A PROGRAMME allowing university students to learn alongside prisoners has been shortlisted for a national award.

The partnership between the University of Cumbria and HMP Haverigg saw a successful psychology module delivered at the county's only prison.

The module invites theoretical discussion on criminology and forensic psychology, as well as hosting talks from public figures in local judiciary and criminal justice systems for the pupils inside the prison.

Dr Alison Spurgeon-Dickson, senior lecturer in psychology at the university, said: "The practical and collaborative way students learn has proved immensely successful.

"Prisoners gain an alternative perspective on their experience of the criminal justice system, and university students get a first-hand account from their peers.

"The initiative has proved so popular that we have waiting lists at each establishment to apply for the next cohort."

The programme has now been shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award in the "widening participation" category. The winner of the category will be announced on Thursday November 30 at an awards ceremony held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.

All students who took part in the programme passed with a 2:1 or above, while prisoners earned 20 credits towards higher education courses on their release.

The collaborative approach to learning saw students lead sessions in a student-led prison debating society.

Haverigg governor Tony Corcoran said: "I wish to congratulate the lecturers and all the professionals and experienced practitioners who offered guest speaker sessions, and thank them for all their hard work in creating such a unique and powerful learning experience that successfully inspired and motivated all the learners to realise their potential."

Lord Melvin Bragg, an honorary fellow of the University of Cumbria, gave his seal of approval to the programme earlier this year with his novel, and students used his book The Maid of Buttermere to analyse the criminal character.

Following the success of the course, a suite of programmes is being developed to be rolled out to other prisons.