Postgraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice

Description
This course will examine a range of contemporary people-focused issues of importance to the Aotearoa New Zealand criminal justice system. This course will identify and discuss the sources of some of the current or recent influences that shape aspects of criminal justice theory, research, policy, and practice in Aotearoa New Zealand, including, as required, political agendas and contemporary societal opinions. The focus would be on the lived experiences, over-represented groups, and the roles of people within criminal justice systems. This includes not only those processed through the system (e.g., offenders, victims, communities) but also those who work within it (e.g., frontline staff, professionals, policymakers). This course will provide students with a deeper understanding of these contemporary issues in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the challenges faced by professionals in this field. 

Learning Outcomes

1. Show evidence of advanced knowledge specific to contemporary issues relating to criminal justice processes and systems relevant to the Aotearoa New Zealand criminal justice system.
2. Demonstrate high levels of understanding of sophisticated theoretical and empirical research subject matter.
3. Demonstrate that you can evaluate and critically examine a range of contemporary discussions in criminal justice literature.
4. Show that you can effectively research, analyse and argue from evidence.
5. Engage in rigorous intellectual analysis and criticism specific to criminal justice contemporary issues.

Description
This course will examine a range of contemporary system-focused issues of importance to the Aotearoa New Zealand criminal justice system. This course will identify and discuss the sources of some of the current or recent influences that shape aspects of criminal justice theory, research, policy, and practice in Aotearoa New Zealand, including, as required, political agendas and contemporary societal opinions. The focus is on the pressing challenges, reforms, and innovations facing criminal justice and related systems today. The focus would ideally be interdisciplinary, evidence-informed, and draw from real-world developments. This course will provide students with a deeper understanding of these contemporary issues in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the challenges faced by professionals in this field. 

Learning outcomes

1. Show evidence of advanced knowledge specific to contemporary issues relating to criminal justice processes and systems relevant to the Aotearoa New Zealand criminal justice system.
2. Demonstrate high levels of understanding of sophisticated theoretical and empirical research subject matter.
3. Demonstrate that you can evaluate and critically examine a range of contemporary discussions in criminal justice literature.
4. Show that you can effectively research, analyse and argue from evidence.
5. Engage in rigorous intellectual analysis and criticism specific to criminal justice contemporary issues.

Description
This course introduces the qualitative methods and techniques used in criminal justice research. The goal of this course is to help learners develop an understanding of the kinds of qualitative research conducted in the criminal justice field, how to read and critically interpret this research [e.g., reading journal articles that use these methods], and how to develop the skills required to design their own research. Learners will learn the basics of qualitative research design, including the identification of qualitative research questions/hypotheses, a critical appraisal of existing literature, the selection of appropriate research methods to answer the questions, and the development of the research design incorporating ethical issues and kaupapa Māori research principles as appropriate. Learners will understand how to use qualitative research methods, including thematic analysis, content analysis, narrative and discourse analysis, and Grounded theory and Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain key concepts used in qualitative research and their application in criminal justice research.
2. Critically appraise qualitative studies in criminal justice, identifying methodological strengths, weaknesses, biases, and interpreting outcomes/findings.
3.  Design robust qualitative studies to address criminal justice questions.
4. Apply ethical and Kaupapa Māori research principles to the collection, management, and analysis of qualitative data, ensuring integrity and respect for participants' rights. 

Description
This course introduces the quantitative methods and techniques used in criminal justice research. The goal of this course is to help learners develop an understanding of the kinds of quantitative research conducted in the criminal justice field, how to read and critically interpret this research [e.g., reading journal articles that use these methods], and how to develop the skills required to design their own research. Learners will learn the basics of quantitative research design, including the identification of quantitative research questions/hypotheses, a critical appraisal of existing literature, the selection of appropriate research methods to answer the questions, and the development of the research design incorporating ethical issues and kaupapa Māori research principles as appropriate. Learners will understand how to use quantitative research methods, including survey, correlational, controlled- and quasi-experimentation, and evaluation research. 

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain key concepts used in quantitative research and their application in criminal justice research. 
2. Critically appraise quantitative studies in criminal justice, identifying methodological strengths, weaknesses, biases, and interpreting outcomes/findings.
3. Design robust quantitative studies to address criminal justice questions 
4. Apply ethical and Kaupapa Māori research principles to the collection, management, and analysis of quantitative data, ensuring integrity and respect for participants' rights.