PMCRMLGY - MSc Criminology

This is a taught Masters programme which has face to face seminar and lectures on each of its modules. These are supported by our e-learning web facility Weblearn where PowerPoint presentations additional reading materials and online tutorials can be provided. All students also are offered personal one to one tutorials to plan work or receive feedback.

This course is designed to develop within students an advanced knowledge of criminology and criminal justice. More specifically, it will inculcate:

1. An ability to understand and evaluate contemporary trends and concepts in crime and criminal justice

2. An advanced understanding of the principles and developments of crime control and community safety

3. The methodological and analytic skills required to conduct research within the generic fields of criminology and criminal justice.

4. An advanced understanding of specific academic fields that form part of, or are allied to, criminology and criminal justice

A level of knowledge and skill with which students can prepare for doctoral research or research posts within the criminal justice arena.

The following learning outcomes incorporate and depend on a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice.

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. apply methods and techniques appropriate to their own research or advanced scholarship in Criminology
2. apply knowledge with originality, based on a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in Criminology
3. evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in Criminology.
4. evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses
5. deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
6. exercise self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
7. advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.
8. exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations

learn independently for the purposes of continuing professional development.

- Apply methods and techniques appropriate to their own research or advanced scholarship in Criminology:

Crime and Offender Patterns SS7080
Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
SS7077

- Apply knowledge with originality, based on a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in Criminology:

Crime and Offender Patterns SS7080
Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
SS7077
Psychology and Crime SS7085N

- Evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in Criminology:

Criminological Research Methods SS7079
Sexual Violence: causes, consequences
and interventions SS7148

- Evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses:

Criminological Research Methods SS7079
Quantative Data Analysis SS7054
Qualitative Data Analysis SS7101
Qualitative Research SS7049
Survey Design and Practice SS7100

- Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and nonspecialist audiences:

Crime and Offender Patterns SS7080
Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
SS7077
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism SS7143

- Exercise self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level:

Crime Control and Community Safety
SS7078
Urban patterns and spatial analysis SS7047

- Advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level:

Criminological Research Methods SS7079
Researching Communities SS7055

- Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations:

Crime Control and Community Safety
SS7078
Intelligence Analysis SS7143

- Learn independently for the purposes of continuing professional development:

Dissertation SS7P81

On the course, there is an especial emphasis on a sound grasp of the relevant academic literature, including substantial use of key scholarly journals in the field of criminology and criminal justice. This is assessed through a variety of summative assessments including essays, examinations (seen), practical research methodology assignments, an extended thesis, and various formative presentations to class peers.

The aim of the course is to prepare you for employment or further study in the criminal justice sector. The curriculum will equip you for a range of careers in the criminal justice system and related professions, all with excellent recruitment prospects. Key career paths include the Metropolitan Police Service, Probation Service, Foreign Office, Prison Service, youth offending and community safety departments, as well as academic or government research posts.

Past graduates have gone on to work as senior detective constables, researchers, fraud officers, criminal lawyers and probation officers.

You will be required to have:

• at least a lower second class honours degree in a relevant discipline such as criminology, or social and behavioural sciences (applications are also welcome from those who have experience in criminal justice or possess relevant professional qualifications)

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.