The programme covers conceptual and practical underpinnings and implications of research, looking at various research techniques and the rationale behind them. It will enable you to develop essential skills in both quantitative and qualitative work and to apply those skills to specific criminological issues.
In previous years, typical modules offered were:
Perspectives on Social Research (15 credits)
Statistical Exploration and Reasoning (15 Credits)
Research Design and Process (15 credits)
Qualitative Research Methods in Social Science (15 credits)
Quantitative Research Methods in Social Science (15 credits)
Theorising Crime and Criminal Justice (30 credits)
Policy Related and Evaluation Research (15 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
These MA Research Methods programmes are full-time, starting in early October and continuing over 12 months following university terms.
The main teaching methods include lectures, seminars, and computer practical sessions. Lectures introduce the key concepts, theories, current debates and other issues critical for understanding the topics. Seminars are opportunities for you to discuss any questions arising from the readings, to share experience of conducting research, to present your own work for comments. Modules that teach the use of computer software packages have practical sessions in computer rooms so that you can carry out hands-on exercises under supervision and further assistance
Modules are usually assessed through essays. Statistics modules may require you to complete specific analyses with more structured instructions. Some module conveners may allow you to submit formative assignments in order for you to obtain a sense of how well you understand the subject. Some modules’ assessment may contain a proportion of presentations and group projects.
Further academic support is available. You will have the opportunity to learn from your dissertation supervisors at individual tutoring meetings, dissertation workshops, and forums. Every member of teaching staff has two hours of office hours each week where you can access additional support for your modules, assignments and so forth. In addition, both the University and the School host seminars for external speakers that are open to all students.
You will have access to a variety of learning resources, including learning spaces in libraries and teaching rooms, readings and textbooks, computers, databases, etc.
This MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology online masters degree is designed to equip graduates with a thorough understanding of cutting-edge and important topics within criminology and criminal psychology.
Our MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology Masters degree offers an advanced qualification that is designed to equip graduates with a thorough understanding of cutting-edge and important topics within criminology and criminal psychology.
Studying for a Criminology and Criminal Psychology Masters qualification gives you the opportunity to expand your subject knowledge and build on the skills you have gained during your undergraduate studies. The benefits extend beyond improving your earning potential.
If you have not previously studied for a Bachelors degree in criminology, criminal justice or related subjects, our MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology course will provide grounding for a range of specialist careers including hundreds of different roles within the Police Service (from analytical Police Staff roles to serving Police Officers), working with offenders from support workers to probation and prison staff, working within victim services and roles within a variety of law enforcement agencies from the Security Services to the National Crime Agency.
This course is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
The MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology degree is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 credits at Level 7.
Level 7 modules:
Optional modules**
* These modules are core and must be passed in order to achieve the award.
** In addition to the core modules, students will take one optional module.
Introduction
Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.
All of our online courses have an indicative study duration which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability. It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.
All of our courses have regular start dates throughout the year. Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one- or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.
Teaching methods and style
As we are a 100% online university, we utilise a Virtual Learning Environment instead of a traditional campus. The system tracks and manages the learning process in real-time and provides you with immediate access to your learning materials.
This learning platform allows both students and tutors to actively take part in real-time conversations and you can listen to, and view, live lectures and seminars over the internet. All courses are delivered in English only.
You are supported throughout your course by a dedicated Student Adviser and have the opportunity to regularly interact with fellow students and your tutor. To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.
Assessment
We adopt an assignment-based approach to assessment instead of exams. Assessment for the MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology will be based on a combination of written coursework and work on a dissertation or individual project.
At the end of your studies, you will submit a 60-credit thesis.
You will be able to see your current provisional marks from the start of the programme, allowing you to evaluate the success of your current study methods and clearly identify areas to improve. We believe that this transparency gives you the information you need to make the most of your Masters course. We achieve this by:
· showing your marks clearly in your gradebook, which can be viewed whenever you log onto the learning platform;
· the rapid turnaround of work assessed to ensure that your gradebook is always up to date;
· assessing your work throughout the module rather than waiting for end of year exams;
· ensuring you have regular contact with your Student Adviser; and
· the simplicity and transparency in the design of our assessment criteria.
We also have a policy of ensuring that work submitted by students is authentic. As well as the fact that all work is frequently assessed, we use a well established electronic monitoring system to check for plagiarism.
On successful completion of your MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology degree, you will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex, Colchester Campus.
We are dedicated to improving employability amongst our graduates. Our online courses give you the opportunity to improve your career prospects and earning potential with a mix of key skills that are directly transferable to the workplace.
A postgraduate qualification is a major achievement and greatly valued by employers. Recent surveys show that higher degree graduates are more likely to obtain jobs at professional or managerial level and less likely to be unemployed. For some jobs, a postgraduate qualification may be essential, for others it offers a competitive edge.
As companies seek out graduates with the most advanced skills to respond to the latest changes in crime and criminology, a Masters degree in Criminology and Criminal Psychology could give you the competitive edge you need to advance to these upper level positions.
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The Department of Criminology at Swansea University has run a successful MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology since 1997. Students of the Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology will have the opportunity to learn about crime, the criminal justice system and cutting edge themes in criminology from leading experts in the field. The MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology specialises in the application of criminological knowledge to the workings of the Criminal Justice System and this is strongly reflected in the exciting range of diverse and cutting-edge modules on offer.
The MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology focuses mainly on the application of knowledge to the operation of the criminal justice system, reflecting the policy/ practice orientation of members of the staff team.
Whether you are a practitioner working in the criminal justice system, a researcher wishing to gain a firm foundation for a research degree in an ESRC recognised Doctoral Training Centre, or an undergraduate aspiring to a career in criminal justice, our Masters-level degree in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology is for you! The MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology offers you:
• an up-to-date and high quality programme which includes some of the most important theory and research in criminal justice and criminology
• an opportunity to develop your ability to apply criminal justice and criminological knowledge to research and the operation of the criminal justice system
• an opportunity to develop and apply research methods knowledge and skills
• enhanced employability for those wishing to pursue a career in the criminal justice system and for those interested in an academic or research career
Modules on the MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology typically include:
• Ethics and Philosophy of Social Research
• Quantitative Methods
• Qualitative Methods
• Case Studies in Applied Social Research
• Data Visualisation
• Crime, Drugs and Alcohol
• Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
• Applied Criminal Justice
• Understanding Policing
• Youth Justice: Research, Policy & Practice
• Criminal Justice System in England and Wales
• Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children
• Human Trafficking
The MA in Applied Criminal Justice & Criminology will open the door to a range of careers, including: Local Government, Police Force, Prison Service, Social Work, Victim Support, Teaching, and Probation Service to name a few. Enhancing your career prospects whilst studying on this course, you will have a wealth of opportunities to take advantage of in order to boost your CV and form important employment links for the future.
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor who offers academic and pastoral care throughout the student’s stay in Swansea. Several lecturers invite senior criminal justice practitioners, managers, and policy makers to deliver lectures on key aspects of criminal justice policy and practice. The Department of Criminology also ensures that MA in Applied Criminal Justice & Criminology students participate in social events through the Criminology Society which organises events that give students opportunities to socialise and meet others in the Department of Criminology. There may also be placement and research internship opportunities available to students (subject to availability). Research internships provide opportunities for students to observe practices in a criminal justice agency and then produce their dissertation on a topic that is relevant to the work of the agency.
- Christie Owen, MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology graduate 2010 -11
“There are a range of different modules covering a broad spectrum of subjects. Helpful tutoring means that those who have not studied Criminology previously will find the subject easy to pick up. There are plenty of approachable staff and lecturers to seek advice if you are unsure. Lectures are well structured with scope for debate with your peers and lecturers, as well as informative media such as videos and power point presentations. There is continuous mentoring while completing dissertations, with supervisors engaging well with students and aiding them in making it more manageable. Supervisors are continuously available to answer any questions or solve any problems that arise while writing such a large piece of work. The library services are also extremely helpful, with access to many books, journals and the internet with a room specifically for postgraduates which is very much needed during busier periods.
The Masters degree in Criminology encouraged me to pursue a career in the Prison Service. After graduating I was offered a position following my first interview and the course has given me skills to use in my new position.”
- Peter Doyle, MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology graduate
Retired Detective Chief Inspector and Senior Investigating Officer Peter, from Kenfig near Porthcawl, had specialised in Homicide and Serious Crime Investigation and has an extensive background in Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) investigation.
“The course was challenging for me as I do not possess a first degree – a particular challenge was writing in an academic style. I overcame the challenges by applying practice and more practice – plus support from those within the College and my family. I believe the key is not worrying about every mistake you make but learning from them instead.
“I chose Swansea University because it has an excellent reputation for criminology studies and I also worked in Swansea for many years as a police officer. It was a great honour to meet people on my course from such a wide spectrum and of all ages – this was very inspiring, I was made to feel welcome by everyone involved.”
What are the key ethical considerations concerning criminological research? How does criminological research differ from other social science research? And how does it inform policy formation? The MSc Criminology and Social Research Methods tackles these key issues in the field of criminology research and offers excellent postgraduate training.
This degree, which is eligible for ESRC 1+3 funding, guides you through the theory of criminological research and advances your skills in the collection, analysis and reporting of qualitative and quantitative data. Distinct in its integration of criminal justice and criminology modules, it gives you a much broader overview of current research in criminology and criminal justice, and of more specialised socio-legal research and debates.
You will be taught by lecturers who are nationally and internationally renowned researchers. Our Law School is home to the Centre for Crime, Law and Justice, the Centre for Law and Society, and the Centre for Child and Family Justice; these centres underpin our postgraduate teaching, which is research-led and research-informed.
Your core modules are: Research Projects in Practice; Qualitative Methods in the Social Sciences; Quantitative Research Methods; Crime and Criminal Justice in the 21st Century; Criminological Theory; and Criminological Research in Practice. A research-based Criminology dissertation completes your degree.
Your postgraduate degree prepares you for research jobs in the Home Office, Probation Service, Social Services, and other government departments of voluntary organisation. You will develop the skills to undertake and critically evaluate criminological research, which are highly prized by employers in the public and private sectors. The analytical and communications skills developed through your studies also enhance your employability.
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Core
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research.
Coursework and dissertation
This online Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Psychology is an advanced qualification that is designed to equip graduates with a thorough understanding of cutting-edge and important topics within criminology and criminal psychology.
Our Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Psychology offers an advanced qualification that is designed to equip graduates with a thorough understanding of cutting-edge and important topics within criminology and criminal psychology.
Upon completion of your Postgraduate Diploma, we offer the opportunity for you to progress on to study for a full Masters (awarded after 180 credits).
This course is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
The Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Psychology is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 120 credits at Level 7.
Level 7 modules:
Optional modules**
* These modules are core and must be passed in order to achieve the award.
** In addition to the core modules, students will take one optional module.
Introduction
Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.
All of our online courses have an indicative study duration which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability. It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.
All of our courses have regular start dates throughout the year. Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one- or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.
Teaching methods and style
As we are a 100% online university, we utilise a Virtual Learning Environment instead of a traditional campus. The system tracks and manages the learning process in real-time and provides you with immediate access to your learning materials.
This learning platform allows both students and tutors to actively take part in real-time conversations and you can listen to, and view, live lectures and seminars over the internet. All courses are delivered in English only.
You are supported throughout your course by a dedicated Student Adviser and have the opportunity to regularly interact with fellow students and your tutor. To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.
Assessment
We adopt an assignment-based approach to assessment instead of exams. Assessment for the Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Psychology will be based on a combination of written coursework.
You will always be aware of your current provisional grade right from the start of the programme, allowing you to evaluate the success of your current study methods and clearly identify areas to improve. We believe that this transparency gives you the information you need to make the most of your course. We achieve this by:
· showing your marks clearly in your gradebook, which can be viewed whenever you log onto the learning platform;
· the rapid turnaround of work assessed to ensure that your gradebook is always up to date;
· assessing your work throughout the module rather than waiting for end of year exams;
· ensuring you have regular contact with your Student Adviser; and
· the simplicity and transparency in the design of our assessment criteria.
We also have a policy of ensuring that work submitted by students is authentic. As well as the fact that all work is frequently assessed, we use a well established electronic monitoring system to check for plagiarism.
We are dedicated to improving employability amongst our graduates. Our online courses give you the opportunity to improve your career prospects and earning potential with a mix of key skills that are directly transferable to the workplace.
A postgraduate qualification is a major achievement and greatly valued by employers. Recent surveys show that higher degree graduates are more likely to obtain jobs at professional or managerial level and less likely to be unemployed. For some jobs, a postgraduate qualification may be essential, for others it offers a competitive edge.
As companies seek out graduates with the most advanced skills, a Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Psychology could give you the competitive edge you need to advance to these upper level positions.
Career opportunities for graduates exist within a variety of occupations across both public and private sectors.
The MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology programme provides students with the conceptual knowledge and skills to open up diverse career paths. Core courses will enable you to develop an understanding of the concepts, theories, methods and principles central to criminology and the skills to apply these in the forensic and legal area. Optional courses build on this core grounding and enable you to develop an empirical insight in an area of your choice, culminating in a research project.
This approach provides you with knowledge of the changing nature of psychology, law and criminology, and professional applications. It will also develop your ability to relate theory to practice in a way that provides more informed solutions to problems, and opportunities in the workplace. There is a valuable research grounding and a broad coverage of criminological, forensic and psychological approaches to crime and criminality.
PLEASE NOTE: This degree programme does not provide British Psychological Society (BPS) recognition or accreditation. This is because the programme is a criminology programme with a strand of specialist criminal/ investigative/forensic psychology and is not a postgraduate psychology degree programme. The MSc Criminology & Criminal Psychology programme meets the British Criminology Society benchmarks for postgraduate taught courses.
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students are required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students are required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.
Teaching is through a combination of small group seminars, lectures, workshops and one-to-one supervision. Assessment is via coursework, examination(s), class presentation and a dissertation project.
This programme encompasses criminological, legal, forensic and psychological approaches. It will appeal to those with a broad interest in criminology and criminal psychological issues, including those whose future employment is likely to involve public, private and/or non-governmental criminological or criminal justice work, or applied criminal/legal/forensic psychological work in the UK or internationally.
It is relevant to careers in local government, European and international institutions, and national and international non-governmental organisations. It will also appeal to those wishing to prepare for a research degree in humanities and social sciences.
To ensure we deliver the best learning experience for our students, the structure and delivery of courses may change to reflect knowledge and industry standards.
If you would like more information on this programme, please contact us at [email protected]
Are you intrigued by the behaviour of criminals? Do you question what motivates people to commit shocking crimes? As more people feel insecure with their own communities, Criminology examines how we manage crime and social disorder. Studying Criminology offers career opportunities in the police and probation services, but also in other sectors that depend on an analytical mind.
Visit the website: http://bucks.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/health-and-social-sciences/pt/criminology-communities-and-disorder-pt-1718
Is this course for me?
Are you naturally curious and analytically minded? Studying Criminology will open your eyes to the problems we need to solve for society to be safer. You'll find out how we can use research methods to answer important questions and understand the criminal mind.
Most of our Criminology students have graduated from areas such as the social sciences, law and policing. However, the course is designed for anyone interested in taking the next steps towards an exciting career in Criminology.
This course also attracts professionals who want to expand their knowledge in a related field. A better understanding of Criminology is particularly useful if you work within the criminal justice system, local council or government. Examining research and theory will deal with day-to-day problems in the workplace in a more effective way.
Expanding your knowledge
As you learn about the key concepts of Criminology, you'll also examine the sociological, legal and criminal justice theories used to interpret the actions of criminals and the impact on society.
You will study the events of the last 30 years to determine how social, political and cultural motions have shaped our response to recent events.
What will this course cover?
The course reflects the latest policies and methods used within the criminal justice system. You will gain an understanding of the social causes of crime and how these issues can be effectively managed in society.
We will help develop your analytical understanding of the relationship between crime and community. Progressing to more complex issues such as social disorder and social tension, you'll see society from a range of perspectives.
What are my career prospects?
Criminology offers many different career paths. Jobs often involve managing members of the community in roles such as police officers, community development workers and prison governors.
However, there are also opportunities for graduates within social welfare roles supporting vulnerable members of society. You may also wish to work in areas such as mental health support and drug rehabilitation.
Other graduates continue their academic career and conduct social research to expand your knowledge in the area. This could involve working as a research assistant or completing a PhD.
How will you help me prepare for my future career?
By the end of the course, we'll make sure you have all the skills you need to impress potential employers. You'll be confident in applying theory and concept to understand the management of communities.
The nature of Criminology means it is highly topical and of interest to many, therefore your study prepares you for a wide range of opportunities.
How to apply
Apply here: http://bucks.ac.uk/applynow/
Funding
There are a range of funding opportunities for postgraduate students which include sponsorship, bursaries, scholarships and loans: http://bucks.ac.uk/fees_funding/postgraduate-masters-scholarships/
Criminal law and criminology lie at the heart of questions and debates on how we as a society should respond to crime. On this LLM in Criminal Law and Criminology you’ll study an exciting range of topics, covering theory, policy and practice.
Our research informs our teaching on the LLM. You’ll be taught by lecturers who specialise in critical work in areas including:
Our course addresses the most challenging issues of criminal law including the law of homicide and sexual offences, as well as important questions of criminal procedure and practice such as the role of the police, youth justice and penal policy.
You’ll engage in advanced criminal law theory and, separately, criminological theory to examine how societies can better understand and effectively respond to crime.
Our core modules give you the necessary theoretical, methodological and empirical foundations. They cover:
Our options – from both law and criminology – are taught by specialist academics based on their areas of expertise. Find out more about our core modules and options on our LLM Criminal Law and Criminology website.
Teaching methods include lectures, workshops and seminars. Assessment modes include essays and briefing papers as well as a 10,000-word dissertation.
The University of Sussex is proud to offer a range of postgraduate funding awards up to £5000, in order to help talented students to come and study at Sussex. Find out more about funding awards available to you by visiting our funding database.
You’ll gain practical abilities as well as critical and problem-solving skills valued in contemporary job markets.
You will be able to apply your analytical skills to a range of careers in legal practice and criminal justice administration as well as careers in the private and voluntary sectors.
The LLM in Criminal Law and Criminology can also provide a strong foundation for further academic study or a career in research.
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