Justice Studies Internship (8544.2)

This unit provides for students to undertake an approved professional placement in a justice agency, either in Australia or overseas, and to undertake a research project in the field of justice administration that is of value to the specific workplace. The unit requires and develops students knowledge of the justice system, problem identification and resolution, and a range of other important skills, including:- oral and written communication skills;- the ability to work in teams and collaboratively; and - the ability to exercise initiative. In the course of the placement, the student will undertake a supervised project, of at least 40 hours duration. A report on that project will be prepared, and the student will also be required to keep a reflective journal recording their work on the project.

Learning outcomes

At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of administration of justice within a justice agency;
2. Demonstrate how practical skills such as analysis, research and writing are put to use;
3. Demonstrate an ability to apply theoretical knowledge to problem solving; and
4. Reflect and think about how social or ethical issues of your workplace impact on the administration of justice.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity

Skills development

In addition to the graduate attributes listed above, completion of this unit will ideally have increased students’ exposure to the real world of legal or law-related practice, helped students develop critically-important interviewing and analysis skills, and assisted students to identify how theory may not always map well onto actual practice.

Prerequisites

Permission from Unit Convener

Corequisites

Enrolment in a Law course or a Justice Studies course OR permission of unit convener.

Assumed knowledge

None.