Part Time Criminal Justice Foundation Degree (FdSc)

Criminal Justice Foundation Degree (FdSc) (Full and Part Time)
Foundation Degree (Levels 4 and 5)

Programme Code: HPHCR
Awarding Body: Subject to Validation
Related Programme Areas: CRIMINAL JUSTICE
HIGHER EDUCATION
FOUNDATION DEGREE

Who is the programme for? This foundation degree is aimed at students wishing to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system and the work associated with it, such as public service departments, including the police, youth justice, probation service, and the courts. The role of politics, law and social policy will also be covered to provide a strong base for those wishing to operate within a criminal justice system organisation. The programme will develop knowledge and understanding of both operational and supervisory management roles, enabling students to prepare for employment in both public service and private organisations. Turning paper inspiration into practical reality will be a central element of the programme. Additionally, students will be introduced to both legal and criminological research skills, focusing on criminal law and criminal justice processes.

What will I study? TThis foundation degree has been designed in consultation with local and regional employers and is a response to the changing needs of the industry. It gives you the opportunity to develop your academic knowledge, practical, technical, analytical, transferable and work-based skills. A period of work-based learning is integral to the programme. The programme is divided into two levels with a number of modules at each level. As a full time student you would take Level 1 modules during the first year and Level 2 modules during your second year. The modules each have a credit rating. For successful progression from Level 1 to Level 2 you will need to achieve 120 credits, and a further 120 credits at Level 2 to achieve the qualification. As a part time student we would recommend that you take a minimum of 80 credits per year. Level 1(Foundation) Modules include: English Legal System Criminal Law Applied Psychology Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice Political and Social Policy Professional and Academic Development Level 2 (Intermediate) Modules include: Criminal Law 2 Prisons and Policing Criminal Justice Management and Leadership Work-based Project For further details about this programme contact the Programme Leader, John Rotherham

Entry to the Programme?

How is it assessed? You will be assessed both individually and as a member of a team. There are a number of assessment methods including practical and research based coursework assignments, the giving of seminar presentations, portfolio submissions, examinations, report writing, and practical project work. At the beginning of each semester you will be issued with a module handbook that details the assessments for that period. This will help you to plan your workload and manage your time.

Future prospects? The programme will provide a platform for entry into Public Services or to continuing higher education at Honours Degree level. Upon successful completion of the foundation degree you may wish to progress on to the programmes university partner. Progression is to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Applied Criminology. On completion of the Honours Degree, students could progress onto the Postgraduate Diploma in Law which provides access to the Legal Profession.

When will the programme start? The programme will start in September 2010

How long will it take? The programme is available as full or part time study. Full time study will take two years. Part time study will take two to four years. There will be two 15 week semesters per academic year, these being September to December and January to May. For full time students there is an expected attendance of 16 hours per week. Part time students will need to negotiate their weekly attendance with their programme leader.

What about the Money? St Helens College is committed to providing value for money higher education programmes, therefore programme fees for Honours Degrees and Foundation Degrees for 2010/11 will be 2,100* per year for full time programmes.

How do I apply? Applications for full time study should be made through UCAS using code L460 FdA/CJ. Mature students may apply to the College in the first instance but will eventually have to apply through UCAS. Part time students should apply directly to the College.

Campus Address: Town Centre Campus

Entry Requirements
You must be aged 18 by Aug.31st in the year of entry. You will need to have studied at A/AS, AVCE, Nat. Dip., GNVQ Adv. Level for a minimum of 2 years and will be expected to have achieved either an overall Pass grade or a UCAS tariff of 120 points in appropriate subject/s. Achievement of Key Skill points will be taken into consideration. Entry from the following routes is also acceptable - Access to HE, HNC, Professional qualifications, NVQ Level 3 or above. Applicants with relevant experience in the criminal justice system and who can demonstrate their suitability to study at HE level, or mature students with practical or vocational backgrounds in either a paid or unpaid capacity will be considered for entry to the programme.