DA4077 - Introduction to the Police Constable Role (PCDA)

What will I learn on this module?

This introductory module opens with a week-long induction to the PCDA programme that combines an introduction to your police force and to the university. To prepare you for your role as a Police Constable you will undertake sessions in key topics including understanding the role of the Police Constable, valuing difference, and inclusion, and maintaining professional standards. The university induction prepares you for the academic learning components of the programme through a learning resource introduction, academic learning and research skills sessions, guidance on how to make the best use of available technology within your learning, and overall confidence building in becoming a work-based learner.

Your induction is followed by communication skills, wellbeing and resilience, leadership and team working in the context of the Police Constable role. There are a number of research tasks which will make you aware of the various organisations that are related to policing and their role and functions. Additional research and role playing exercises allow you to understand the importance of tactical communication, the use of body worn video, and statement writing. Upon culmination of this module, you progress onto other modules during the initial university phase before you embark on supported deployment.

PCDA curriculum learning outcomes (Core National learning):



The Police Constable Role and Professional Standards 1.1-7.2, 9.1-10.3

Valuing Diversity and Inclusion 1.1-4.3

Wellbeing and Resilience 1.1-1.2, 1.5-2,2

Communication Skills 1.1-1.8, 6.1

Decision-making and discretion 1.1-2.8

Community policing and partnership working 4.1-4.2



PCDA learning outcomes (Core Local learning):

The Police Constable Role and Professional Standards 1.1-3.1

Valuing Diversity and Inclusion 1.1-1.3

Wellbeing and Resilience 1.1-2.1

Communication Skills 1.1-1.2

Community policing and partnership working – 8.1

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a series of different delivery styles which will include traditional taught lectures to cover theoretical / procedural aspects of the curriculum, supplemented with seminar and workshop sessions where you will be a more active learner, making connections between theory / procedure in practice. Additional learning strategies utilised throughout the module include placements and work-based learning; both involve learning that is derived from observing, reflecting, and doing a job of work and taking on a role in the workplace.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported through active participation and discussion during seminars and workshops. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand the criminological, legal, and business theory, and procedural policy and legislation underpinning the role and responsibilities of the Police Constable; the wider police organisation and criminal justice system; and the delivery of a professional police service in local communities. All lecture, seminar and workshop material will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects. Opportunities for formative assessment and feedback will help you to prepare for summative assessment. Written and oral summative assessment feedback will also be provided to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in subsequent assessments within your programme.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding (K&U):  

K&U –

You will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key concepts relating to policing, the role and responsibilities of the Police Constable, and the wider police organisation.

 

Intellectual/Professional skills & abilities (IPSA): 

IPSA -  

You will demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team and communicate in a range of contexts relevant to the professional role of Police Constable.

You will demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between criminology, law, leadership, business studies and policing, and the administration of criminal justice.

You will demonstrate practical ability in developing skills necessary for the role of a Police Constable.


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA): 

PVA –

You will understand the importance of professionalism in policing, the delivery of a police service in local communities that is fair, just, and supports the most vulnerable and at risk populations.

How will I be assessed?

You will be summatively assessed on this module through a portfolio of work that consists of eight components.

Assessed Component One: Knowledge and integrity check based on week one (Pass/Fail, pass mark 40%). (KU 1; IPS 2).

Assessed Component Two: Written Statement (Pass/Fail, pass mark 40%) (IPS 4)


Assessed Component Three: 15 question First Aid Exam (Pass/Fail, pass mark 66.7%) (IPS 4)



Assessed Component Four: Job Related Fitness Test (Pass/Fail) (IPS 4)


Opportunities for formative assessment and feedback include:

• Practice role play scenarios
• Study Skills Lecture
• Study Skills workbook with an opportunity to discuss and get feedback on academic writing to prepare you for the reflective essay.
• Ongoing feedback on performance during operational practice.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This introductory module introduces you to the PCDA programme, Northumbria Police, Northumbria University, and the role and practice of a Police Constable. You will develop knowledge, understanding, and practical skills central to the Police Officer role, in addition to key skills essential for academic learning. Topics include valuing difference and inclusion, maintaining professional standards, discretion, decision making, communication skills, wellbeing, resilience, leadership and team working.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints