The Diploma in Probation Studies

Once appointed, trainees will commence a programme of academic study and practice based work. This will lead to the award of the BA (Hons) in Community Justice Studies and the NVQ Level 4 in Offending Behaviour, which together make up the Diploma in Probation Studies. Applicants should note that the degree will be awarded by the University of Portsmouth and delivered via a distance learning route.

The Institute Of Criminal Justice Studies - University Of Portsmouth

The BA (Hons) in Community Justice Studies is located within the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies (ICJS). The ICJS was established in 1992 as the focal point for the University of Portsmouth's work in criminology and criminal justice. ICJS is an inter-disciplinary unit, drawing upon expertise in sociology, criminology, political science, psychology, law, social policy and public administration. With over 50 members of academic staff and more than 1500 students in the UK and abroad, ICJS stands as the largest centre of research and course provision in criminal justice studies in the UK. It offers the full range of award bearing courses from Certificate to PhD levels and its courses are delivered in a variety of ways, including through distance learning. The Institute is currently delivering probation officer training in partnership with four of the nine regional Consortia in England and Wales, including the North West Consortium.

Distance Learning

Over 1000 students are currently registered on the Institute's undergraduate and postgraduate distance learning courses. Features include:

• Up-to-date, research-based course materials that provide students with clear and professionally presented information and debate
• Detailed guidance on study-skills, research methods and the writing up of projects
• Telephone and e-mail tutor support via the ICJS Tutor Centre
• Access to the ICJS On-Line Learning Centre
• Access to publications via the internet
• Highly professional and supportive administration coupled with computerised data-management

Interested candidates do need to be aware that both academic study and practice based work elements of the training programme will require the use of information technology. Although it would be helpful to have some IT experience, employing Probation Areas will provide job-related training. Candidates with a disability should refer to the Disabled section.

BA (Hons) In Community Justice Studies

If you are successful in your application for a trainee probation officer post, you will commence a two-year programme of academic study and practice-based work. This will lead to the award of the BA (Hons) in Community Justice Studies, which incorporates an NVQ level 4 in Work with Offending Behaviour. Successful completion of the degree and the NVQ leads to the award of the Diploma in Probation Studies, the recognised professional qualification for probation officers.

You will be registered as a full-time student at the University and will also be an employee of the Probation Area to which you have been appointed. A Practice Development Assessor (PDA), who is an experienced Probation Officer, will supervise your work for the NVQ Level 4. The University of Portsmouth course team will oversee your academic studies. Practice-based work contributes 120 of the 360 academic credits required to complete the BA (Hons) in Community Justice Studies. The remaining 240 academic credits are achieved through the submission of essays and other assignments linked to work based learning. The course does not make use of formal examinations to assess trainees.

Although the curriculum is delivered mainly by distance learning, trainees must also attend a series of regionally based workshops and theme days and an annual five day residential study school, held in February each year at Portsmouth. These events are an integral part of the DipPS programme and trainees are required to attend them. Trainees also benefit from the Institute's well-established academic support system for distance learning students, including the Community Justice On-Line Learning Centre and telephone and e-mail support from academic staff in the ICJS Tutor Centre.

Level 4 NVQ in Community Justice

NVQ's are work-based and can only be awarded when applicants have demonstrated their competence in practice. Trainee Probation Officers will be expected to undertake a full range of Probation Officer activities under supervision. They will be assessed by a Practice Development Assessor (PDA) who will also help to create the opportunities to learn, practise and demonstrate the relevant skills and knowledge. To gain the necessary learning opportunities, Trainees may work in a number of different settings and locations in the course of their traineeship.

The integration of the academic and professional component is supported by formal and informal systems and protocols between the Course Team and the Consortium. This will ensure that the experience of trainees reflects the aims and values that underpin programme delivery. The course team at the University of Portsmouth and PDAs will be able to help trainees plan their learning to ensure that, whilst this is a demanding programme of work, it will also be realistic, achievable and, above all rewarding.

The Curriculum was derived from Occupational Standards which set out what Probation Officers must be able to do. This ensures that the Curriculum is relevant and will equip people to begin practice confidently and competently on qualification. It also ensures that learning via the University and learning at work are complementary.

The arrangements are overseen by the Diploma in Probation Studies Standing Panel, within the Sector Skills Council - Skills for Justice. Programmes are subject to ongoing review.

Top of page