Course specification and structure
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PMCRMMTL - MSc Criminology and Psychopathology

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Master of Science Level Masters
Possible interim awards Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, Advanced Diploma in Professional Development
Total credits for course 180
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University, Aventis Graduate School Pte Ltd
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Subject Area Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 1 YEARS  
Part-time 2 YEARS  
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The course is designed to provide advanced training in Criminology and Psychopathology within a mental health context. It provides an opportunity to acquire a critical understanding of the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of research in the area. This course will appeal to criminology and psychology graduates wishing to undergo further training in aspects of mental health related to crime and psychiatry. Further, it aims to develop the skills of those currently working in social/health care, policing and probation to support career progression. This course provides high quality education and research training aimed clearly at the needs of the wider society and the career aspirations of a large percentage of graduate students.
The teaching and learning approach is explicitly geared towards enhancing students’ employability skills. A focus on experiential learning and reflective practices, including clinical based teaching methods, have been incorporated into the curriculum. Further, diversified assessment methods including training in positive psychology and motivational interviewing will support developing student skills.
Scheduled teaching consists of lectures, workshops (including those in the dedicated computer laboratories) and seminars (which may take place in small study rooms). The scheduled teaching programme for full time students consists of the equivalent of two full days across the week during the autumn and spring semesters. In addition to formal teaching time, students are expected to devote considerable time outside of this to independent study (under appropriate supervision). This focus on independent (but supported) learning is particularly evident within the dissertation module.

Course aims

This course will critically examine the theoretical and clinical explanations of criminology and psychopathology from a biological, behavioural, social/sociological and cognitive perspective. Using formal classification systems, it will provide a multidisciplinary approach to understanding crime and psychopathology. Various theoretical frameworks in both the understanding and management of psychological difficulties and also crime will be explored across the lifespan. Core modules aim to provide an opportunity to critically examine local and national policies and service planning for access general services and treatment; understanding relevant social, biological, cultural and economic contexts and reflect on the advantages of a multidisciplinary service to meet the range of needs across the lifespan. Those attending the MSc Criminology and Psychopathology will develop a critical understanding of knowledge, reflective practice, analytical techniques and problem-solving skills. It also develops competencies in conducting research and analysis in relation to Criminology and Psychopathology along with pertinent ethical issues which may arise in practice.


The course aims to provide students with up-to-date and advanced training in Criminology and Psychopathology and to develop a broader understanding of recent developments in criminology and mental health. Furthermore, the course aims to provide opportunities for students to develop competence in conducting research and scholarly analysis focused on Criminology and Psychopathology across the lifespan
1. To encourage students to explore ways in which knowledge can contribute to the policy development in this discipline.
2. To encourage depth and systematic critical understanding appropriate to needs of society via a bio-psychosocial, criminological and cultural perspective.
3. To make a contribution to mental health training needs to all those who have a role to play in supporting those with mental health across health, social care, education and youth justice etc. Thus, enhancing the capabilities and competencies of mental health practitioners, supporting career change and/or progression.

Course learning outcomes

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 and Mental Health

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 the Criminology and Mental Health

3. Evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in Criminology and Mental Health

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.

9. Learn independently for the purposes of continuing professional development.

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Teaching and learning practices have been aligned with QAA recommendations in order to ensure the quality standards and relevant benchmarking tools. Those attending the MSc Criminology and Psychopathology will develop a critical understanding of knowledge, clinical skills, reflective practice, analytical techniques and problem-solving skills.
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Level 7 awards and relevant guidance:
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Masters-Degree-Characteristics-2010.pdf

Assessment strategy

The course is assessed through a variety of tasks that allow for the demonstration of academic learning through mechanisms that support employability skills. Thus, students are assessed through essay, case studies (including reflective, consultancy and individual), oral presentation, critical and systematic reviews, qualitative and quantitative research reports.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

N/A (this course does not have work based learning).

Course specific regulations

Part time Year 1
Autumn Semester
PY7191 Psychopathology
SS7169 Contemporary Issues in Criminology

Spring Semester
SS7085 Psychology and Crime
PY7010 Law, Policy and Ethics

Part Time Year 2
Autumn semester
PY7163 Research Design and analysis for psychology

Semester Semester (Chose one)
SS7143 Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
SS7171 Crime, Risk and Early Intervention

Whole Year
PY7PA6 Research Project

Modules required for interim awards

PG Certificate Criminology and Psychopathology
• Any combination of taught modules, excluding dissertation to the value of 60 credits

PG Diploma in Criminology and Psychopathology
• All taught modules, including the exclusion of the research dissertation; value of 120 credits

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Students will receive information during the appropriate lectures regarding how the knowledge and competencies from the course can be applied to a wide range of settings. The modules contain exercises which assist with personal development (such as workshops and discussions related to the application of ethics to practice settings). Many of the modules allow students to produce a reflective account outlining the individual’s experiences and learning in relation to course material.

Formative feedback is provided in relation to both examinations and coursework which focuses on assisting students to improve their personal and academic skills.

Other external links providing expertise and experience

he Care Quality Commission (CQC)
http://www.cqc.org.uk/


The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Successful completion of this course offers improved career opportunities in crime services (e.g. Police and Probation), social services, academia, health, mental health services in general. The programme is also excellent preparation for further research or study, e.g. clinical psychology. Guest speakers from industry and voluntary agencies make available opportunities for increasing student employability

Career opportunities

Our Criminology and Psychopathology MSc will provide you with opportunities to enter and/or progress within a diverse range of occupations including but not restricted to:

  • psychology (and related disciplines eg criminology, sociology)
  • health practitioners (eg nurses, key workers or GPs)
  • social workers
  • probation, prison and police services

The course also provides additional benefit if you wish to pursue further study in
clinical psychology and/or forensic psychology.

Entry requirements

You will be required to have:

  • a lower second class honours degree with 2:2 (or above) or equivalent

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2020/21 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 02 Dec 2019 Last validation date 02 Dec 2019  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes L311 (Applied Criminology): 100%
Route code CRMMTL

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 07 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
PY7163 Research Design and Analysis for Psychology Core 20 NORTH SPR THU PM
PY7191 Psychopathology Core 20 NORTH AUT WED AM
PY7PA6 Research Project Core 60 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
SS7085 Psychology and Crime Core 20 NORTH SPR TUE PM
SS7169 Contemporary Issues in Criminology Core 20        
PY7010 Law, Policy and Ethics Option 20        
SS7143 Terrorism and Counter Terrorism Option 20        
SS7171 Crime, Risk and Early Intervention Option 20