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The four level 5 Required Knowledge modules are:

• The Criminal Justice System
• Penal Policy and Punishment of Offenders
• Crime and Criminal Behaviour
• Rehabilitation of Offenders

These modules are needed before candidates can study for the level 6 BA/GD programme in Community Justice which leads to the professional qualification giving eligibility to apply to work as a probation officer.

To study for these modules students will need to demonstrate that they are able to study at this level by way of possessing a BA or higher degree.

For those not possessing any relevant formal qualifications we have created a Level 4 Assessment giving Advance Standing to the level 5 DipHE. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have experience of working with challenging behaviour. Candidates might for example hold the VQ3 in Probation Practice but candidates who have experience to draw upon to complete the assessment will be considered on an individual basis.

If you do not possess a BA but do for example hold a Level 4 qualification such as a Certificate in Community Justice then you will need to complete a Diploma in Higher Education which will consist of the 4 required Level 5 Knowledge modules plus a 5th module Introduction to Adult Learning, Reflection and Diversity. Possession of this Level 5 award will enable you to progress to the BA.

If you would like to self-fund for one or more of the four Required Knowledge modules, ahead of the HMPPS recruitment drive, you are still able to study these with us. Please complete the Community Justice Learning Application form and send it to us at admissions@dmu.ac.uk with evidence of your prior learning so that we can confirm which modules are required.

The Programmes

The programmes include:

• Learning about the criminal justice system
• Criminology, risk assessment and risk management
• Probation law
• Values
• Ethics and professional practice
• Offender management and interventions

The module leaders are DMU staff who have experience of probation training, have worked in practice in the sector and are active in criminal justice research.

The programme combines academic study with the assessment of practice. In addition to academic assessment, students on the BA/GD complete a vocational qualification in Probation Practice which is planned and assessed in the workplace.

These programmes are offered in distance learning mode. Extensive use is made of e-learning technology to allow students to communicate with DMU staff and with other students. Learners will be supported throughout their time at DMU by the Programme Team who can be contacted at pqip@dmu.ac.uk. Learners studying at level 5 and 6 will have a personal tutor throughout their study period. A variety of assessment methods are used. These include:

• Essays
• Case studies Reflective diaries On-line discussion 

More information can be obtained at