Scarman unveils security degree

The two-year foundation degree is a vocational course set up in conjunction with SITO, and is designed to cater for new jobs in the fast-growing security sector.

However, the degree will not lead to a BA qualification unless students complete a third year of study. Ivan Horrocks, a lecturer at the Scarman Centre, told SMT the DfEE had not decided what form the qualification award would take. Suggestions have included 'associate degree' (in common with similar US qualifications).

Course content will focus on equipping students with technical skills, academic knowledge and 'transferable' skills which can then be taken to other sectors, including property and construction, e-business, health care and education, IT and chemical technology.

Twenty five full-time places or equivalent are being offered to students. Horrocks added that the Centre was expecting everyone who enlisted on the course to enrol as part-time students, in which case around 50 students would benefit.

Commenting on the launch, Horrocks added: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the many thousands of people who work within the security industry. It's exactly what a fast-growing industry needs at this stage in its development." The course is being launched on the back of a new Honours degree – a BA in criminology – following the Government's approval of 40 new foundation degree courses designed to cater specifically for the job market.