1. Critically discuss the principles of reflective practice and its use in professional practice
Analysis, Application, Knowledge & understanding, Reflection

2. Evaluate reflective practice with a Legal/Policing/Forensic Science/ Criminal Justice field
Enquiry, problem solving, application, analysis

3. Reflect on own professional competence and development within a Legal/Policing/Forensic Science/ Criminal Justice field
Reflection

4. Critically assess developed skills and identify the further skills needed to undertake future professional challenges and development
Analysis, Application, Learning, Enquiry, Communication, Problem Solving, Reflection

5. Demonstrate how competent practice, underpinned by professional values, ethical practice, has been consolidated in a Law/Policing/Forensic Science/ Criminal Justice context
Enquiry, Application, Analysis

The essay will consist of a critical career review in which the practitioner reflects upon and evaluates how professional career development to date has been consolidated within their chosen specialist area (Law, Policing, Forensics or Criminal Justice). Throughout the module there will be opportunities to formatively assess the students’ progress through class discussions, tasks and one-to-one meetings with the module leader.

This module focuses on reflecting on practice that will demonstrate students’ professional advanced practice of working in a Legal, Policing, Forensic or Criminal Justice setting. The module will be centred around the development and further development of reflective, critical, analytical and evaluation skills to enable a self-review of practice. This module aims to develop a critical understanding of reflective practice within the students’ field. The practitioner will be introduced to the role of reflection, reflexivity and reflective practice; underpinning theories, concepts and models; evaluation theories and strategies; engagement with the processes of professional development and planning; encouraging self-awareness and critical reflection on values, ethics and impact on and within their organisation; as well as contemporary issues and changes facing professionals and drivers relevant to the students’ area of practice.

Students will be taught using a range of methods through distance learning techniques. The majority of these sessions will incorporate student participation including online and verbal discussions, utilising different learning and technological approaches. A large majority of this module will rely on students undertaking independent study and self-reflection on their current positions within their own profession. These will be supported by one-to-one meetings with the module leader to discuss progress; the taught group sessions and tasks set as part of formative assessment.

Bassot, B. (2016). The Reflective Practice Guide: an interdisciplinary approach to critical reflection. London, Routledge.

Bolton, G. & Delderfield, R. (2018). Reflective Practice. Writing and Professional Development. 5th Ed. London, Sage.

Boud, D., Cressey, P. & Docherty, P. (2006). Productive Reflection at work. London: Routledge.

Cottrell, S. (2010). The Personal Development Planning Handbook. 2nd Ed. Basingstoke, Palgrave MacMillan.

Wallace, M. & Wray, M. (2016). Critical Reading and Writing from Postgraduates. 3rd Ed. London, Sage.

Additional reading available from the online reading list.

University library for a range of relevant texts, e-books and academic journals.
Materials and resources on the module VLE.
Access to academic study skills tutors and resources.
Access to subject librarians for additional support.
Skype or teleconferencing technology.