Criminology and Criminal Justice

The Department of Law & Criminology provides a stimulating atmosphere of rigorous academic enquiry and engagement from which students can develop their own criminological interests and skills. The MA Criminology and Criminal Justice will provide an excellent foundation of knowledge and skills suited to professional environments and careers in government departments, criminal justice agencies, and voluntary organisations in the criminal justice sector.

A range of assessment methods have been adopted to suitably challenge and motivate students to enable them to develop the requisite knowledge and understanding in the area of criminology and criminal justice matters. Throughout the scheme, there is an emphasis on self-directed learning, engagement with the classical and contemporary criminological theory and debate, and application of core criminological perspectives and principles to specific areas of consideration. Students will be provided with the fundamental skills in research design and a critical understanding of the theoretical foundations of research and its application in Criminology and Law. In the final semester, they will complete an independent piece of critical research, undertaking a systematic review of relevant literature, policy based documents and research in an area of their choosing (guided by academic staff).

Duration:

One year full-time or two years part-time. The academic year (September to September) is divided into three semesters: September to January; January to June; June to September.

Contact Time:

During the first two semesters you will normally have one 2-3 hour class per module per week. This consists of an integrated lecture and seminar time. You will also have the opportunity to meet with module co-ordinators for additional assistance and learner support during their office hours. Students are also invited to attend the weekly departmental research seminars led by academics in the Department, guest speakers and PhD students. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with their Personal Tutor and their assigned Dissertation Supervisor in Semester 3.

Assessment:

The assessment regime for this scheme has been carefully considered to enable the appropriate assessment of students as per the latest QAA Benchmarking Statement for Masters Degrees Criminology (2019) and in an effort to maximise the development of transferable graduate skills suitable for careers in research, criminal justice agencies and voluntary organisations in the crime and justice field. Across the schemes, students will be engage with a variety of assessment types.

Assessment types include (depending on module choice): essay and report writing; individual / group presentations; producing an academic article; facilitating a group workshop; design and development of a portfolio; production of a Podcast and a production of a Wiki. In Semester 3, students design, conduct and evaluate their own independent research in the dissertation module.

Course Fees:

Please see the tuition fee pages for current tuition fees. Please note that all fees are subject to an annual increase.

Funding:

Funding opportunities may be available, please check our funding calculator for details.

Graduates from this degree will leave with the professional knowledge and capacity to independently practice, reflect, review and build upon disciplinary expertise and judgement. The programme's teaching, learning and assessment requires students to develop ethical practice, critical analytical skills, research skills and presentation skills which will enable you to share your criminological expertise in both academic and professional settings.

Potential careers include:

• government departments and criminal justice agencies
• voluntary organisations / non-governmental organisations in the crime and justice field
• international organisations, such as the UN
• research and academia.

You will be provided with a stimulating learning environment, with small learning groups, conducive to a focused and personalised learning experience. Throughout the scheme, there is an emphasis on self-directed learning, engagement with the classical and contemporary criminological theory and debate, and application of core criminological perspectives and principles to specific areas of consideration.

The learning outcomes (knowledge and skills) are achieved through an integrated programme of lectures, seminars, supervisions, practical sessions, group work and the independent, guided reading and your own research efforts. Lectures introduce broad areas of theory and knowledge, which you will build upon in preparing for and participating in seminars. These seminars provide you with an opportunity to learn how to engage with, and reflect on, your modules in a supportive learning environment. You can draw on this experience when preparing and completing assessments. You will be supported in your learning through academic progress meetings with your personal tutor, as well as receiving feedback on progress from subject tutors.