The focus is on enhancing practitioners’ understanding of current issues in public protection, and developing their capacity to undertake their own research to underpin evidence-based practice.
Topics typically covered include domestic abuse and homicide, stalking, sexual violence, child abuse, child sexual exploitation, honour-based violence, trafficking and modern slavery, hate crime, elder abuse and missing persons. By reviewing the current understanding of best practice in multi-agency working, risk assessment and threat assessment, the programme offers valuable professional development opportunities for those working in the criminal justice sector, victim organisations, advocacy roles, and a range of public services careers.
Participants develop their research skills, by conducting a live project to explore key issues relevant to their own employer or another organisation, thus generating new knowledge that can be applied directly to practice. Examples of recent projects include scoping the value of a pan-agency stalking clinic in the county, and the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders within child sexual exploitation offenders. The programme benefits from the innovative work undertaken within the Centre for Learning and Innovation in Public Protection at the university, including the application of research findings to the design of training and tools for frontline service delivery and development.
Modules
Assessment is through coursework and research reports.
We invite a wide range of guest lecturers to speak on their own professional practice, drawing on our strong links with police forces, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, public sector organisations, and charities providing support and training around domestic violence, homicide, stalking and sexual offences.
Explore key issues relevant to your own employer or another organisation, generating new knowledge that can be applied directly to practice. Recent projects include examination of the effectiveness of the MARAC process in safeguarding high-risk domestic abuse victims, and the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders within child sexual exploitation offenders.
On completion of the Postgraduate Certificate, you could choose to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Criminology. There is also the option of taking an individual module as continuing professional development (CPD).
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The Department of Criminology at Swansea University has run a successful MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology since 1997. Students of the Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology will have the opportunity to learn about crime, the criminal justice system and cutting edge themes in criminology from leading experts in the field. The MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology specialises in the application of criminological knowledge to the workings of the Criminal Justice System and this is strongly reflected in the exciting range of diverse and cutting-edge modules on offer.
The MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology focuses mainly on the application of knowledge to the operation of the criminal justice system, reflecting the policy/ practice orientation of members of the staff team.
Whether you are a practitioner working in the criminal justice system, a researcher wishing to gain a firm foundation for a research degree in an ESRC recognised Doctoral Training Centre, or an undergraduate aspiring to a career in criminal justice, our Masters-level degree in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology is for you! The MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology offers you:
• an up-to-date and high quality programme which includes some of the most important theory and research in criminal justice and criminology
• an opportunity to develop your ability to apply criminal justice and criminological knowledge to research and the operation of the criminal justice system
• an opportunity to develop and apply research methods knowledge and skills
• enhanced employability for those wishing to pursue a career in the criminal justice system and for those interested in an academic or research career
Modules on the MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology typically include:
• Ethics and Philosophy of Social Research
• Quantitative Methods
• Qualitative Methods
• Case Studies in Applied Social Research
• Data Visualisation
• Crime, Drugs and Alcohol
• Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
• Applied Criminal Justice
• Understanding Policing
• Youth Justice: Research, Policy & Practice
• Criminal Justice System in England and Wales
• Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children
• Human Trafficking
The MA in Applied Criminal Justice & Criminology will open the door to a range of careers, including: Local Government, Police Force, Prison Service, Social Work, Victim Support, Teaching, and Probation Service to name a few. Enhancing your career prospects whilst studying on this course, you will have a wealth of opportunities to take advantage of in order to boost your CV and form important employment links for the future.
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor who offers academic and pastoral care throughout the student’s stay in Swansea. Several lecturers invite senior criminal justice practitioners, managers, and policy makers to deliver lectures on key aspects of criminal justice policy and practice. The Department of Criminology also ensures that MA in Applied Criminal Justice & Criminology students participate in social events through the Criminology Society which organises events that give students opportunities to socialise and meet others in the Department of Criminology. There may also be placement and research internship opportunities available to students (subject to availability). Research internships provide opportunities for students to observe practices in a criminal justice agency and then produce their dissertation on a topic that is relevant to the work of the agency.
- Christie Owen, MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology graduate 2010 -11
“There are a range of different modules covering a broad spectrum of subjects. Helpful tutoring means that those who have not studied Criminology previously will find the subject easy to pick up. There are plenty of approachable staff and lecturers to seek advice if you are unsure. Lectures are well structured with scope for debate with your peers and lecturers, as well as informative media such as videos and power point presentations. There is continuous mentoring while completing dissertations, with supervisors engaging well with students and aiding them in making it more manageable. Supervisors are continuously available to answer any questions or solve any problems that arise while writing such a large piece of work. The library services are also extremely helpful, with access to many books, journals and the internet with a room specifically for postgraduates which is very much needed during busier periods.
The Masters degree in Criminology encouraged me to pursue a career in the Prison Service. After graduating I was offered a position following my first interview and the course has given me skills to use in my new position.”
- Peter Doyle, MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology graduate
Retired Detective Chief Inspector and Senior Investigating Officer Peter, from Kenfig near Porthcawl, had specialised in Homicide and Serious Crime Investigation and has an extensive background in Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) investigation.
“The course was challenging for me as I do not possess a first degree – a particular challenge was writing in an academic style. I overcame the challenges by applying practice and more practice – plus support from those within the College and my family. I believe the key is not worrying about every mistake you make but learning from them instead.
“I chose Swansea University because it has an excellent reputation for criminology studies and I also worked in Swansea for many years as a police officer. It was a great honour to meet people on my course from such a wide spectrum and of all ages – this was very inspiring, I was made to feel welcome by everyone involved.”
This is currently the only master's course in the UK that covers the safeguarding of both children and adults. You'll gain a unique perspective on how to improve the lives of society's most vulnerable people and make a difference in cases of extreme, entrenched, or multi-generational abuse and neglect.
Visit the website: http://bucks.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/health-and-social-sciences/child-protection-and-adult-safeguarding-ft-1718
Is this course for me?
Our MSc Child Protection and Adult Safeguarding is now more relevant than ever, with recent changes in safeguarding legislation (i.e. the Care Act 2014), and the impact of high-profile enquiries, such as the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham and Child Sexual Abuse. Offered on a full-time or part-time basis, it's ideal for professionals who want to improve their knowledge and practice when working with vulnerable people.
This unique, multi-disciplinary programme attracts working professionals in a range of areas and roles. Our postgraduate students include social workers, nurses and midwives, early years professionals, police officers, and doctors who want to become experts in safeguarding.
The course also appeals to analytical people who enjoy problem solving and want to add to research in this vital area. We attract graduates from a range of disciplines including sociology, psychology and education. Your peers will help you develop a greater understanding of the challenges faced by the safeguarding system.
What will this course cover?
Our teaching staff are experienced professionals and lead research in areas such as healthcare, social care, education and policing. As such, their teaching is wide-ranging and informed by best practice. We offer a wide range of optional modules including: disability, psychology, sociology, leadership/management, education, criminology and healthcare.
You can expect to:
• learn how to facilitate positive change and best practice in safeguarding
• learn the policy, research and practice settings for safeguarding work
• understand social behaviour and experience
• understand the social causes of abuse
• learn to identify risk indicators
• understand how to a be a socially responsible social scientist
• develop critical analysis skills.
The dissertation element of the programme may take the form of a work-based project, which will allow you to actively combine a critical theoretical analysis with reflective project work. This can also be an extended review of the literature on a particular topic.
What are my career prospects?
Safeguarding children and adults is an extremely rewarding career that makes a big difference in the lives of society's most vulnerable members. When you graduate from this course, you will be able to advance your current career, change careers into a role more specifically focused on safeguarding. You'll also be in the position to pursue further academic research.
After completing this course, you can expect to work in roles of increasing seniority within your profession, or to work for local authority Safeguarding Children and Safeguarding Adults Boards. NHS Trusts/CCGs, local authorities, voluntary/charities and schools have specific roles for those qualified in safeguarding.
Bucks graduates have gone on to roles including:
• Safeguarding Leads
• Local Authority Designated Officer
• Head of Safeguarding
• Policy Adviser (Skills for Care)
• NSPCC Research Officer
• Policy Advisor for NGOs.
Some of our graduates choose to continue their education by completing a PhD. Continuing your education gives you the opportunity to develop your skills further and research your area of interest.
How will you help me prepare for my future career?
The Safeguarding course will provide you with a strong skill set and the confidence to improve the quality of care and communication with vulnerable children and adults.
If you want to develop a career in safeguarding practice, this course will prepare you for job roles such as policy developer, researcher, team leader, programme manager or unit manager in the NHS, local government and charities.
How to apply
Apply here: http://bucks.ac.uk/applynow/
Funding
There are a range of funding opportunities for postgraduate students which include sponsorship, bursaries, scholarships and loans: http://bucks.ac.uk/fees_funding/postgraduate-masters-scholarships/
Studying on this course enables you to develop your knowledge and skills to work with children, young people, their families and carers to improve health and wellbeing.
You learn to develop a pragmatic public health philosophy for family healthcare and an evidence-based skill set applicable to the challenges of contemporary practice.
To meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards, your studies consists of 50% practice and 50% theory (alongside 100% attendance). We structure the postgraduate diploma to reflect the important balance of the practice elements, which are designated practice days or work-based learning. A 10 week consolidated practice block (in semester 3) enables you to work independently while remaining under the supervision of a practice teacher. The theoretical elements involve a mix of learning approaches including self-directed study days.
Another key aspect of your studies is to develop an understanding of the levels of accountability and responsibility you take on in these roles. You learn how to ensure public protection is developed to deliver safe and effective health improvements to individuals, groups and communities.
There are many opportunities on the course to share learning from your peers and other disciplines from across the primary /community care teams and services that work with children, young people and families.
When you start to put what you have learnt into practice, you benefit from strong partnerships with health, education and local authority organisations in the region.
The modern and diverse placements you go on are designed to meet the changing needs of children, young people and families, and may include placement with social services, education and a variety of organisations from the voluntary sector – foster collaborations with those that work alongside health visitors and school nurses.
You also complete a research-based module which provides a building block for further study from the exit award of PgDip to MSc qualification. The learning from the research module equips you to use policy and research to underpin and develop innovative practice and gives you the skills to frame a research question, take empirical research and write up an academic dissertation. If you successfully complete the PgDip, you can at a later date (pending additional funding and study) undertake a 60 credit dissertation module and gain an MSc qualification.
Experienced course teaching team
Experienced health visitor and school nurse lecturers deliver the course. As a student you learn from a highly motivated and proactive teaching team aiming to improve lives through excellence in professionalism. We ensure our students and the public benefit from a commitment to evidence-based education, application to practice and impact on quality of care.
Some lecturers are engaged in ongoing research and are publishing in peer reviewed journals with areas of expertise that include safeguarding, the child and families agenda, behaviour change and community development.
Four members of our teaching team are also Fellows of the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV), a professional body which strives for excellence in the health visiting profession.
Successfully completing the course
Gaining an MSc qualification enhances your employability in advanced and specialist roles available to health visitors and school nurses. These may include working in public health positions in local authorities or in advisory and health education positions in acute health care.
Study individual modules
You have the option to study individual modules from this course and gain academic credit towards a qualification. Visit our continuing professional development website for more information.
This course is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Graduates are eligible to apply to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse - Health Visitor or School Nurse.
You must be registered with the NMC in order to practise as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse in the UK.
To access the full course and gain the NMC recognised qualifications, you need to be sponsored by an employing NHS organisation (hence have NHS contract for the length of the course).
Postgraduate diploma modules
Masters
You will enhance your professional and academic development on this course. Completing the course enables you to be registered with the NMC as a registered specialist community public health nurse - as either a health visitor or school nurse (SCPHN-HV or SCPHN-SN). It also enables you to be annotated on the NMC register as a community practitioner nurse prescriber. This course will also provide you with advanced skills in research.
As a health visitor or school nurse you will develop specialist skills and attributes to work in different health, social and educational settings. You gain experience of public health at an individual, family and community level, working with children, young people, families.
You can develop your career
The Durham MSW is a 21 month programme engaging students with the knowledge, skills and values that underpin social work practice with individuals, groups and communities. Academic study is complemented by two practice placements with different service user groups. Practice experience of statutory interventions with children and families or ‘vulnerable adults’ is complemented by opportunities for innovative practice in the voluntary and independent sectors in areas such as family justice, homelessness, substance use, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, community interventions and self-advocacy. With strong involvement of service users, carers and practice partners throughout the programme, the MSW provides strong foundations for practice in any field of social work.
Local and global perspectives
Our approach to social work education reflects the connections between individuals, their families and communities. We offer you a broad foundation for social work practice underpinned by the global definition of social work and emphasise the connections between local and global issues in social work. Shared learning alongside postgraduate students studying International Social Work and Community Development, and Community and Youth Work, provides valuable opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Excellent employment prospects
There is very strong demand for Durham MSW graduates by employers in local authorities and non-government organisations regionally, nationally and internationally. Durham MSW graduates have been able to transfer their registration to other countries including Australia, Canada, Scotland and the USA.
The MSW is structured around seven modules designed to meet the academic and practice learning requirements for a degree in social work.
Year 1
Year 2
The MSW is full-time, starting in early October and continuing over 21 months. The programme does NOT run to university terms. There are approximately 12 weeks of vacation, including public holidays, during the course of the whole programme. In Year 1 the first four months are spent developing the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare you for your first practice placement of 70 days. In Year 2 you undertake a 100 day placement with a different service user group and in a contrasting setting where you will gain experience of statutory interventions in social work. Practice placements provide the opportunity to develop a range of skills set out in the Professional Capabilities Framework. You also extend your skills in linking theory, policy and practice, and undertake a research dissertation.
Assessment
A range of assessment methods is used including essays, observation studies, project reports, case studies, group and individual presentations. Knowledge and understanding of social work law and policy is assessed in a take away exercise. Before embarking on the first placement, you will undergo a practical assessment of your communication skills in readiness for direct practice. Practice placements are assessed by critically reflective accounts of work with individuals, groups or communities and by your practice educator who provides regular supervision and observes your practice. You are also expected to seek, and reflect on, feedback from service users and professional colleagues. Research in Social Work is assessed through a 10,000 word dissertation.
Practice Placements
Placements normally take place in the north east region and students are required to travel independently to these.
The Advanced Child Protection MA is a distance learning programme which runs on a part-time basis for two or more years and has been created for experienced professionals.
The programme gives a 360-degree perspective on child protection, introducing you to the viewpoints of academics, practitioners, organisations, parents, children and young people, integrated with contemporary research theory and policy. The impact that technology has on protecting children as well as the effect of the globalisation of the abuse and exploitation of vulnerable children is considered throughout.
The MA has attracted national and international students, all with a variety of experience in child protection. Access to this diverse pool of knowledge within an environment that allows you to question and excel makes this programme unique and rewarding.
Teaching is based on guided study using an online learning environment (Moodle), videoed expert lectures, online seminars, 'serious games', acted and filmed role play, as well as web-based weekly forums.
The Centre for Child Protection is a leader in developing and disseminating interactive simulations dealing with a range of child protection issues. The University was recently awarded the 2016 Guardian University Award for digital innovation in recognition of the ground-breaking 'Lottie' project, a tool to help children become aware of the dangers of sexual grooming.
All the work is completed online where you participate in online forums and have access to journal articles and specialist materials. After successful completion of the assignment, the module is equivalent to 20 credits at Master’s level.
During the programme you:
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.
You are also able to take modules on their own as a 10 week distance learning option. For more information, visit the website here: https://www.kent.ac.uk/sspssr/ccp/samodules/index.html
The MA Advanced Child Protection and the stand-alone modules give you the opportunity to further your career and expertise in child protection. As well as benefiting from Kent’s academic excellence, you gain insight into multi-agency relationships and responsibilities. The Centre attracts students from across social work, health, education, probation and the third sector, and widens your potential learning experience. The distance learning delivery of the Master’s programme enables you to fit learning around your life and work commitments and you have the chance to apply your knowledge as you progress. Each cohort contains a unique mix of experiences and professions, providing a valuable opportunity for information exchange and networking.
We offer inspirational teaching and supervision alongside first-class library and IT facilities. You also benefit from our high-impact research in all subjects. Whatever you are looking to study, Kent provides a dynamic and challenging environment for your postgraduate studies.
Find out more: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/why-kent/
* of 122 universities, not including specialist institutions
