This week we explore the Applied Criminal Justice – Top Up Degree at UWE. This will enable professionals to use previous experience or qualifications, along with some study, to achieve an undergraduate degree within 1 – 2 years.
An introduction into programme lead – Dominic McVeigh.
I joined the police in 2004, working for both Gloucestershire Constabulary, and then Avon and Somerset. During my time in both organisations, I had plenty of training opportunities, qualifying as a Tutor Constable, a role which explores coaching, mentoring and teaching. I was a qualified taser carrier and an experienced interviewer. Whilst working within the professional development unit, I was lucky enough to be in post when the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) commenced, allowing me to see the qualifications that new officers attain. I looked at the criteria set by the Police Education Quality Framework (PEQF) and College of Policing (CoP) and realised very quickly that I had a lot of knowledge and just as important, experience ‘in the job’. Unfortunately, I was not able to re-enrol and obtain the qualification, a BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing Practice, which was hugely disappointing for someone who has a thirst for development. It suddenly became apparent that the knowledge and experience I had gained over the past 12 years was not recognised by anyone other than the police.
Fast forward to 2023, I find myself in the fortunate position of being the Top-Up Programme Leader. I have achieved a post-graduate qualification in higher education teaching and can provide an opportunity for those in the police and wider criminal justice sector to have their occupational experience and expertise recognised towards a recognised undergraduate degree.
What is the Applied Criminal Justice Degree – Top Up?
The Applied Criminal Justice Top-Up is an undergraduate degree programme that recognises the expertise of those within the criminal justice sector as an entry pathway. Using an evidence-based approach it exposes practitioners to the underpinning theoretical concepts of criminal justice, encouraging a deeper and more informed approach to problem solving and critical thinking; an opportunity to engage in research to further theoretical understanding and the development of a more critical workforce.
When I speak to ex-colleagues and friends who have retired and who have chosen to leave policing, the same theme becomes apparent when in conversation, which is “What can I offer to other employers?” “What skills have I got?”. Those within policing, who joined prior to the commencement of the PCDA can ‘top-up’ their skills and be recognised for their expertise.
The niche that is policing, is that the skillsets are very bespoke. Trying to explain to a prospective employer that you have a taser qualification, which means that you make quick time decisions, following legislation, national policy, whilst assessing the wider impact of that decision on the reputation of the police and the media perception that will likely follow is quite hard. Those within policing will acknowledge those skills. To communicate positively with someone holding a knife, to ensure a safe resolution, can be hard to quantify in an interview/CV setting.
This is also true of other criminal justice professions where work in crime prevention, reduction, desistance, and victim protection entails a particular set of skills and knowledge in many key areas, yet no formal certification is achieved.
Who can apply?
The BSc (Hons) in Applied Criminal Justice Top-Up acknowledges the work of criminal justice practitioners and utilises them as proven criteria for entry onto the programme. At UWE we are introducing the BSc (Hons) in Applied Criminal Justice Top-Up, as an option for those who are already working in the sector. The recognition of prior learning and experience will be based operational knowledge and expertise. For those police officers wishing to undertake the programme, the Initial Police Learning Development Programme (IPLDP) and other police training will provide you with a springboard to top up the knowledge that you already have.
The course itself is flexible, designed to meet the needs of the applicant. There are full (one year) or part time (two years) options available, with modules that have a blended approach, with online and on campus teaching. On completion of the degree, students will have the necessary skills and knowledge to apply in their current occupation.
The programme will be launched in September 2024, so these are exciting times ahead. Policing is evolving and this will be something to provide further development for those who want to improve their knowledge, not just of police practice but widening understanding of the multi-agency environment. For those in the wider criminal justice sector who do not have an undergraduate degree, the programme will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding at a recognised level. Continuing Professional Development for those who are competent within their roles is a fundamental principle in most employer’s arsenal to ensure that staff are provided opportunities.
Is it just for Police Officers?
No, it’s not just for police officers. It’s for anyone who doesn’t have a recognised qualification who works in the criminal justice sector. The programme is about levelling-up the professional practice arena.
What is Accredited Prior Learning?
The skillset and occupational experience that applicants already have will contribute towards Accredited Experiential Learning (AEL) and other Accredited Learning (AL). What is this? Being experienced and skilled in investigations, understanding emotional intelligence, communication skills or development planning. Being solution focussed and managing problem solving plans, undertaking internal training and development, such as sergeants’ exams and tutor qualifications. For those from prison, probation or private sector criminal justice backgrounds, this might be training in risk assessment, or coaching and mentoring or skills gained from initial training courses. These will help demonstrate the necessary prior experiential learning that is needed to undertake this course.
Watch this space for further updates or for posters that will be sent out to your organisation. For any enquiries or questions in relation to the programme, please contact Dom McVeigh at Dominic2.McVeigh@uwe.ac.uk or via my LinkedIn.
Editorial Team
Paul Williamson (Joint Programme Leader & Senior Lecturer); Claudia McCready (Lecturer); Eve Middleton (Tripartite Assessor – Policing); Eve Smietanko (Senior Lecturer); Ian Lowe (Senior Lecturer) & Micah Hassell (Senior Lecturer).
If you would like to contribute as a guest blogger, please contact paul.williamson@uwe.ac.uk