The Certificate of Higher Education in Criminal Justice (Cert HE CJ) draws upon a broad range of disciplines such as Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Law, Social Policy and Philosophy to actively encourage the development of strong analytical, reasoning and reflective skills. You will engage with academic literature and debates related to the criminal justice system whilst evaluating research and evidence and applying this directly to your practice.
Computer Marked Assignments (CMAs)
A range of Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs), including:
We are firmly committed to a policy of open learning and there are no specific academic entry requirements for this course, you just need to be motivated to succeed. However, to join this practice-based course you must be employed or volunteering within the prison service, criminal justice system or allied area for the equivalent of at least one day a week.
See Student Support for how we can help you during your course to realise your full potential.
Payment plans are available – please see Fees and Funding for more information. If you are being sponsored on this course, please have your sponsor details ready when you register.
You will study two modules, the first one lasting 24 weeks and the second one lasting 30 weeks. The course provides a detailed overview of how the criminal justice system works and the principles on which it is based, also introducing areas of criminal justice practice including relationship-based practice and multi-agency working.
Using our unique digital platform, you will learn through video case studies, extracts, reflective activities and interactive quizzes. You will be able to study anywhere and at any time online. You will also have a dedicated Learning Coach who will support you on your learning journey and assess your work.
Click on the modules below to see more.
Investigate the operations of the criminal justice system, including issues affecting criminal justice policy that are of historical importance and contemporary relevance. You will study six blocks:
Develop the skills necessary to be a professional, reflective practitioner and critically explore how you would act in a professional setting through 4 blocks of learning:
The Cert HE in Criminal Justice provides a great opportunity for those working in the Prison Service, Criminal justice System and allied sectors (e.g. delivering specialist services aimed at people who have offended, such as substance misuse, domestic violence or mental health) to develop their practice skills in ways that are evidence-based and grounded in relevant theory.
Completing the Cert HE in Criminal Justice will give you 120 credits, meaning you are halfway towards achieving a Foundation Degree in Criminal Justice and a third of the way towards a BA (Hons).
See our main criminal justice courses page for how you can progress to the next study level.
Contact us
01603 570365