The MA Criminal Justice at
Liverpool John Moores University is a stand alone qualification designed to enhance your career prospects in roles linked to criminal justice agencies, the probation service, social science departments, the police and community based correction/treatment agencies.
•Course available full time (1 year) and part time (2 years)
•Teaching from research-active staff and local criminal justice professionals ensures that you will critically engage with the theory, policy, and practice of the institutions and agencies of criminal justice
•Extensive range of module options, including an MA International Criminal Justice pathway
•Our focus on research training will equip you with the key transferable skills required to undertake original, empirical research
•Opportunities for careers involving criminal justice agencies, probation services, the police, academic departments and community based correction and treatment agencies
The Masters in Criminal Justice offers the opportunity for students, practitioners, and criminal justice professionals to critically engage with a broad range of issues that impact upon the effectiveness and integrity of the workings of the criminal justice system.
Through exploring a series of theoretical and policy-orientated debates relevant to the delivery of contemporary crime control and management, and assessing their cultural, social and symbolic consequences, the course helps you to develop a comprehensive and critically aware understanding of the manufacture and delivery of criminal justice policy.
During the programme you will evaluate discriminatory practice in the criminal justice process and the causes of miscarriages of justice. Your evaluations will be informed by a critical understanding of sources of data and research methodologies and, through option modules, you will develop an in-depth knowledge of particular issues relating to criminal justice in England, Wales and elsewhere.
What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
The module aims to develop advanced knowledge and critical understanding of specific issues relating to the principles and practice of criminal justice in England and Wales
Research Dissertation
Provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of a specific criminal justice issue, by constructing a sustained and coherent assignment and showing a critical ability to apply appropriate research methods
Researching Crime and Criminal Justice
Prepares you for the compulsory dissertation by developing an advanced understanding of the politics and practice of crime and criminal justice research
The following option modules are typically offered:
Sex, Crime and Society
Develops your knowledge and understanding of the principles, policies and doctrines relating to the criminalisation and de-criminalisation of sexual, and sexually-related behaviour within society
Drugs, Alcohol and Criminal Justice
Provides a broad critical understanding of the different paradigms and perspectives on substance (mis)use and relevant policy in relation to crime and criminal justice
The Police, Policing, and Governance of Security
Explores the complex and dynamic relationship between policing services/agents and members of the diversity of publics these organisations serve
Crime, Power and Victimisation
Considers various definitions of crime and the relationship between these and the various sources of power within society
Delivering Rehabilitation
Encourages you to critically evaluate, at an adavnced level, the role and function of the prison and probation services in relation to the delivery of state punishment and rehabiliation
Youth Justice
Develops an analytical approach to understanding the treatment and experiences of young people within, and at the hands of, the criminal justice system
The United Nations, International Security and Global Justice
Enables you to understand and critically evaluate the effectivness of the United Nations as an actor capable of contributing to international security and global justice
Contemporary Issues in International Criminal Justice
Develop advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the theoretical concepts that underpin policy and practice with regard to International Criminal Jutsice and the issues in dealing with transnational crime
Further guidance on modules
The information listed in the section entitled 'What you will study' is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Academic Framework reviews are conducted by LJMU from time to time to ensure that academic standards continue to be maintained.
Please email
[email protected] if you require further guidance or clarification.
You will have an honours degree in, ideally but not exclusively, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Sociology, Law or related Social Science and Humanities subjects.Coupled with a genuine enthusiasm to study issues related to the organisation and delivery of criminal justice, LJMU is looking for a recognised first degree of at least a good Second Class Honours Standard.Additional qualifications considered: The requirements of a Second Class degree may be waived where it can be shown that an applicant has achieved a comparable academic standard through past studies and/or where work experience has made the applicant suitable for the programme.
