Diploma in Social Sciences

In September 2003 the first 22 students embarked on the Diploma in Social Sciences course run by PRRT in conjunction with the University of Ulster. The lectures are held at Maryfield on Tuesdays (all day) and Thursday evenings.

This course, formally known as the APEL Access Course, has now been approved for five years by the University of Ulster. The course is 36 weeks long and runs from September to June, with one residential weekend and one workshop weekend, which is not residential. This qualification is a ‘stand alone' qualification or can be used as an Access qualification for entry to university. The course consists of the following modules:

Personal and Professional Development – designed to use your experience as a police officer, this module will be assessed by way of a portfolio of evidence of life long learning.

Research, Study and IT Skills – designed to give those people who have not studied for some time the opportunity to have research and study techniques explained, and also to give the students an opportunity to obtain an IT qualification (Microsoft Word). The module will be assessed by way of course work and an IT exam.

Maths – this module is in two parts; a ten week basic maths course followed by a 26 week maths course leading to GCSE equivalence in Maths. The module is designed for people who have not done any maths for a considerable period of time, and for those who are not comfortable with maths. This module will be assessed by way of examination.

The Citizen and the Law – designed to give the student an insight into how the law affects them as a citizen, and includes a study of European Law. This module will be assessed by way of examination.

Communication Skills – designed to enhance the student's oral and written communication skills. Assessment is by way of course work and examination, and successful completion of the module will give the student GCSE English equivalence.

Introduction to Management Theory – designed to give an insight into the various management theories currently in use and will be assessed by way of course work and exam.

Introduction to Sociology – designed to give the student a ‘feel' for sociology as a subject for possible future study at university or other third level education institute. This module will be assessed by way of coursework and examination.

Introduction to Psychology – designed to give the student an insight into psychology as a possible future area of interest. The module will be assessed by way of course work and examination.

Students currently on the course find that it is intensive and requires a considerable time commitment.

Interested? Yes but….

What qualifications do I need?
No formal educational qualifications are needed as this course is designed to give officers a formal academic qualification based on their life experiences as a police officer, and is designed for those people with no formal academic attainment.
The only thing you are required to bring to the course is the commitment to succeed.

Who can apply?
Anyone who is entitled to the services provided by PRRT i.e. retired officers, full time reserve officers, or any officer who is thinking of leaving the PSNI within the next five years.

How much does it cost?
PRRT will be subsidising the course. The extent of the subsidy will be dependent upon the numbers undertaking the course.

How do I apply?
Contact Ted Cooke at 02890 427788

When can I apply?
Application forms for the 2004/2005 course are available now. Places may be limited so an early application is advised.

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