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University of Cumbria - The Major Incident (MI)

The Major Incident (MI) is an inter-professional, problem-based learning scenario focusing on an unfolding crime investigation, currently involving three professions. The collaboration facilitates the 'hi-fidelity authenticity' which cannot be created individually. This enables enhanced opportunities for students to develop employability skills realistic to their professional vocation, working within their respective regulatory and professional guidelines.
Year
2017
Institution
University of Cumbria
The Major Incident (MI) is an inter-professional, problem-based learning scenario focusing on an unfolding crime investigation, currently involving three professions. The collaboration facilitates the 'hi-fidelity authenticity' which cannot be created individually. This enables enhanced opportunities for students to develop employability skills realistic to their professional vocation, working within their respective regulatory and professional guidelines.
The core team consists of Ashleigh Hunt, Programme Leader for Criminology and Forensic Investigation, Nick Symonds, Associate Lecturer in Policing and Serving Police Officer with Cumbria Constabulary and Stewart Ralph, Professional Lead for Paramedic Practice and registered paramedic.
 
The MI is truly a collaborative event utilising university facilities, stakeholders, staff and alumni. Each year the MI involves 100 students, 20 subject specific teaching staff, 25 staff from the wider university, Officers and dogs from Cumbria Constabulary Dog section, alumni (now serving Police Officers and Forensic Scientists) as well as the behind the scenes Facilities Management.

Impact of work

The impact on the student learning experience is vast, with around 500 students participating in this enhanced dynamic learning experience over the five years it has been running. The consolidating of the knowledge and skills across the three disciplines in this real world exercise enables students to recognise the relevance of their taught learning and 'brings it to life'.

Stakeholders are keen to be involved in the MI and identity the clear impact the MI has on students professional and employability skills, ensuring students enter the workplace as more confident professionals.

Plans for the future

The MI team intends to extend and deepen their impact, involving other disciplines, such as Law, Psychology, Criminology and the wider NHS courses.

Other universities have expressed an interest in developing a similar inter-professional learning scenario and the team plan to work with these universities to advise on developing a collaborative large scale scenario. The MI will also be disseminated widely via publication, conferences and visiting universities.

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