Overview
Most criminal justice professionals have an opportunity, at some point in the criminal justice process, to improve the experiences of victims of crime.
On this Working with Victims of Crime online short course, you'll gain an insight into the difficulties and challenges faced by victims of crime, whether they choose to report it or not. You'll also start to unpack theories around victimisation and the impact of crime, and develop skills that will enhance your professional practices and culture when working with victims of crime.
The credits from this course can contribute towards a Criminal Psychology and Victimology Master's degree.
What you'll experience
On this short course you'll get:
- an understanding of the processes of victimisation and how this informs both informal and formal responses to victims of crime
- an appreciation of the impact of victimisation and an understanding of the criminal justice process from a victim perspective.
- a critical appreciation of the impact of reforms and knowledge of policies and legislation
- a critical understanding of the impact of reforms on professional cultures and practices
You'll reflect on your academic learning and (if appropriate) professional practice, by contributing to a shared discussion forum, where you'll share experiences and examples of good practice.
Your final marks will be assessed by a critical review of a report/article (20%) and a final essay (80%) in response to one of four questions.
You'll receive feedback on your essay plan, to help you prepare to write the final essay.
What's included
Included in your course fee:
- Provision of a named unit coordinator to access support and guidance when you need it
- Six chapters of written materials with guided and interactive activities
- Provision of an Online Interactive Reading list ensuring a speedy delivery of reading material
- Access to a growing library of e-books and e-journals in victimology, criminology and criminal justice
- Free dispatch of books and offprints of journal articles to UK distance learning students when they're not available online
- A students’ card for the duration of the course
After successful completion of the course, you'll be entitled to a transcript of studies and a University Certificate. The credits gained from this course can contribute towards attaining the MSc Criminal Psychology and Victimology.
Teaching
This course is delivered through distance learning, with written learning materials, an online interactive reading list, learning resources and web based communication and peer learning available to you.
The University of Portsmouth uses the Moodle Virtual Learning Environment, so you'll be able to have access to tutors and other students, wherever you are.
You will also have the opportunity to attend six one-hour online seminars delivered in an evening for the first six teaching weeks of the course. The seminars will be recorded, so these will be available to view at anytime afterwards by those students unable to attend the live seminars.
Topics you'll cover include:
- Defining victims and victimisation
- Theoretical perspectives in Victimology
- The impact of victimisation
- Victims and the criminal justice process
- Policies and legislation
- Working in partnership to deliver services and support to victims of crime
