PMCRMLGY - MSc Criminology

This is a taught Masters programme where you will critically explores themes in criminology and criminal justice. The programme has face to face seminars on each of the separate modules. These are supported by our e-learning web facility where PowerPoint presentations, additional reading materials and online tutorials are provided. You will offered personal one to one tutorials to plan work or receive feedback. After the completion of core and optional modules, students complete a dissertation, where you can develop your own specialist area of interest.

Full time students will be taught in university 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.

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
5. 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

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

10. demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and be able to act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible practitioners/professionals in their joint discipline.

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 will develop a critical understanding of knowledge, 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

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.

PART-TIME:

AUTUMN ENTRY
Year 1
SS7175 Critical and justice issues in criminology (Autumn)
SS7079 Criminological research methods (Spring)
Plus 20 credit option module in Autumn or Spring
Year 2
SS7P81 Criminology Dissertation
SS7170 Explaining Violence (Autumn)
SS7178 Terrorism and radicalisation studies (Spring)
Plus 20 credit option module in Autumn or Spring

SPRING ENTRY
Year 1
SS7079 Criminological research methods (Spring)
SS7175 Critical and justice issues in criminology (Autumn)
Plus 20 credit option module in Spring or Autumn
Year 2
SS7P81 Criminology Dissertation
SS7178 Terrorism and radicalisation studies (Spring)
SS7170 Explaining Violence (Autumn)
Plus 20 credit option module in Spring or Autumn

PG cert: any combination of modules leading to 60 credits
PG diploma: any combination of modules leading to 120 credits

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.

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

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

.Successful completion of this course offers improved career opportunities in criminal justice roles and related areas, where there is a requirement to work with people who experience difficulties or pose a risk to others. The programme will also develop your ability to work effectively within roles and make professional, evidence based judgements. The programme is also excellent preparation for doctoral level research or study. Where possible, guest speakers from industry and voluntary agencies make available opportunities for increasing student employability.

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)