Programme Title

PgCert Criminology and Criminal Justice

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Postgraduate Certificate

Programme Code

LAW-PC-JC

UCAS Code

HECoS Code

100485

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

Interview Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

1 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

60

Exit Awards available

Awarding Institution/Body

Queen's University Belfast

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Law

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Law (2015)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

The Postgraduate Certificate is an exit award only. It is awarded to students who have successfully completed taught modules worth 60 credits from those taught modules available on the LLM programme.

Progression:
Students may only re-sit failed or deferred modules totalling 60 CATS points in the Supplementary examination period (ie August). Other fails must be re-taken in the following academic year.

Students with protected characteristics

no

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Deal with complex issues in a systematic and coherent manner.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Instruction in the use of the university Library and the QUB Online information system are core elements of the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take a module in research methods which equips them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the Internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations will comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes will be aimed at assessing students understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter.

Presentation of independent research both orally and in writing to both a specialist and non-specialist audience.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Instruction in the use of the university Library and the QUB Online information system are core elements of the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take a module in research methods which equips them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the Internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations will comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes will be aimed at assessing students understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter.

Apply key research skills and methodology to a range of sources including not only legal ones but also media and other discussions of law such as NGO position papers.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Instruction in the use of the university Library and the QUB Online information system are core elements of the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take a module in research methods which equips them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the Internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations will comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes will be aimed at assessing students understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter.

Critically present information and ideas in a coherent and accurate manner.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Instruction in the use of the university Library and the QUB Online information system are core elements of the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take a module in research methods which equips them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the Internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations will comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes will be aimed at assessing students understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

An ability to be self-directed and exercise initiative

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing. These methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules.

The independent learning skills required for workplace training or further professional training

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing. These methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules.

Independent and critical thinking

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing. These methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules.

Decision-making skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing. These methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules.

Ability to apply existing knowledge to new situations

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing. These methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules.

The ability to absorb new techniques in areas such as information technology

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing. These methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Detailed knowledge and critical understanding of theory and practice related to criminal justice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study, systematically supported by lectures, seminars and the provision of online information.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (essays), class presentations and case reports.

Detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the methods employed in social science research, to facilitate proficiency in research design and to encourage methodological appraisal and critique.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study, systematically supported by lectures, seminars and the provision of online information.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (essays), class presentations and case reports.

The ability to demonstrate detailed knowledge and critical appraisal of a wide range of factors which impact on understandings of crime, criminality, and criminal justice policy and practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study, systematically supported by lectures, seminars and the provision of online information.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (essays), class presentations and case reports.

Critical understanding of the wider legal, political, economic and social contexts in which crime occurs and criminal justice systems operate, and an ability to locate the experiential realities of individuals and communities within their historical and structural contexts.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study, systematically supported by lectures, seminars and the provision of online information.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (essays), class presentations and case reports.

Comparative and interdisciplinary understanding of criminological issues.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study, systematically supported by lectures, seminars and the provision of online information.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (essays), class presentations and case reports.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Ability to identify issues in the field of criminal justice and analyse them from theoretical and legal points of view.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. The basic information is covered in seminars and smaller group contact time. Students build on this basis by using their generic research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online.

Methods of Assessment

Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic criminological or legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations and short papers. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment.

Ability to critically evaluate proposed solutions to issues relating to criminal justice systems and their theoretical and methodological bases.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. The basic information is covered in seminars and smaller group contact time. Students build on this basis by using their generic research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online.

Methods of Assessment

Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic criminological or legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations and short papers. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment.

Synthesising information from extra-legal sources in order to place information relating to issues in the field of criminal justice in their social, political and economic context.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. The basic information is covered in seminars and smaller group contact time. Students build on this basis by using their generic research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online.

Methods of Assessment

Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic criminological or legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations and short papers. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment.

Ability to critically evaluate current research in the field of criminal justice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. The basic information is covered in seminars and smaller group contact time. Students build on this basis by using their generic research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online.

Methods of Assessment

Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic criminological or legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations and short papers. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment.

Using arguments derived from the analysis of current research to present new hypotheses.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. The basic information is covered in seminars and smaller group contact time. Students build on this basis by using their generic research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online.

Methods of Assessment

Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic criminological or legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations and short papers. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment.

Ability to demonstrate linkages between different bodies of knowledge relating to criminal justice by recognising the presence of underpinning theoretical concepts.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. The basic information is covered in seminars and smaller group contact time. Students build on this basis by using their generic research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online.

Methods of Assessment

Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic criminological or legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations and short papers. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment.