PMCRMLGY - MSc Criminology

This is a taught Masters programme which has face to face seminars 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

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

Please consult Course Handbook for further information

Criminology
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/SBS-criminology-14.pdf

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.

Opportunities are available for students to work as Special Constables within the London Metropolitan Police. Students can also be assisted to gain work in the voluntary sector as well as placements in hostels, and other public sector services for example the probation service when such placements are available.

PG Certificate in Criminology – SS7169, SS7078 and SS7079 or SS7080
PG Diploma in Criminology – 4 taught core modules and 2 options
MSc in Criminology – 5 core modules and 2 options

The course will help prepare students for employment in the criminal justice sector (including the police, probation, prison, youth offending and community safety departments), as well as academic or government research posts. It is hoped that some students will progress to doctoral studies after successful completion of the MSc.

It is the intention that students already engaged in a related occupation will benefit markedly from the course, in that the latter will provide the academic contextualisation with which to understand and evaluate the complexity of, and reciprocity between, varied agencies, departments and policies related to crime, criminology and criminal justice.

Criminology itself is an increasingly strong and prevalent academic discipline. The analytic and research skills acquired on the MSc are, of course, transferable to other jobs and areas of expertise.

Previous students from this course have joined the Police service either as Police officers or civil investigation officers, some have embarked upon training to equip them to join the probation service or become social workers working with young offenders. Other students have joined the voluntary sector working in residential or drugs/alcohol units. Still others have entered research jobs within the public or private sector and finally a number have progressed to PhD level studies.

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)