T4
Legal Skills for Criminology 4 LAW119 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Studying Criminology 4 PUP103 X X X X X X X X X X
Introduction to Crime and Deviance 4 PUP119 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Crime and Criminal Justice 4 PUP120 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
From Crime Scene to Court 4 PUP101 X X X X X X X X X X
Introduction to Social Policy 4 SOP101 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Sentencing and Punishment 5 PUP310 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Policing and Society 5 PUP533 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Young People, Crime and Justice 5 PUP532 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Victims of Crime 5 PUP312 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Policing and the Law 5 LAW526 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Work, Volunteering & Criminal Justice Issues 5 PUP X X X X X X X X X X X
Research Methods for Criminologists 5 PUP308 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Theories of Crime and Criminalisation 5 PUP304 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
State Crime 5 PUP305 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Economics of Law, Crime and Punishment 5 ECO338 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Public and Community Security 5 PUP306 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Crime, Social Order and Social Control 6 PUP530 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Prisons, Punishment and Power 6 PUP531 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Crime and the Media 6 PUP501 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Terrorism and Political Violence 6 PUP514 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Gender, Crime and Justice 6 PUP535 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Social Justice 6 LAW525 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Surveillance and the Law 6 LAW513 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Contemporary Issues in Criminology 6 PUP529 X X X X X X X X X X X
Dissertation 6 PUP510 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Reflections on Prison Lives 6 PUP X X X X X X X X X
Law, Film and Visual Culture 6 LAW547 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Law of Evidence 6 LAW502 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Migration, ‘Race’ and Ethnicity 6 SOP X X X X X X X
International Organised Crime 6 PUP502 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
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11b CRIMINOLOGY MINOR LEARNING OUTCOME MAP
Please note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme.
Module Title Level Code K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 T1 T2 T3 T4
Introduction to Crime and Deviance 4 PUP119 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Crime and Criminal Justice 4 PUP120 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Sentencing and Punishment 5 PUP310 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Policing and Society 5 PUP533 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Victims of Crime 5 PUP312 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Young People, Crime and Justice 5 PUP532 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Policing and the Law 5 LAW526 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Theories of Crime and Criminalisation 5 PUP304 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
State Crime 5 PUP305 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Economics of Law, Crime and Punishment 5 ECO338 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Public and Community Security 5 PUP306 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Crime, Social Order and Social Control 6 PUP530 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Prisons, Punishment and Power 6 PUP531 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Crime and the Media 6 PUP501 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Terrorism and Political Violence 6 PUP514 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Gender, Crime and Justice 6 PUP535 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Surveillance and the Law 6 LAW513 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Law, Film and Visual Culture 6 LAW547 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Law of Evidence 6 LAW502 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Reflections on Prison Lives 6 PUP X X X X X X X X X X
International Organised Crime 6 PUP502 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
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12 STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice
The duration of the course is three years in the case of full-time students, or not exceeding seven years in the case of part-time students. It is modular in design, with full-time students normally undertaking six modules per academic year and obtaining 18 modules in total to obtain an Honours degree. Part-time students will normally study at the rate of three to four modules per academic year. In accordance with the University’s credit framework, each module represents 20 credit points. To complete the award, full-time and part-time students need to achieve 360 credit points.
Six compulsory modules are offered at Level 4. At Levels 5 and 6 students take four compulsory modules each year plus two out of a choice of optional modules.
Level 4 provides students with an introduction to criminology and criminal justice issues within the context of a broadly based understanding of society. Thus, introductory modules in law and social policy are also provided. There is a strong emphasis on skills development at Level 4, especially through Studying Criminology (PUP103) and Legal Skills for Criminology (LAW 119).
At Level 5 students study four compulsory modules relevant to the central focus of the degree: Sentencing and Punishment; Policing and Society; Research Methods for Criminologists; and Theories of Crime and Criminalisation. Optional modules include: Young People, Crime and Justice; Economics of Law, Crime and Punishment; Victims of Crime; State Crime; and Policing and the Law. Students are also introduced to qualitative and quantitative research through the Research Methods for Criminologists module which underpins their Level 6 dissertation. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the working and volunteering environment in the new (optional) Work, Volunteering and Criminal Justice Issues module.
Level 6 provides for further development through the provision of modules which build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in Levels 4 and 5. Compulsory modules are Contemporary Issues in Criminology; Crime, Social Order and Social Control; Prisons, Punishment and Power; and the Dissertation. Optional modules include Gender, Crime and Justice; Surveillance and the Law; Social Justice; Terrorism and Political Violence; International Organised Crime; Migration, ‘Race’ and Ethnicity; and Law, Film and Visual Culture. Students are provided with the opportunity to conduct their own research on a topic of their choice through the Dissertation module. Details of the modules are listed in Table 3 below.
Criminology Minor
The duration of the course is three years in the case of full-time students, or not exceeding seven years in the case of part-time students. The course is modular in design, with full-time and part-time students normally undertaking two modules in Levels 4 to 6 and obtaining 6 modules in total in criminology and the remaining 12 modules required to obtain an Honours degree taken in the major discipline. Two compulsory modules, Introduction to Crime and Deviance, and Crime and Criminal Justice, are offered at Level 4. In Levels 5 and 6 the flexibility of the modular system gives students the opportunity to choose freely from the range of modules offered to
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single honours students with the exception of six modules. These are Research Methods for Criminologists at Level 5 and the Dissertation at Level 6 due to Major programme provision; Work, Volunteering and Criminal Justice Issues at Level 5 for staff resource reasons; Social Justice at Level 6 due to restrictions on student numbers and Migration, ‘Race’ and Ethnicity as a background knowledge of social policy is necessary. Contemporary Issues in Criminology is open only to single honour students to facilitate their identity as Criminology and Criminal Justice students. Details of the criminology minor modules are listed in Table 4 below.
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Table 3
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice
Module Title Credit
Level Credit Points Module Status Awards
Legal Skills for Criminology 4 20 Compulsory -
Studying Criminology 4 20 Compulsory -
Introduction to Crime and Deviance 4 20 Compulsory -
Crime and Criminal Justice 4 20 Compulsory -
From Crime Scene to Court 4 20 Compulsory -
Introduction to Social Policy 4 20 Compulsory -
Sentencing and Punishment 5 20 Compulsory -
Policing and Society 5 20 Compulsory -
Victims of Crime 5 20 Optional -
Young People, Crime and Justice 5 20 Optional -
Policing and the Law 5 20 Optional -
Work, Volunteering & Criminal Justice Issues 5 20 Optional - Research Methods for Criminologists 5 20 Compulsory - Theories of Crime and Criminalisation 5 20 Compulsory -
State Crime 5 20 Optional -
Public and Community Security 5 20 Optional -
Economics of Law, Crime and Punishment 5 20 Optional - Crime, Social Order and Social Control 6 20 Compulsory 1/6
Prisons, Punishment and Power 6 20 Compulsory 1/6
Gender, Crime and Justice 6 20 Optional 1/6
Crime and the Media 6 20 Optional 1/6
Terrorism and Political Violence 6 20 Optional 1/6
Social Justice 6 20 Optional 1/6
Surveillance and the Law 6 20 Optional 1/6
Law, Film and Visual Culture 6 20 Optional 1/6
Contemporary Issues in Criminology 6 20 Compulsory 1/6
Dissertation 6 20 Compulsory 1/6
Reflections on Prison Lives 6 20 Optional 1/6
Psychology and Crime 6 20 Optional 1/6
Law of Evidence 6 20 Optional 1/6
Migration, ‘Race’ and Ethnicity 6 20 Optional 1/6
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Table 4
Criminology Minor
Module Title Credit
Level Credit Points Module Status Awards
Introduction to Crime and Deviance 4 20 Compulsory -
Crime and Criminal Justice 4 20 Compulsory -
Sentencing and Punishment 5 20 Optional -
Policing and Society 5 20 Optional -
Victims of Crime 5 20 Optional -
Young People, Crime and Justice 5 20 Optional -
Policing and the Law 5 20 Optional -
Theories of Crime and Criminalisation 5 20 Optional -
State Crime 5 20 Optional -
Public and Community Security 5 20 Optional -
Economics of Law, Crime and Punishment 5 20 Optional - Crime, Social Order and Social Control 6 20 Optional 1/6
Crime and the Media 6 20 Optional 1/6
Prisons, Punishment and Power 6 20 Optional 1/6
Terrorism and Political Violence 6 20 Optional 1/6
Gender, Crime and Justice 6 20 Optional 1/6
Surveillance and the Law 6 20 Optional 1/6
Law, Film and Visual Culture 6 20 Optional 1/6
Reflections on Prison Lives 6 20 Optional 1/6
Psychology and Crime 6 20 Optional 1/6
Law of Evidence 6 20 Optional 1/6
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13 SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING
Students and their learning are supported in a number of ways: • A comprehensive induction process;
• Access to and support from Course and Subject Directors, and Year Tutors;
• Regular meetings with individually assigned Studies Advisors;
• A dedicated online Course Support Area via the University Student Portal; • University practice and procedures of Personal Development Planning
(PDP);
• The University’s Professional and Career Enhancement Scheme (PACE); • The University’s Engagement, Development, Graduate Employability
(EDGE) Award;
• The University’s Higher Education Academic Record (HEAR) initiative; • The Exploring Employability Development Opportunities Review Toolkit
(EDORT);
• The University’s Career Development Centre; • The Northern Ireland Science Shop;
• The University’s Information Services Department; • Student Support Services;
• Sport and Recreation Services; • The University’s International Office;
• The Students’ Union (UUSU), including the Student Welfare Office; • The University Chaplaincy;
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Induction
A holistic and continuing approach to induction has been adopted to enhance the student experience. This includes programme and Faculty specific information and advice and information on University services including Student Support, accommodation, Health Service, Counselling Service, the Career Development Centre, Child Care, Disability Services, Student Finance, Library and IT provision. The induction process commences prior to registration and continues throughout the duration of the study period through the Studies Advice system, the integration of extended induction within modules, skills support and the use of Blackboard Learn. Pre-entry information and advice is provided on a one-to-one basis by the Course and Subject Directors where contact is made by potential and/or successful applicants. The criminology team aims to ensure that prospective students are given full and clear information and advice about programmes through the provision of up-dated leaflets and web-based information, and participation by the team in open days, careers fairs and Insight events. In addition, the team works with the Student Marketing Division (SMD), in relation to both recruitment and retention to enhance marketing activity targeted to potential students and to influence the quality of experience for existing students.
All new and returning full-time and new part-time single honours students are provided with tailored course induction sessions, prior to registration. These are attended by the Course Directors, Studies Advisors and the Year Tutor. Students are provided with programme related information as detailed in the course handbook, information on Student Support, and details of follow-up induction sessions, including meetings with their Studies Advisors. They are also provided with information on the Personal Development Planning (PDP) process facilitated by the Professional and Career Enhancement (PACE) system, and Studies Advisors monitor and assist students with the process and use of PACE throughout the duration of their studies. Following the pre-registration induction session, both general and subject specific sessions are provided by the Library and IT services for all new students. In addition, general and subject specific careers sessions are provided by the Career Development Centre for students at all levels throughout the academic year. For Level 6 students, following their pre-registration induction a Dissertation session is also provided by the Dissertation module co-ordinator and students meet their Dissertation Supervisors within the first two weeks of the Semester.
For CCPU students, two initial induction sessions are provided, an informal induction session where CCPU students meet staff including the Course and Subject directors, module co-ordinators and dissertation supervisors. This is followed by a course specific induction session which incorporates advice on the Dissertation. Time is also set aside in the Level 6 pre-registration induction session for CCPU and local students to meet. On-going study skills sessions which include essay writing and referencing are provided throughout the year.
Separate induction sessions for all new minor students are provided by the Subject Director, who also attends induction sessions for all returning minor students. This entails the Subject Director providing advice and information about the minor strand of their programme of study at each of the sessions organised by law, politics, social
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policy and sociology. All new students are provided with their Course/Subject Handbook at the first induction session and returning students are informed of any programme amendments at their induction sessions. In addition, a specific Blackboard Learn site is provided for minor students to provide subject-specific information and from September 2013 specific induction sessions are being introduced for criminology minor students at Levels 5 and 6.
Course and Subject Directors and Year Tutors
There is a Course Director for the full-time single honours programme and a Course Director for the part-time single honours programme. There is also a Subject Director for the minor programme. Students meet the Course and Subject Directors at their first induction sessions and are provided with access to support from them throughout the duration of their studies. Additional support is provided by Year Tutors for Levels 4, 5 and 6 of the full-time single honours programme. Year Tutors deal with issues of extenuating circumstances and module enrolment, as well as overseeing and encouraging active participation of Student Representatives and their attendance at the Staff/Student Consultative Committee meetings. CCPU students have support through a mentor from their own institution who travels with them and from individual studies advice at Ulster. Course/Subject Handbooks detail the role of and contact details for staff. Course Handbooks and Course Support Areas detail the role and contact details of the Course/Subject Directors and Year Tutors.
Studies Advisors
A studies advice system is operated in conformance with University policies and procedures. Under this system all full and part-time students are allocated an individual Studies Advisor for the duration of their programme of study. The criminology team takes responsibility for overseeing the studies advice system for single honours students, whilst this role is undertaken for criminology minor students by the relevant major subject team for law, politics, social policy or sociology. The Studies Advisor for all single honours part-time students is the Course Director for part-time study and all other criminology staff act as Advisors for full-time single honours students.
All new single honours students meet their Studies Advisor at their first induction session. Returning and CCPU students also meet their Advisor at their induction sessions. In addition, at least one meeting per semester is required for the remainder of the period of study for students to discuss their work and progress and to seek assistance if required, with study and examination skills.
Studies Advisors provide academic, personal and administrative support, advice on study skills, attendance and personal development, and are the first point of contact for students/graduates seeking references. They may provide information about the range of support services available and, if agreed by the student, will make arrangements for students to seek specialist advice or help. Studies Advisors and students meet to discuss optional choices at Levels 5 and 6 and where students wish to amend options they must meet with their Advisor.
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Studies Advisors will normally adopt a proactive approach in terms of contacting advisees who have shown poor attendance without extenuating circumstances, have performed poorly and/or have failed to attend appointments as required.
All students who wish to apply for leave of absence or are considering withdrawing from the course are required to meet their Studies Advisor to discuss the underlying reasons and potential implications.
All staff post consultation times on their office door and students are given guidance for arranging meetings at alternative times.
Online Course Support Area
Undergraduate students at all levels have access to an online dedicated ‘Course Support Area’ (CSA), available via the University Student Portal. This is a large and ‘lively’ area, designed and maintained as a central information centre for students containing, for example, electronic versions of the Course Handbook; timetables; the academic calendar; module outlines and course structure showing the range of optional modules; important documents outlining procedures for extenuating circumstances, module amendments and the like. Importantly the CSA provides Study Skills Support, for example, useful papers on a range of study skills will include the Harvard Referencing System and essay writing skills. Proposed development includes identifying and incorporating interactive Study Skills tools and resources.
Personal Development Planning (PDP)
The concept of Personal Development Planning (PDP) comes from a recommendation, in the Dearing Review in 1997, that institutions develop a ‘means by which students can monitor, build and reflect upon their personal development’. The University supports Faculties, Schools and Course Teams in liaising with external organisations (such as JISC, QAA, HEA) to determine appropriately focused subject-based PDP activities for the personal benefit of our students. Students are actively encouraged by the staff team to participate in the several main ‘channels’ of PDP facilitated by the University; particularly the PACE system, and also the HEAR and, specifically geared towards employability, the EDORT.
Professional and Career Enhancement (PACE)
The Professional and Career Enhancement (PACE) system, developed by the Employability and Marketing department, is aimed at giving both students and graduates an edge in securing and maintaining graduate employment. It is an interactive tool which facilitates the PDP process to support students and graduates in developing, reviewing and recording their employability skills, helping students to get the most from their time at University and encouraging them to take responsibility for their own learning. Studies Advisors monitor and assist students with the use of PACE which facilitates their planning and reflection upon the skills and knowledge that they are developing to enhance their employment prospects.
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The EDGE Award (Engagement, Development, Graduate Employability)
This award, introduced in 2011/2012 to enhance the employability and career prospects of graduates, recognises the extra effort students put into their studies in the form of extracurricular and co-curricular activities and achievements. Participation in such activities is actively encouraged by all staff via induction, module provision and the Studies Advice system.
The HEAR (Higher Education Academic Record) Initiative
The HEAR arose from the recommendations of the Burgess Group’s work on degree classifications, and is essentially a (maximum 6 pages) document, designed as a record of undergraduate student achievement, and serving graduate employability. It may be used essentially as a formal ‘exit document’ at the point of graduation, or it might be used as a formative document which may be available and used from the point of a student’s entry to university and throughout their university experience. There are currently some 90 UK HE institutions working on HEARs. It is useful for students (focusing on employability skills – can act as an aide memoire for job applications); useful to employers (as a synopsis of achievement); and it is useful to the University (to clearly evidence all that we provide). All new students are given a short talk on the HEAR and follow-up support from the Career Development Centre. Staff encourage students at all levels to participate and to produce a HEAR as a valuable employability ‘exit document’ at the point of graduation.
Exploring Employability Development Opportunities Review Toolkit (EDORT)
The EDORT initiative was developed as a direct response to the incorporation of employability as a core feature of the University’s Teaching and Learning Strategy, rather than a ‘bolt-on’ activity. The toolkit reviews all main aspects of provision to identify how and where student employability is being considered; exploring opportunities for developing employability skills, and identifying and developing structures to support student employability. In particular, it seeks to:
- establish the extent to which a School/Programme is promoting student employability in an explicit and effective way;
- identify employability development opportunities available to students; - highlight areas of good practice to share with other Schools;
- identify gaps in provision and areas for future action; and
- establish training and support needs for both staff and students.
Staff teams at Ulster are required to use the EDORT toolkit to maximise employability opportunities for students. EDORT facilitates dialogue and development within and between programme teams, and as discussed in section B2.10.5 has assisted the criminology team in developing the content and design of programmes to support student employability.
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Career Development Centre
This Centre offers support throughout the programme of study and particularly during the final year, helps students to recognise and locate possible graduate and career options, and to make the transition from university to employment or further study. Students are introduced to the Centre at induction and are provided with group sessions in each academic year and encouraged to make appointments with the Careers Advisor. Ulster students and graduates are supported by Employability and Marketing for up to 3 years after graduation.
Information Services Department
This department’s responsibilities include library, academic and administrative computing, digital communications, audio-visual services and reprographic services. Students are provided with information and sessions relating to the services at induction and are encouraged to avail of these throughout their studies. The use of services, for example audio-visual services, by staff enhances the student learning experience.
Student Support Services
Student Support offers five services including child care; counselling/mental health; disability; health and student finance. Students are provided with information on these services at their first induction session and directed to the appropriate services when required. Staff also liaise with these services, where appropriate, to address the needs of students.
Sport and Recreation Services
A High Performance Centre is provided for all students at the Jordanstown Campus. The new Sports Development Unit actively encourages membership and the health benefits to be gained by maintaining student membership rates at the Olympic-level training facility. Students are informed about the Centre at their first induction session and are encouraged to avail of the services provided.
The Science Shop
The Northern Ireland Science Shop is organised jointly between Ulster and Queens University Belfast, and has a dedicated coordinator for Ulster students. The Science Shop works directly with students and the community and voluntary sector across Northern Ireland and encourages students to carry out action based research for community partners. Students are encouraged to work with the Science in the completion of their Criminology Dissertation. Criminology students have in the past won Science Shop prizes as a result of their involvement.
International Office
The International Office continues to support the work of the Careers Development Centre in liaison with the British Council in a Study USA programme which is open to all pre-final year students on a scholarship basis. The International Office/Centre for
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English Language Teaching provides weekly English language workshops which China Criminal Police University (CCPU) criminology students are required to attend during their period of study.
Students’ Union
UUSU includes a Student Welfare Office which offers advice and support to students seeking, for example, financial help from a hardship fund, guidance on course matters, or if submitting an appeal of a Board of Examiners’ decision Membership of the Union is free and automatic for all students. UUSU also plays an active part in training and supporting Student Class Representatives, and UUSU representatives sit on Staff/Student Consultative Committees.
Chaplaincy
Chaplains from a range of denominations work within the University and provide pastoral support. Chaplaincy meeting rooms, Prayer Rooms and quiet rooms are provided for students. Students are always welcomed by the Chaplaincy to attend the programme of worship and events which is organised and fairly widely advertised.
Additional Support
Student representatives are drawn from all levels of the full-time and part-time single honours and minor programmes. This enables student representation on the Course/Subject Committee and an opportunity for students to address both general and specific programme concerns through the Staff/Student Consultative Committee system.
Students are provided with information on the formal complaints and appeals systems within the University, and information on how to use these, including seeking support from the Students Union.
Study skills, including essay writing and referencing, and exam techniques are incorporated in modules at Levels 4, 5 and 6.
Module co-ordinators are also available for consultation about student performance and Level 6 single honours students are required to consult with their dissertation supervisors on a regular basis.
A range of information sources is provided for all students, including Course/Subject handbooks, handbooks for each module undertaken, notice board postings, Blackboard Learn sites, letters, emails and Twitter.
The criminology team supports students’ attendance in line with the Faculty Protocol for Supporting Student Attendance.
Particular emphasis is placed on providing students with written and verbal feedback on assessed and non-assessed work and they are strongly encouraged to incorporate feedback into subsequent work.
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14 CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION
Applicants must satisfy the University’s general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior learning (APL). The initial offer standard may vary from year to year. See prospectus entry.
15 EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
Quality and standards are evaluated and improved through consideration of:
External benchmark standards
These inform the development of learning outcomes, course and module content and teaching, learning and assessment methods. In developing provision the Criminology team has utilised the Criminology benchmarks published by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in 2007.
Views of students
Staff/Student Consultative Committees meet, at least once per semester, and are used as a first line of identifying and addressing matters relating to course delivery. Student representation is also facilitated at Course/Subject Committees. The performance of staff teaching on the course is also monitored through the online Student Survey on the Quality of Teaching which provides qualitative and quantitative information on student experiences of the teaching provided for each module. Module co-ordinators and the Head of School have access to survey results and these are discussed at Course/Subject Committees.
Views of External Examiners
External Examiner feedback and reports make a major contribution to the maintenance of standards through the monitoring of examination papers and assignments, module handbooks and consideration of coursework and examination scripts and marks awarded. The criminology team reviews reports and schedules action plans to address any issues raised by the Examiner.
University processes for initial approval, periodic re-approval and annual monitoring
The Quality Management and Audit Unit is responsible for the Programme Management System, the Module Monitoring process and conducts Themed Audits. The Programme Management System (PMS) locates responsibility for the on-going review of programmes and enhancement of the student learning experience in the hands of the criminology team. Monitoring activity is embedded within Course/Subject Committees’ routine activity and all quality indicators are considered as and when they are available throughout the year. The minutes of Committee meetings across the year provide Faculty management and the University with information on the operation of course monitoring.
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The Faculty Teaching and Learning co-ordinator ensures that the University’s Teaching and Learning policies are disseminated and complied with, and also that staff views and ideas are communicated widely. At Faculty, School and course level, staff engage with and implement the policies and processes and disseminate good practice through the Staff Development Unit.
Staff participate in Peer Review and it is University policy that new staff enrol on the University’s Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice (PGCHEP) and successful completion is a requirement for staff on probation. Staff are also required to complete training in disability, and equality and diversity awareness.
16 REGULATION OF STANDARDS General Requirements
Programme regulations are in accordance with the University of Ulster Charter, Statutes, Ordinance and Regulations and are updated annually in the
Course/Subject Handbook.
Specific Requirements/Assessment rules
• The pass mark for course, modules and individual assessments is 40%.
• Honours classification derives 100 % from six equally weighted Level 6 modules, with performance levels based on the University Grading System:
Class I At least 70%
Class II (division i) (IIi) At least 60% and less than 70% Class II (division ii) (IIii) At least 50% and less than 60% Class III At least 40% and less than 50%
In order to be considered for a particular class of Honours degree a candidate must achieve an overall average mark in the class.
External Examiners
There is one External Examiner for the course. External Examiners are academic subject or professional experts appointed from outside the University. Their key functions are to contribute to the assurance of the standards of the award and the fair treatment of students. They are involved in the moderation and approval of assessments and the moderation of the marking undertaken by internal examiners.
17 INDICATORS OF QUALITY RELATING TO TEACHING AND LEARNING
Examples are:
• External Examiner reports and Programme Monitoring System and student feedback.
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• Staff involved with the teaching and delivery of the course are actively engaged in research which informs and underpins their teaching.
• Staff are encouraged to become members of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and other appropriate professional bodies.
• All members of the criminology team have completed or are in the process of undertaking the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice (PGCHEP) as a formal teaching qualification.
• A member of the criminology team is an Associate Member of the Centre for Higher Education Practice (CHEP).
• Staff in the criminology team have published pedagogy papers.
• Three staff in the criminology are External Examiners at British Universities.
• Two members of the criminology team are Feedback Champions for the School of Criminology, Politics and Social Policy.
• A member of the criminology team is the Faculty Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator.
• Staff in the criminology team are members of the Faculty Board, Faculty Committee for Academic Affairs, Faculty Health and Safety Committee, and Faculty Research and Ethics Filter Committee.
• All staff participate in annual peer review of their modules and make amendments where appropriate.
