LEARNING OUTCOMES
Attribute discipline-specific skills and knowledge in a professional work environment.
Application, Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis
Develop effective communication and interpersonal skills in a workplace setting, including teamwork and networking
Communication
Reflect on personal and professional development through the work experience, identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and future career aspirations.
Reflection, Analysis
Analyse and respond to formal evaluations from workplace supervisors, using the feedback to enhance professional skills and performance.
Analysis, Reflection, Learning
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
A professional discussion between the student and academic staff, focusing on the student's experiences, learning outcomes, and reflections on their work placement. This will also involve answering competency-based interview questions designed to assess their skills, values and experiences in line with the police competencies and values framework. Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4
Confirmation of placement hours and evaluation of the student's performance by the workplace supervisor based on predefined criteria. Learning outcomes 1 and 2.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module provides students with the opportunity to gain practical and real life experience in a policing, investigation or associated criminal justice or law enforcement setting. The experience can be gained in a range of private, public and third sector organisations and may be paid or voluntary work. Students may wish to utilise existing roles, such as being a special constable or volunteering with victim support agencies as a basis for their work experience placement. Students will apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, developing essential skills required for a career in the criminal justice sector. The module emphasises the importance of reflective practice, allowing students to critically evaluate their experiences, identify areas for personal and professional growth, and enhance their readiness for a career in policing. Through engagement with experienced criminal justice professionals, students will develop strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. This immersive experience will also provide valuable insights into the daily operations, challenges, and responsibilities of those working in the field. The module seeks to tie in current recruitment processes by getting the student to apply their experiences against competency frameworks, preparing them for job interviews.
WEB DESCRIPTOR
This module provides you with the opportunity to gain practical and real life experience in a policing, investigation or associated criminal justice or law enforcement setting. The experience can be gained in a range of private, public and third sector organisations and may be paid or voluntary work. You may wish to utilise existing part time or voluntary roles, as a basis for your work experience placement. The module emphasises the importance of reflective practice, allowing you to critically evaluate your experiences, identify areas for personal and professional growth, and enhance your readiness for a career in policing.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
The module will encompass pre-placement taught content and guidance about how to secure a work based placement and how to formalise existing work/ volunteering into a work based placement. Students will then undertake placement hours in the placement setting/ role secured. A placement supervisor/mentor from the course team will engage and support the student whilst undertaking placement hours through informal and formal meetings. Students will also be given taught content post-placement to support them around personal reflection and undertaking the assignment.
TEXTS
Bottomley, J., Wright, M. and Pryjmachuk, S. (2020) Communication Skills for Your Policing Degree. 1st edition. St Albans: Critical Publishing.
Bottomley, J., Wright, M. and Pryjmachuk, S. (2020) Critical Thinking Skills for Your Policing Degree. 1st edition. St Albans: Critical Publishing.
Copley, S. (2011) Reflective practice for policing students. Exeter: Learning Matters.
Fanthome, C. (2017) Work placements: a survival guide for students. Palgrave Macmillan.
RESOURCES
Careers connect – placement team and employability liaison manager.