![students in library working together](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_mobile/public/media/images/probation-office-training-1200x400.jpg?h=d19592ec&itok=xCAz17FB)
Sidebar navigation
![students in library working together](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_mobile/public/media/images/probation-office-training-1200x400.jpg?h=d19592ec&itok=xCAz17FB)
Become a Probation Officer
Help reduce re-offending and cut crime
Overview
As a probation officer you'll work directly with offenders in the community and in prisons to support them to make positive changes. Through your training you will gain the insight and skills to support offenders on their rehabilitation journeys by challenging behaviour, helping them to make better life choices.
Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) / BA (Hons) Community Justice
The trainee probation officer programme supports you in becoming a qualified probation officer through achieving the BA (Hons) Community Justice, which, combined with the vocational qualification, is the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP). Our training is delivered by subject specialists and many of our academic staff have worked as probation officers in the past.
We hold contracts with the to train probation officers in England and Wales, and are contracted to deliver all aspects of the Community Justice Learning framework in the following Probation Regions:
- London Probation Region
- East Midlands Probation Region
- West Midlands Probation Region
- South West Probation Region
- South Central Probation Region
- Wales National Probation Region
The trainee probation officer programme (PQiP) is the only route to becoming a probation officer. Combining vocational training with higher education study the length of PQiP programme will be dependent on your previous education attainment.
You’ll develop practical and academic learning skills to work as a probation services officer (PSO) while you study and become a probation officer when you qualify.
As a PSO, you'll complete various tasks including compiling in-depth reports for court, undertaking risk assessments and supervising offenders on a one-to-one basis. You will also have a range of placements such as working in court and prison.
The trainee probation officer programme is a full-time, 15-month, 21-month or 27-month work-based training course (length dependent on previous education experience). Part-time options are also available for the 15 and 21-month programmes. The academic study will be completed via distance learning and includes online seminars, engagement with online learning materials and regular contact with your personal tutor
Eligibility
You’ll need to have empathy and resilience to help people to make positive changes.
You will also need to evidence your ability to connect with people in difficult situations. Whilst you do not need to have to have previously worked with people with convictions, you do need to demonstrate transferable skills.
This route is open to anyone with a minimum level 3 qualification (including level 3 certificate, level 3 NVQ, AS level, A Level)
This route is open to anyone with a recognised qualification at Level 5 or above (including a Diploma of Higher Education, Foundation, Honours Degree, Higher Apprenticeship).
Assignment to the 21-month or 15-month programme will be dependant on your ability to evidence studying the required knowledge modules.
Required Knowledge Modules
To qualify for the 15-month pathway you will be a degree holder and have evidence of having obtained 3 of the following 4 required Knowledge Modules at level 5 or above:
- The Criminal Justice System
- Understanding Crime and Criminal Behaviour
- Penal Policy and Punishment
- Rehabilitation
These Knowledge Modules are available within the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Undergraduate Programmes.
If you are unable to evidence 3 or more of the required Knowledge Modules then you will be assigned to the 21-month PQiP programme.
Course overview and modules studies
- Gateway to professional practice (80 credits)
- Developing professional practice (40 credits)
- Adult Learning and Reflective Practice (40 credits)
- The Criminal Justice System (20 credits)
- Understanding Crime and Criminal Behaviour (20 credits)
- Penal Policy and Punishment (20 credits)
- Rehabilitation (20 credits)
- Ethics and the Professional Practitioner, (20 credits)
- Rehabilitation and Change Agency, (40 credits)
- Critical Issues in Risk Assessment and Risk Management. (40 credits)
- Competent Community Justice Practice (20 credits)
Supporting you
As a distance learner on a professional programme there is more focus on independent study, but you'll get lots of support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
- Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your professional programme.
- As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from dedicated learning development and engagement tutors who work solely with probation students. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, and reports)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with your personal tutor and course team
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
How to apply
Application is through HMPPS only. For further information about the programme and details on how to apply please refer to the information .