Facilities and expertise in Society and People

Undergraduate

At Staffordshire University, we have the on-campus and simulation and immersive facilities you need to gain practical skills that will enable you to put theory in to practice. For example, this could be undertaking simulated scenarios in our immersive suits at community house.

Gaining hands-on experience is pivitol to learning so we often make use of simulation either utilising Virtual and Augmented Reality or more practically using realistic settings such as our Mock Court Rooms and Crime Scence House.

Investment in our Facilities

We continue to invest in our facilities to ensure that they are of the highest specifications. This could be software that aids simulation or a piece of equipment that enhances the simulation of a scenario.

View our courses in Society and People

My work experience enables me to get ready for the future

The simulation rooms at the University, offer the chance to experience a real-life scenario without actually being there. It has really helped me to put myself in that situation but also be at ease, so when I actually go to do the real thing, it’s not so daunting.

My work experience enables me to get ready for the future and get ready to move into the outside work and also enable me to develop skills in that workplace I may not have had previously.

Jade Wigley

Student

Facilities

Mock Courtrooms

One room is designed as a crown courtroom and the other for cases at magistrates’ court. Read more

Students can present legal arguments, act as expert witnesses, or take part in mooting.

Our digitally enabled mock court rooms are designed to create simulated scenarios for students to put theory in to practice and gain confidence, skills and knowledge to take forward in to their career.

One room is designed as a crown courtroom and the other for cases at magistrates’ court. Students can present legal arguments, act as expert witnesses, or take part in mooting. Each space includes a dock, lawyers’ area and a bench for the judge or magistrates.

The courtrooms are used by a wide range of students from different perspectives including law students, policing, forensics, international relations and more, to give practice with not only mooting but also in presenting evidence and various other aspects of trials.

In our video, learn about simulation in our Mock Court Room, used by students to practice their skills to prepare them for their future career.

Watch video View virtual tour

Community House (Stoke)

A fully furnished house used for simulated, scenario-based training. It includes audio and video facilities to record simulated exercises and allow detailed tutor and peer feedback.

Lifelike living space

The lifellike living space in Ashley 2 lets you practice your skills in a variety of non-clinical settings, including bedroom, bathroom, lounge and bedsit. Read more

Bedrooms:

The bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and is used for simulated crime scenes where students can practise investigative skills or social work and healthcare can use the space for urgent situations and interviews.

Lounges:

The lounges have a homely feel, with comfy furniture and framed photos. Students can use these spaces for policing or forensic investigations. Social work and healthcare can also use the space for realistic interviews and clinical emergencies.

Bathroom:

The bathroom provides a lifelike backdrop for students to practise their skills. It can be used a range of simulation scenarios, such as domestic crime scenes or clinical emergencies.

Bedsit:

With a kitchen diner, bedroom and bathroom, the bedsit provides a lifelike backdrop for students to practise their skills. Scenarios can range from gathering evidence at simulated crime scenes to dealing with clinical emergencies.

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Custody suite

There is a front desk where suspects are booked in after arrest. Read more

Other features include equipment for measuring height and taking fingerprints and custody photos, along with evidence bags and lockers for personal belongings.

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Prison cell

With its single bed and toilet, this space can be arranged as a holding cell for detainees. It’s where students can practise offender management techniques. The room can also be turned into a more long-term prison cell.

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Shop simulation space

The is ideal for simulated commercial crime scenes, where students can collect evidence and speak to witnesses or victims. Read more

They can also learn about retail law and deal with medical emergencies that occur to customers in the retail space. The space includes shelves, a counter and a small café. It’s ideal for simulated commercial crime scenes, where students can collect evidence and speak to witnesses or victims. They can also learn about retail law and deal with medical emergencies that occur to customers in the retail space.

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Office simulation space

The office space is kitted out with computers and desks, making it ideal for students’ digital forensic investigations. Read more

Students from a range of courses can also practise their interview skills using an appropriate scenario.

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Outdoor simulation space

This area is used for forensic investigations, such as examining vehicles after crashes or collecting evidence from a crime scene. It can also double up as a clinical simulation area, with space for our training ambulance.

Watch video

Investment in software

Specialist software will better prepare students for social work

Social Care Network’s digital recording system CHARMS™, is being used alongside simulation activity. Learn about how our social work students are piloting new software that replicates recording systems used in the profession.

Learn More

Expertise

We have a wide range of experts in this study area who have in-depth experience working in their field and who actively research to ensure the most up to date knowledge is taught on our programmes.

Our staff

Dawn Lawrence

Senior Lecturer

I joined the University in 2019 and I have been instrumental in the design of the new BA (Hons) Working with Children Young People and Families. I have an interest in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and I am very proactive in driving this forward.

Dawn's profile

I found the simulations really useful

I found the simulations really useful. It was easy to see and identify the hazards, because lecturers talk about what we need to be looking for, but in the [Community] House, you’re able to see things come to life. We even did an assessment in the house, with a service user and instead of sitting with a service user in a lecture room, being in the house made everything seem more real. So, it’s been really useful.

Zoe Bradbury

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