POL6405 - Work-Based Learning Portfolio

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 - Critically reflect on professional policing practice, drawing on theoretical frameworks to analyse decision-making, discretion, and ethical challenges;
2 - Evaluate and evidence the development of professional competencies through structured analysis of work-based learning; and,
3 - Synthesise learning from academic and operational contexts to demonstrate professional growth aligned with programme and sector expectations.

Content:

This module supports students in critically evidencing their learning and development through structured reflection on professional policing practice. It enables students to demonstrate how operational experiences have contributed to their academic and professional growth. The portfolio consolidates workplace learning, academic insight, and values-based decision-making.

Topics include the following:

- Reflective practice and professional development planning:
Students will explore models of reflection (e.g., Gibbs, Schön, Brookfield) and use them to analyse past experiences. They will be encouraged to identify patterns of learning and plan future development using structured reflective tools and self-assessment frameworks.

- Linking theory to operational experience:
Students will connect academic theory (e.g. procedural justice, decision-making models, discretion, legitimacy) to real-world policing activity, critically analysing how theoretical frameworks inform or contrast with their own practice.

- Ethical and legal frameworks in workplace decision-making:
The module examines the role of legislation (e.g. Police and Criminal Evidence Act, Human Rights Act) and ethical codes (e.g. College of Policing Code of Ethics) in shaping professional decisions. Students will be expected to evaluate how these frameworks have informed their actions and identify any dilemmas encountered.

- Recording and evidencing workplace learning outcomes:
Guidance is provided on compiling structured evidence (e.g. incident debriefs, reflective logs, supervisor feedback) to demonstrate learning. Students will learn to present this evidence with appropriate academic commentary and critical insight.

- Building a portfolio of evidence aligned with the programme’s core themes:
Students will map their portfolio contents against key themes in the programme (e.g. public confidence, equity, community engagement, problem-solving), ensuring their submission reflects broad engagement with professional policing values.

- Critical reflection on values, bias, and professional judgement:
Students will be encouraged to explore how personal values, organisational culture, and unconscious bias influence professional judgement. The aim is to foster greater self-awareness and ethical sensitivity in decision-making.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module is designed to support autonomous and critically reflective learning, guided by structured academic support. The emphasis is on enabling students to meaningfully integrate their lived experience of policing with academic theory, values, and evidence-based practice.



Learning will take place through:

- Individual tutorials supporting portfolio development:
Personalised academic supervision will help students define the focus of their portfolio, identify appropriate evidence, and apply reflective frameworks. Tutorials will also provide formative feedback on draft work and support the development of a coherent narrative.

- Group sessions exploring reflective models and professional frameworks:
Interactive sessions will introduce students to reflective theory, professional standards, and ethical frameworks. These workshops will include peer discussion of critical incidents and facilitated exploration of dilemmas commonly encountered in practice.

- Independent study involving evidence collection, reflection, and integration of theory:
Students will be expected to conduct substantial independent work, drawing on operational documentation, reflective logs, academic texts, and relevant policy or legal frameworks. This work will form the core of the portfolio submission.

Workshops (in-person)
Hours: 8
Intended Group Size: 5-10

Online Tutorials
Hours: 22
Intended Group Size: 1-5

Guided independent study
Hours: 120



This learning structure is designed to promote deep, sustained engagement with both personal experience and academic learning, culminating in a substantial piece of work that demonstrates professional maturity and critical insight.

This module prepares students to operate within structured command environments and respond with confidence to high-pressure, unpredictable events.



Further Details Relating to Assessment

The portfolio must include:
- A personal development narrative linked to professional values
- Evidence of work-based learning and competencies
- Reflective analysis aligned to theoretical frameworks
- Reference to relevant legislation, ethics, and policing standards.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 6
Credit Value - 15
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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