Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Criminal Justice in Practice
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SSC11110
Module leader: Jamie Buchan
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This module will provide you with a critical introduction to the study of criminal justice institutions, practices and participants. It will examine some of the main elements of responses to crime and victimisation, focusing on theories of punishment, imprisonment, rehabilitation and youth justice in the UK. It will also focus on current developments and emphases in criminal justice practice with topics such as desistance, reintegration and resettlement, victim-centred justice, restorative justice, treatment and evaluation of interventions (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy). Critical analysis and evaluation of theory, policy and practice will be embedded throughout the module.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically appraise the theoretical foundations of criminal justice practice.

LO2: Debate the appropriate ways of responding to and supporting participants in the criminal justice system, drawing on national and international evidence.

LO3: Critically reflect on the role of power in the delivery of criminal justice.

LO4: Critically assess the effectiveness of criminal justice interventions.

LO5: Critically reflect on contemporary national and international developments in criminal justice policy and practice.

LO6: Recommend alternatives to existing criminal justice practice.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Jamie Buchan
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Seminar 20 You will have 2 hour seminars which will include a mix of presentation, discussion and group work activities.
Online Guided independent study 177 You will be provided with readings and questions each week to prepare for class, and will complete these during your independent study time.
Face To Face GROUPSCHEDULED 3 For 3 weeks of the module, in the run up to assessment 1, you will have a 1 hour supported groupwork session directly after the seminar. This will be dedicated time to work on your assessment as a group, with support and feedback from the module leader.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Oral Presentation 30 1~2~3~4 Week 6 HOURS= 15 minutes In a group, you will develop an idea for a new criminal justice voluntary sector organisation. You will prepare a presentation where you pitch the idea for your new organisation, linking to research and theory from the module. Your presentation will explain the focus and aims of your organisation, its position in the wider criminal justice system, its anticipated benefits and impact, and challenges you anticipate the organisation would face.
Report 70 1~2~3~4~5~6 Week 13 , WORDS= 2500 words You will prepare a policy and practice report on an element of contemporary criminal justice practice of your choosing (LO 1-6). Your report will outline and critically evaluate existing policy and practice in your chosen area, linking to research and theory from the module, and suggest possible reforms or improvements.
Component 1 subtotal: 30
Component 2 subtotal: 70
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SSC11110 Criminal Justice in Practice
 

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