Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Forensic issues (Distance Learning) - PCert, PDip, MA

Teaching

Teaching and assessment

The assessment methods include unseen examinations, mixture of essays and assignments.

Programme aims

The aims of this programme are:

• to provide students with detailed knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities and forensic issues
• to develop an evidence-based critical understanding of intellectual and developmental disabilities and forensic issues
• to encourage values-based, ethically stringent practice and/or research in intellectual and developmental disabilities and forensic issues
• to produce graduates equipped to play a leading role in public services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and forensic issues

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain the following knowledge and understanding:

• Definitions and epidemiology of intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Definitions and prevalence of challenging behaviour and offending in IDD
• Cognitive, communicative and social characteristics of people with IDD at risk of offending
• Biological, social and environmental factors in the causes of IDD and offending
• Values & ethical principles underpinning professional practice
• Methods of assessment and intervention for IDD and offending
• Ideology, policy and service development in IDD and offending
• Definition and measurement of service quality
• Relationships between service organisation and quality
• Research methodology and basic statistical analysis

Intellectual skills

You will develop intellectual skills in:

• The ability to present critical, balanced and conceptually-informed arguments
• The ability to appraise and interpret evidence from academic literature and personal/work experience
• The ability to critically analyse data with reference to issues of method, reliability and validity
• The ability to generate and interpret evidence through research 

Subject-specific skills

You will develop skills to: 

• Conduct assessments, design interventions, monitor outcomes and adjust interventions at individual and service levels.
• Behave in an ethically correct and professional manner, working collaboratively with users and colleagues, using supervision and recognising limitations.
• Conduct applied research on a topic relevant to IDD and forensic issues.

Transferable skills

You gain the following transferable skills:

• Communication: organise information clearly, respond to written sources, present information orally
• Numeracy: make sense of statistical materials, integrate quantitative and qualitative information
• Information Technology: produce written documents, undertake online research
• Working with others: work co-operatively on group tasks, understand how groups function
• Improving own learning: explore personal strengths and weaknesses, time management, review working environment
• Problem solving: identify and define problems, explore alternative solutions and discriminate between them

Careers

Our postgraduate courses provide detailed knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Graduates will have gained a very good understanding of the matters arising within this population and will be able to analyse and conduct relevant research.  

Our postgraduate courses improve employability prospects for both those with established careers and new entrants to the field.  Many of our students already work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in professional, management or supporting capacities. Our programmes support their continuing professional development and enhance their opportunities for career advancement.

Other students, who are at the beginning of their careers, move on to a range of professional roles in health and social care including:

• Working as psychologists in learning disability or behavioural specialists in community learning disability teams
• Service management of development roles
• Clinical psychology training or a PhD

This particular programme will also provide the necessary skills to work in secure services or forensic community teams. 

Study support

The Tizard Centre runs an annual seminar series where staff or guest lecturers present the results of research or highlight recent developments in the field of social care. The Jim Mansell Memorial Lecture invites public figures or distinguished academics to discuss topics that could interest a wider audience. The Centre also publishes the Tizard Learning Disability Review (in conjunction with Emerald Publishing) to provide a source of up-to-date information for professionals and carers.

The Tizard Centre provides consultancy to organisations in the statutory and independent sectors, both nationally and internationally, in diversified areas such as service assessment, person-centred approaches, active support and adult protection. The Centre also teaches a range of short courses, often in conjunction with other organisations.

Dynamic publishing culture

Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Journal of Mental Health; Journal of Applied Research and Intellectual Disabilities; American Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; and Journal of Intellectual Disability Research.

Global Skills Award

All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.