Duration – Distance Learning Study. This course can be organised and sequenced in different ways and as a consequence the time taken to progress through the full HE Diploma may vary from one learner to another, but the programme could be completed in 15 months. If you have credits for relevant study at Level 4, you would be able to go straight into Level 5 shortening your period of study. Most learners however enter the HE Diploma via the level 4 Practice Portfolio which is a mechanism for Sheffield Hallam to award credits for the knowledge and understanding that candidates have gained through experiential learning rather than formal study.

The course offers stimulating but flexible learning for workers in criminal justice and related fields. It delivers both core knowledge and opportunity for reflection and self-development as a practitioner. Our teaching approach is active and applied, so the course is valuable as a stand-alone as well as providing a stepping stone into the qualifying programme for probation officers.

• provides flexible distance learning to fit around work, volunteer and personal commitments
• sits within the Community Justice Learning framework that incorporates the qualifying programme for probation officers
• is taught by a team experienced in both criminal justice practice and delivery of professional education
• offers learning applicable to a wide range of criminal justice and related settings, such as youth justice, substance misuse, prisons and residential child care
• can be purchased by individual learners or employers

The Diploma in Higher Education allows you opportunity to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills and to enhance your critical awareness of criminal justice practices. With 120 credits from the Practice Portfolio at level 4 and the 120 credits gained at Level 5, you will be eligible to apply for the level 6 probation officer qualifying programme and to achieve a full BA (Hons) degree. However, the Dip HE is also relevant to other areas of criminal justice practice which is specifically recognised in the range of elective modules offered.

The distance learning modules on the Dip HE enables you to develop

1. the knowledge and understanding required to work effectively in the criminal justice sector, recognising appropriate quality and ethical standards
2. the ability to apply theoretical and conceptual models to practice and to use practice frameworks and theoretical models to assess the effectiveness and impact of penal practices
3. a reflective and analytical approach to professional practice and awareness of the principles and values underpinning criminal justice practice, including the fair and legitimate use of power and authority
4. a range of skills relevant to criminal justice practice and ability to identify approaches and methods appropriate to diverse individuals and situations

Associated careers

Probation officer
Prison officer and other roles within custody
Youth justice practitioner
Substance misuse practitioner
A variety of other supporting roles in criminal justice, childcare, mental health and substance misuse agencies.

Entry requirements

Standard university entry requirements and some experience as volunteer or employee working with individuals with challenging behaviours. Please contact probation@shu.ac.uk for more information on how to apply.