Cottrell, S. (2003) The study skills handbook. 2nd Ed., Hampshire: Palgrave Study Guides.
Cottrell, S. (2005) Critical thinking skills: developing effective analysis and argument. Hampshire: Palgrave Study Guides.
Crowther-Dowey, C., Long, M. (2007) Understanding the Modernisation of Criminal Justice, Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Jewkes, Y. (2007) Handbook on Prisons, London: Willan Publishing.

The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 300 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 48 hours of class support and 252 hours of independent and self directed study.

The class sessions will delivered in 14 x 3 hr study blocks, to cover the key aspects of the module content and the type of formative feedback available both through Moodle and the Module Tutor. The summative assessment will also be explained.

Students are expected to regularly engage material on Moodle. This will include reading and undertaking additional research and formative exercises to reinforce the learning. Students will have additional support from the Module Tutor via email and phone.

Summative
Portfolio (3,000 words) 100% Learning Outcomes 1-4

To include:
- A description of the aims and functions of a relevant organisation and an evaluation of how this relates to and integrates with the wider criminal
justice sector
- Demonstration of the application of relevant policies, procedures, professional codes of conduct and European and UK legislation to safe,
competent and legal practice in the criminal justice sector
- A Personal Development Plan
- Evaluation of personal and professional skills, abilities and value base in relation to criminal justice practice
- Evidence of developing and applied study skills for higher education

Formative
Students will receive formative feedback from peers and tutors during class-based tasks and discussions and from their work-based learning mentor during mentoring sessions. They will also receive formative feedback regarding the assignment during personal tutorials.

Text books in Stafford College and Staffordshire University library
Moodle resources via internet connection and Stafford College website
Online resources via internet connection
Prison Service (Service Orders):
http://www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/resourcecentre/psispsos/listpsos/index.asp?startrow=51

This module allows students to gain experience of contemporary practice in a criminal justice environment. Students will consider how the structure and functions of a particular practice environment are designed to support organisational aims within a local, regional and national framework of professional regulation, roles, responsibilities and accountability. Students will need to demonstrate their understanding and application of legislation and policy related to safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality and record keeping at all times as appropriate to the criminal justice setting.

The integration of diverse organisations during inter-agency and inter-occupational working within criminal justice will be explored, and the benefits of, and challenges to, communication across the sector considered. Students will be required to reflect on their developing skills of self awareness, self-assessment and development as they gain and enhance a range of transferable working and study skills relevant to personal and professional development.

The module is also designed to develop and enhance skills for study in higher education including:

- Self assessment, reflection and action planning
- Study skills: literacy skills, academic writing, referencing and citation
- Communication skills
- Using library services and ICT to identify and retrieve good quality information
- Introduction to research methodologies and ethical issues
- The nature of evidence: becoming a critical thinker
- Organising and managing time
- Disseminating information: word processing, email, PowerPoint, presentation skills