Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice Practice

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice Practice equips students with the knowledge and skills to implement restorative justice practices in diverse settings, including criminal justice, education, and social welfare. The program covers the theoretical foundations and practical applications of restorative justice, preparing graduates for careers as restorative justice facilitators, victim advocates, and other roles in the field. The program is recognized by multiple training bodies and accreditation organizations and is open to those with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Program Outline

Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice Practice [GCertRJP]

Degree Overview:

This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to effectively implement restorative justice practices in a wide range of settings, including criminal justice, education, health, social welfare, and human resources. The course curriculum covers the complex theoretical foundations of restorative justice and explores the practical challenges associated with its successful application across various disciplines.

Outline:

The Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice Practice consists of four 12-week trimesters, delivered part-time, enabling students to balance their studies with professional commitments. The program is divided into four modules, each encompassing 15 points worth of coursework: It explores the historical development of this approach and examines its theoretical foundations.

• Module 2: Restorative Processes - This module delves into the various types of restorative processes utilized in different sectors.
It explores conferencing models, circles, family group conferences, and victim-offender mediation, analyzing their application across diverse contexts.
• Module 3: Restorative Justice in Practice - This module focuses on the practical application of restorative justice principles within specific sectors.
It examines the role of restorative justice in criminal justice, education settings, healthcare environments, social welfare organizations, and the workplace. It explores emerging trends, challenges faced in implementation, and ethical considerations associated with its practice.

Assessment:

Assessment methods within the program vary depending on the individual module.

• Assignments: Students engage in written assignments, essays, and reflective exercises to demonstrate their understanding of theoretical concepts and apply them to real-world scenarios.
• Presentations: Students are expected to participate actively in class discussions and deliver presentations on chosen topics related to restorative justice.
The specific assessment criteria are defined in the module outlines and provided to students at the beginning of each trimester.

Teaching:

• The program utilizes various teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, group discussions, workshops, and online resources.
• The program boasts an experienced faculty, renowned for their achievements in research and practice within the field of restorative justice.
• The program emphasizes an interactive and interdisciplinary learning environment, fostering active engagement and collaborative learning among students from diverse backgrounds.

Careers:

The Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice Practice prepares graduates for a range of professional opportunities in diverse sectors. Potential career paths for graduates include:

• Restorative Justice Facilitator
• Victim Advocate
• Youth Justice Worker
• School Counselor
• Human Resources Specialist
• Social Worker
• Program Coordinator
• Community Development Worker
• Policy Analyst

Other

The program is recognized by a multitude of training bodies and accreditation organizations as the sole qualification in New Zealand covering restorative justice principles across various sectors. The program is open to those with a Bachelor's degree, a recognized professional qualification, or equivalent experience, and some professional work experience.