MA-Postgraduate Diploma-Postgraduate Certificate Community Safety and Crime Prevention
ObjectivesThe University of the West of England and the Safe Neighbourhoods Unit (a not-for-profit organisation in the UK) have joined forces to develop an integrated training and education programme aimed at giving people from a range of occupational backgrounds the skills to reverse the decline of troubled urban environments. These courses have been developed with support from the British Department of the Environment, the Home Office, Crime Concern and the European Commission.
Academic titleMA/Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate Community Safety and Crime Prevention
Course descriptionWhat will I study?
The course covers the following subjects:
-Applied Criminology and Crime Prevention (two modules)
-Situational Issues in Community Safety
-Social Issues in Community Safety
-Youth Criminality and Personal Safety
-Town Centre and Workplace Safety
-Research for Policy and Practice
You will also choose one module from the following:
-Evaluation for Regeneration and Renewal
-Regeneration and Community Renewal
-Communities and Neighbourhoods
-Governance and Institutions
The MA requires the successful completion of the above modules plus a dissertation based on a topic selected from the broad area of community safety.
You may also enrol for particular modules which interest you or contribute to your professional development, without having to complete the whole course.
Modules are regularly reviewed to ensure that they remain up to date and relevant, so some of them may change before the course starts or whilst you are on it, but the overall aims and broad content of the course will remain the same.
How will I study?
This education and training programme is offered through a series of open learning / distance learning modules, most of which entail approximately 100 hours of study. This is a cost-effective way for you to learn at your own pace and in your own style, and to follow a route which is relevant to you. You will be able to study anywhere in Britain, Europe or worldwide.
Each module consists of self-instructional material sent through the post and provided online, together with directions for practical activities and projects. Tutor support will be available by telephone or e-mail and you will be encouraged to network with others following the same programme.
Further reading relevant to the programme is also available in the 'Information and News' section of the website.
How will I be assessed?
We will assess your progress through each module. There are no exams; instead you will be given assignments aimed at relating the learning objectives in the modules to your own work or neighbourhood. Each unit assignment will require you to submit a report, essay or other form of presentation, along with a completed log or journal. Your work will be assessed by the module leader, who will give you detailed written feedback as well as the opportunity for discussion over the telephone or by e-mail.
Who should apply?
The programme will be of interest to those practising or intending to practise in a number of occupations:
Community representatives, such as tenants' leaders or neighbourhood watch co-ordinators, are also welcome to apply.
What qualifications do I need?
You should be over 21 years of age and hold a degree or other appropriate academic or professional qualification
If you are over 24 years of age, without the educational backgrounds described above, you may join the course providing the course team are satisfied that you have good relevant experience and the potential cope with the requirements of the course.
This course will help you develop skills and knowledge which can be applied in a range of international contexts. It may therefore be suitable for international students, and there are opportunities for incorporating material and examples from your home country into your studies, especially in the dissertation.
When can I start and how long will it take?
You can enrol at any time, and there is no fixed duration for study, although it is expected that students will complete the Certificate of Professional Development within nine months, the Postgraduate Certificate within 18 months or the MA within three years. You may also enrol for single modules, each of which entails approximately 100 hours of study.
Where do I study?
You can study when and where you like, subject to a study plan agreed with the course tutor. The one exception is the Multi-agency and Co-operative Working Unit which, as well as distance learning, requires attendance for one day at an educational centre or the completion of a structured group activity in your locality (for overseas students).