This module is designed to equip the student with the necessary skills required to successfully complete this university degree. The module will provide students with the ability to resource and synthesise appropriate material; reference accurately; think, read and write in a critical manner; as well as becoming avid problem solvers and understanding the concept and relevance of EBP in a policing context. This module will enhance students' academic writing, presentation and communication skills in order for them to succeed in their educational and professional roles.

This module will cover:

The concept of Evidenced Based Policing
Searching, using, critiquing and referencing sources of literature
Academic writing
Communication and presentation skills

College of Policing curriculum content:
Evidence Based Policing – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 5.1
Research methods and skills – 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.6, 11.1
Communication skills – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.1, 2.2
Leadership and teamworking – 2.1, .2.2, 2.3, 2.4

1. A 1,000 word referenced literature review on a Policing topic of the student’s choosing (60%). This work should demonstrate a range of source types, all of which are appropriately referenced, addressing outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 5.

2. In small groups, students should produce a short, fully referenced verbal presentation along with accompanying visual display on a policing problem, displaying effective problem-solving skills (20%) and addressing outcomes 1, 3 and 5.

3. A poster presentation explaining a piece of Evidence Based Policing Research (20%). The student should produce an academic research poster of their chosen piece of research; explain it in depth and answer questions on the subject matter addressing outcomes 4 and 5.

The module will be delivered through a series of lectures and tutorial sessions and complimented with PDP tutorials delivered by a dedicated personal tutor. PDP sessions will encompass a mixture of pastoral support and professional development material as well as enhancing the knowledge and understanding of topics covered during the module.

Lectures will be led by the lecturer and used to deliver key concepts and learning within the module content. During these sessions, there will be interactive elements such as quizzes, short discussions, students asked for their thoughts or viewpoint and opportunities to ask questions to the lecturer.

Tutorial sessions will based around student centred learning, group discussions and case study exploration to aide students learning on the module.

1. Demonstrate skills in the use of resources and primary/secondary literary sources. Application, Learning
2. Demonstrate a structured approach to studying, writing essays and referencing content.

Application, Knowledge and Understanding

3. Review and assess literature and case law in order to develop critical arguments and draw conclusions.

Analysis, Enquiry, Application, Problem solving

4. Source, explain and interpret evidence-based research.

Analysis, Enquiry, Application

5. Develop effective communication and presentation skills.

Communication, Reflection

N/A

Cottrell, S. (2013). Palgrave Study Skills. The Study Skills Handbook. 4th Ed. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Shields, G. and Pears, R. (2016) Palgrave Study Skills. Cite Them Right. The Essential Referencing Guide. 10th Ed. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Staffordshire University. (2018). Academic Skills: Policing. (online) Available at: http://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/c.php?g=656979

Van Emden, J. and Becker, L. (2016). Presentation Skills for Students. 3rd Ed. Palgrave Study Skills Presentation skills for students. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Additional reading available from the online reading list.