UCL JILL DANDO INSTITUTE OF CRIME SCIENCE
UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science
Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime
2008/09
This pack contains information about the Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime programme for 2008-2009. It is intended to complement the Graduate School Prospectus, which contains information on enrolment, tuition fees, language courses, graduate societies, and other general advice and information.
UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime 2008 - 2009
Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime
The Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime is a modular programme which covers the application of scientific principles and concepts to crime prevention and detection, and the theoretical underpinnings of situational crime prevention theory and techniques. This programme is specifically designed to offer serving police officers and those working with other law enforcement agencies access to the latest evidence-based research in crime prevention and detection. The programme can be taken on a full-time, part-time, or flexible basis. This programme will be offered in the 2008/09 academic session, and will run for two terms (from September 2008 to March 2009) with examinations taking place in the third term. Prospective students are strongly advised to take the course on a part time basis if they intend to take the course whilst working full time because of the heavy workload involved.
Programme Convenor: Dr Shane Johnson UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science University College London Second Floor, Brook House 2 – 16 Torrington Place London, WC1E 7HN Tel: 020 7679 0807 Fax: 020 76679 0828 Email: shane.johnson@ucl.ac.uk JDI Administrator’s office Nic Roberts, 020 7679 0818, nic.roberts@ucl.ac.uk
Provisional Term Dates Term 1: Term 2: Term 3: Monday 22 September 2008 – Friday 12 December 2008 Monday 12 January 2009 – Friday 27 March 2009 Monday 27 April 2009 – Friday 12 June 2009
Page 2
UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime 2008 - 2009
Aims and Objectives
The Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime is a modular programme specifically designed to offer serving police officers and those working with other law enforcement agencies access to the latest evidencebased research in crime prevention and detection. It covers the application of scientific principles and concepts to the detection and prevention of crime. It is a multi-disciplinary subject, drawing on expertise in psychology, mathematics, architecture, forensic sciences, design, geography, philosophy of science and computing. The theoretical underpinnings of situational crime prevention theory and techniques are also covered in depth.
Outcomes By the end of the programme, students will: Understand scientific method and principles and their relevance and application to the investigation and detection of crime Realise the value of research evidence in developing investigative strategies, and how to use it Appreciate what and how different disciplines can contribute to the investigation and reduction of crime Understand the relevance of the immediate situation and its role in causing (and therefore preventing) crime and will be able to determine whether, how and to what extent any particular initiative is likely to prevent crime Have a thorough understanding of situational crime prevention, its advantages and disadvantages, and its application to crime prevention Realise the importance of considering the ethics of crime control, policy issues, implementation in various cultural and political contexts, the Crime and Disorder Act, the role of the media, the role of private security agencies, and issues in research funding and communicating research results Have acquired the foundation knowledge and skills for high-level professional practice whether employed in a crime prevention or detection role or a career in crime science research.
Programme structure The Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime is composed of 8 modules: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Thinking Scientifically (15 credits) Understanding Crime (15 credits) Presenting Evidence (15 credits) Synthesising Evidence (15 credits) Situational Crime Prevention: Theory (15 credits) Situational Crime Prevention: Practice (15 credits) Crime Science and Detection (15 credits) Applied Research Methods II: Crime Mapping and Spatial Analysis for Crime Science (15 credits)
Programme timetable Modules 1, 2 and 3 will run in the Autumn term (September-December 2008). Modules 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 will run in the Spring term (January-March/April 2009). Examinations will take place in the summer term.
Page 3
UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime 2008 - 2009
Programme structure for full time students Full-time students will complete the programme in one academic year. Programme structure for part-time students Part time students may take up to five academic years to complete the programme, although we would typically expect completion in three years. Students wishing to take this programme part time should note that module 5 must be completed before taking module 6. It is also recommended, although not compulsory, for modules 1 and 2 to be taken before the remaining modules. Credits In some circumstances, modules completed with a pass mark of at least 50% may contribute towards the MSc in Crime Science should students wish to further their studies.
Module Overview
The course is designed specifically for those working in UK law enforcement agencies to follow on a part-time basis. For those from overseas, the course can also be taken on a full time basis in which case it would run from September to the end of the exam period the following May/June. The modules are designed to be independent and afford maximum flexibility in study pattern. The course comprises eight of the existing modules of the Masters degree in Crime Science.
Course Descriptions
Module 1: Thinking Scientifically (15 credits) – term 1 Dr Eleonora Montuschi, London School of Economics Provides an understanding of the general principles of scientific endeavour and progress. It looks specifically at the nature of scientific knowledge, what counts as evidence, the role of theory development and the importance of hypothesis formulation and testing. It examines general principles of enquiry and investigation, the role of rationality and dealing with uncertainty in a complex world. Module 2: Understanding Crime (15 credits) – term 1 Dr Noemie Bouhana, Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science Provides an understanding of the range of ways in which crime can be described, measured and analysed, the underlying patterns to look for and their practical significance for crime reduction strategies. A thorough overview of major criminological theories is offered. Students will learn how different professional disciplines can contribute to crime reduction and the perspectives they bring to the topic. Module 3: Presenting Evidence (15 credits) - term 1 Dr Noémie Bouhana, Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science Provides essential and too often neglected skills required to write up research and present findings to academic and professional audiences. Students will learn how to organise a paper, put together references and bibliographies, use online databases, conduct reviews of scientific evidence, and
Page 4
UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime 2008 - 2009
give Powerpoint-supported presentations. Students will submit a practice paper and be provided with personalised feedback. At the end of the course, they will be able to deliver in a 30-minute presentation on a subject to be agreed with their supervisor. Module 4: Synthesising Evidence (15 credits) - term 2 Dr Kate Bowers, Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science An important skill for those involved in research is the ability to draw together and critically assess a body of evidence relating to a specific issue. From a crime prevention point of view, this would include interpreting and assessing the validity of evaluations of different interventions. From a detection perspective, this might involve bringing together evidence concerning processes that aid or hinder investigations. This module will begin by focusing on the skills required to synthesise research. Further lectures will consider how the British Crime Survey (BCS) can be used to define the extent of a crime or disorder problem, and students will be shown how to undertake analysis of the BCS data. Module 5: Situational Crime Prevention: Theory (Term 2) (15 credits) Dr Shane Johnson, Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science Provides the necessary theoretical background for those interested in reducing crime by reducing opportunities to offend. It includes discussion of crime patterns and goes on to examine a range of situational and environmental approaches which can change, reduce or affect those patterns. Module 6: Situational Crime Prevention: Practice (Term 2) (15 credits) Dr Kate Bowers, Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science Students opting for this highly practically oriented module must have completed module 5. The majority of lectures in this module take a case study approach with examples from the research literature of what has or has not proved effective in the prevention of a range of specific offences. The module includes a requirement that students complete a practical exercise. Module 7: Crime Science and Detection (Term 2) (15 credits) Dr Ruth Morgan, Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science Concentrates on approaches to crime detection. It examines what is known about offenders’ behaviour, rational choice theory and risk taking, networks and markets and the implications for detection strategies. This module also provides an understanding of the range of forensic approaches to crime detection. Module 8: Situational Crime Prevention: Practice (Term 2) (15 credits) Dr Kate Bowers, Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science Considers the analysis of geographically referenced crime (and other) data, covering both the theory and application of the relevant techniques. It will provide students with the opportunity to analyse real and simulated data using Geographical Information Systems (e.g. ArcGIS) and other computer packages (e.g. CrimeStatIII) routinely used in the discipline.
Teaching and Assessment
Students must successfully complete the eight modules below: 1. Thinking Scientifically (assessed via one unseen exam)
Page 5
UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime 2008 - 2009
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Understanding Crime (assessed via one unseen exam) Presenting Evidence (assessed via annotated 30-minute Powerpoint presentation) Synthesising Evidence (assessed via a 3,000 word project) Situational Crime Prevention: Theory (assessed via one essay) Situational Crime Prevention: Practice (assessed via one essay and a presentation) Crime Science and Detection (assessed via one essay) Applied Research Methods II: Crime Mapping and Spatial Analysis for Crime Science (assessed via two 1,500-word projects)
Students will be taught relevant skills using a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, and practicals. Students will have the opportunity in seminars to lead group discussions. Seminars will also allow students to work together in teams to problem solve and critically evaluate various methods of preventing and detecting crime. Qualification awarded The Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime will be awarded to candidates who have successfully completed each of the eight components of the programme (i.e., have scored over 50% in each of the course components). Fees Information on the fees charged to attend the Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime are available by contacting the UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science. Students requiring further information should contact the UCL Student Finance Office http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students/tuition-fees/pg-fees/
Applications Admission is open to graduates who have or expect to receive a minimum of a lower second class Honours degree from a UK university or its equivalent from overseas in a relevant discipline (e.g., criminology, psychology, sociology, law) or individuals with five or more years relevant professional experience (e.g. in the police service, or as a crime reduction co-ordinator). Applicants may be required to undertake and pass a qualifying examination if they have good experience but “non-standard” qualifications. Students whose first language is not English will need to meet the College's English language requirement. Applications are accepted throughout the year, prior to the beginning of the programme, but applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. Further information may be obtained from: UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science University College London Second Floor, Brook House 2 – 16 Torrington Place London, WC1E 7HN Tel: 020 7679 0818 Fax: 020 7679 0828 Email: jdi@ucl.ac.uk
Page 6
UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science Diploma in the Prevention and Detection of Crime 2008 - 2009
Application forms are available from the Admissions and General Enquiries Office, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1 6BT, Email: admissions@ucl.ac.uk, Tel 020 7679 7742, fax 020 7679 3112, or visit the website: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/index.shtml
Page 7