FdSc Management and Supervision of Offenders

Summary 2012/13

• Study a unique programme for those who wish to work, or are already employed, across the justice sector;
• Develop a contextual understanding of the justice sector as a whole;
• Examine how agencies collaborate to deliver effective offender management and supervision;
• Experience university study whilst continuing in full-time employment.

The programme is ideal if you want to enter the Justice Sector workforce. It is also extremely valuable if you are already employed in the sector and wish to enhance your future career prospects.

You will hear from experts in their sphere of justice provision and other professionals from across the justice sector.

2012 Entry Requirements

To join this programme you should have one of the following: NVQ Level 3 in an appropriate subject; Two A/S levels, one of which must be in an appropriate subject; One A level in an appropriate subject; AVCE or BTEC National Diploma; A pass in an appropriate Access to Higher Education programme. Exceptionally, five GCSEs at Grade C or above, or equivalent, will be accepted. Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate your ability through accreditation of prior/experiential learning (APL/APEL).

Details

Who is this course for?

The programme is primarily for those currently working, or wishing to work, in the following areas of the Justice Sector:

• Probation Service
• Offender Management Service
• Youth Justice Board
• Youth offending teams
• Voluntary sector
• Secure detention of adults, children and young people
• Immigration Detention Services
• HM Prison Service
• Private sector custody
• Local authority employees
• Secure escorting of adults, children and young people
• Policing
• Court management and administration
• Community Safety – partnership groups
• Providers of care and management for Mentally Disordered Offenders

What will I gain from this programme?

You will develop a contextual understanding of the justice sector as a whole and examine the way in which agencies collaborate in delivering effective offender management and supervision.

Each module of learning within the programme is applied to your own work area by the use of a professional development portfolio.

How we will support you

Personal Tutors will provide a supportive and pastoral role throughout the 2 year programme and academic staff will engage in a partnership with your employer and in doing so continue to support you within your workplace learning.

A range of learning support services are available and academic and assessment support is provided for each module of learning.

Online support is provided through the use of a virtual learning environment. You will have remote access to all course, module and assignment information. Previous specialist seminars will be available alongside the audio and visual recording of lectures which then allows you to review the content at your own pace.

Online forums will further support the learning environment and will be supported by one-to-one and online tutorials.

What will I study?

The modules in Year 1 develop essential study and communication skills whilst enabling you to explore the wider mechanics of justice and the health and healthcare needs of offenders. You will also examine contemporary risk assessment strategies including identifying and managing the risks of violence and offending.

In Year 2 you will work with academic staff and in the workplace on an agreed area of particular interest. You will also develop a comprehensive understanding of working within legal and ethical frameworks and explore the theories of leadership and management.

You will follow an adult or youth specific pathway which will be reflected in the pathways of the final three modules which address similar themes and share learning, but recognise some of the fundamental differences between adult or youth offenders and their offending behaviour.

You will graduate with one of the following awards on completion of the programme:

• FdSc Management and Supervision of Offenders (Adult)
• FdSc Management and Supervision of Offenders (Youth)

How will I study?

Delivery of the programme is through a one day per week attendance. There will be a number of teaching methods used to address the variety of learning preferences including tutorials, lectures, seminars, group learning and work based reflection. Each module is applied to your own work area by reflective accounts which are used to create your Professional Development portfolio.

Placement

You will undertake work based learning where you will focus on an agreed area that is of particular interest to you. If you are employed within the justice sector then your current place of work will be your workplace area of learning. If you are not currently working in the justice sector then placement may be provided by our partner employees within this sector.

Who will be teaching me?

The programme is led by senior lecturers and researchers with backgrounds in youth offending, social work, forensic care and management, mental health law and high secure risk assessment and risk management.

Collaborating with the programme team are a number of visiting lecturers, specialist practitioners and experts in the justice, health and social care sectors. This includes representatives from the prison service, prison service college, Merseyside Police, regional high-security psychiatric services, youth offender teams, the youth justice board and national offender management service.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination of traditional assignments, case studies, presentations and examinations. Work-based learning is assessed by the use of reflective accounts which demonstrate your knowledge of theory in relation to your area of practice.

What are my career prospects?

This programme is ideal preparation for a range of careers in the Justice Sector workforce including Custodial Management, Youth Offending teams and Probation Services. The qualification may lead to career advancement for those already working within the justice sector.

Further study at Edge Hill University

Successful completion of this foundation degree provides opportunities to progress onto full Honours Degree programmes.

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,000 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS for the full-time programme. For part-time study apply directly to Edge Hill.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

Full-Time Study

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £6,000pa for full-time foundation degrees. Eligible full-time students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for full-time students in academic year 2012/13, visit http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/foundationfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only.

Part-Time Study

Tuition fees for part-time study on this foundation degree are £50 per credit for academic year 2012/13; i.e. £500 per 10 credit module, £750 per 15 credit module, £1,000 per 20 credit module and £1,500 per 30 credit module. A total of 240 credits are required to complete a foundation degree.

Eligible part-time students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000 a year.

For more information on the financial support available for part-time foundation degree students in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/foundationfees2012pt.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Dr Tony Keating, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657057
• Email: keatingt@edgehill.ac.uk

Modules

Year 1

FDH1100 Essential Study Skills for Undergraduates (20 credits) encourages you to identify individual needs, backgrounds and experiences in relation to study skills and explore how these may be developed within your programme of study. This module will enable you to develop advanced study skills to enhance your time and organisational management and thus prepare you to be able to take advantage of further studies and new situations.

FDH1101 Communication Skills (20 credits). Effective communication skills are essential for anyone dealing with the public in order to work collaboratively as members of a team. You will be supported to develop self-awareness in communication skills, by facilitating your listening skills, and the ability to empathise. The skills of giving unconditional positive regard and how to act as an advocate for others will also be addressed.

FDH1121 Justice Sector Context & Legal Framework (20 credits) will offer an evolutionary exploration of the wider mechanics of justice by exploring both historical and contemporary debates within the various professions that make up the justice community. The module will also draw on the insights and contributions of other professional groups who work with or impact on the administration and application of justice. The contribution of educationalists, social theorists, psychologists and medics will be analysed to ascertain their impact on offender care and management. There will be a strong focus on harnessing the historical and contemporary debates in order to hone your analytical skills relating to service and professional development.

FDH1122 Health Perspectives of Offending (20 credits) aims to address two distinct yet entwined debates relating to the health and healthcare needs of offenders. These are the inequalities in health provision offered to offenders and the disproportionate number of offenders with specific health needs including mental health, learning disabilities and substance misuse problems. Your skills and knowledge will be enhanced by exploring theories of health to give a conceptual understanding of the needs of individuals, groups and society which can be then be applied to your own sphere of practice.

FDH1123 Social Context of Offending and Impact of Crime (20 credits) will place the contemporary debates on crime and the treatment of offenders in a broader societal context. The module will incorporate historical, sociological, economic and philosophical explorations that will enable you to place your area of practice, and the responses towards your client group, within a broader context.

FDH1124 Risk Assessment and Risk Management (20 credits) will examine current practice in relation to risk assessment and risk management of offenders. It will offer you a comprehensive overview of contemporary risk assessment strategies utilised across the justice sector and will examine in depth, the approaches used to manage risk. A variety of risk behaviours will be considered, however focus will be given to the risks of self-harm / suicide and re-offending, in particular in identifying and managing the risk of violence and sexual offending.

Year 2

FDH2077 Work-Based Learning (20 credits) allows you to negotiate with academic staff, and the workplace if appropriate, to focus on an area of study of particular interest. This may be for the enhancement of practice or for the achievement of more in-depth knowledge and skills. It involves identifying the chosen area for study, developing and negotiating a learning contract. The module will provide a rigorous framework for the approval of such study, ensuring the necessary academic level and assessment is fulfilled.

FDH2100 Legal and Ethical Perspectives (20 credits). Within the field of health and social care there are a range of professions and groups whose ability to provide safe and competent practice is determined in the context of professional, legal and ethical considerations. Indeed, these are the hallmarks of any profession, and those wishing to work in this sector, potentially across professional boundaries, need a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of such frameworks.

FDH2104 Leadership and Management (20 credits) seeks to provide you with an introduction to management and leadership and enable you to make links between theory and practice. Theories of leadership and management will be explored, drawing on your own experiences. This supports the view of Skills Active (2005) who identified a need for training in management skills in the workforce and has subsequently made a commitment to promote stronger and more consistent leadership and management.

FdSc Management and Supervision of Offenders (Adult) pathway students also complete the following modules in year 2:

FDH2130 Offending Behaviours (Adult) (20 credits) will encompass a broad review of the nature and scale of offending, explored from economic, cultural, sociological, developmental and psychological perspectives. There will be a clear recognition within the module that the particular motivation for offending is as individual as the offender themselves whilst grouping them typologically in order to facilitate meta analysis. In addition, the module will explore the role and impact of multi-factorial drivers of offending. The variety of offences will also be explored from a socio-legal perspective and the two strands will be drawn together to facilitate a review of social policy/therapeutic responses relating to the prevention and treatment of adult offending.

FDH2132 Effective Service Delivery (Adult) (20 credits) will examine the development and contemporary range of adult offender management programmes, encompassing both community and custody models. The module will explore the philosophical and economic reasoning, and the research, underpinning these models. This analysis will be used to evaluate current service delivery and to assess the impact this may have on future service delivery. There will be a comparative element with a European focus which will explore models and outcomes from other states in order to inform critical debates in the adult justice sector.

FDH2137 Resettlement of Offenders (Adult) (20 credits) will give you the opportunity to critically evaluate the resettlement of offenders. This will be facilitated through an examination and critique of existing policy and provision. This critique will encompass the debates surrounding future developments in this area. You will be encouraged to think holistically considering the impact on the offender themselves, as a person with needs. You will also explore the impact of ineffective provision on the wider community.

FdSc Management and Supervision of Offenders (Youth) pathway students also complete the following modules in year 2:

FDH 2131 Resettlement of Offenders (Youth) (20 credits) will give you the opportunity to critically evaluate the resettlement of youth offenders. This will be facilitated through an examination and critique of existing policy and provision, encompassing the debates surrounding future developments in this area. You will be encouraged to think holistically in this exploration considering the impact on the offender themselves, as a young person with social and developmental needs as well as exploring the impact of ineffective provision on the wider community.

FDH 2133 Effective Service Delivery (Youth) (20 credits) will examine the development and contemporary range of youth offender management programmes, encompassing both community and custody models. You will explore the philosophical, economic and research underpinning these models, with this analysis used to evaluate current service delivery and to assess the impact this may have on future service delivery. There will be a comparative element with a European focus which will explore models and outcomes from other states in order to inform critical debates on the youth justice sector.

FDH 2136 Offending Behaviours (Youth) (20 credits). Key to the effective management and supervision of offenders is an understanding of offending behaviour. This module seeks to equip you with knowledge of offending behaviours and will further identify the motivators behind an individual’s offending. Why do certain individuals offend and others not, how do they offend and the reasons why. Only when one understands these motivators and recognises that offending differs for a number of reasons, can one effectively evaluate how we assess, challenge and manage offending behaviour.