This programme is offered in partnership with the University of Cumbria, and is designed for those students wishing to pursue a career in the criminal justice sector and associated professions. It has been designed for those students already working in the criminal justice sector who wish to up-skill and enhance their knowledge, as well as for those students who wish to gain an insight into the nature of crime and the workings of the criminal justice system in order to pursue a career in the varied roles within the criminal justice sector.

The programme covers a broad range of interconnecting issues that impact on the work that criminal justice agencies undertake and will provide you with an understanding of policy and the changing requirements of the sector. It will give you a real insight into the nature of crime, the workings of the Criminal Justice System and provide you with the employability skills to make a success in a diverse range of settings. The course will combine academic underpinning theoretical principles with the distinctive characteristics of a Foundation Degree.

Criminology and Criminal Justice
The study of Criminology and Criminal Justice is concerned with a range of issues both theoretically and on a practical level. Criminology is the study of crime and as such it encompasses a wide variety of topics to understand the process of criminalisation and victimisation and the various institutions and roles within this. Within Criminology there are various themes such as intersectionality of deviance in relation to different groups in society and how different groups are represented both publically and privately. A big part of studying Criminology is also the practical applications to Criminal Justice and how crime can be managed and the understanding of anti-discriminatory practices within the system. Criminology and Criminal Justice is an important sphere of the social sciences as it encompasses a variety of theoretical viewpoints within this and also the practical applications of the theory to a variety of agencies and practices.

Work Placement
Alongside the taught elements of the programme, if you are not already employed within the sector you will be required to undertake a placement of 120 hours alongside the Level 5 modules in an appropriate and related sector to provide you with the opportunity to see how the theory you study through the taught modules applies in practice. You will be encouraged to seek out your own placement arrangements to fit in with your individual personal circumstances and to help you to develop the skills linked to finding employment. Help and guidance can however be provided through the programme leader where difficulties are experienced and all placements will be inspected to ensure health and safety criteria are met.

The work based focus of the programme is further enhanced by contributions to the teaching team from practitioners in the criminal justice field and a programme of guest lectures and work-related assessments.
This combination of work-related learning and preparation for employment together with a rigorous and challenging academic environment ensures you will be fully prepared for higher level study should you wish to pursue this route.