ObjectivesThe MA/LLM Criminal Law and Criminal Justice offers an exciting and distinctive opportunity to undertake advanced study. The central focus of the programme is the interface between criminal law and criminal justice. The programme offers a theoretically informed and multidisciplinary course of study. In addition to studying the now established critical and theoretical perspectives relevant to criminal law and criminal justice, the programme also has a humanities focus, which offers an opportunity to explore and engage with cutting-edge scholarship in criminal law and criminal justice studies. The programme is designed for students with some background knowledge in criminal law or criminal justice who are interested in exploring and developing new critical perspectives on major contemporary national and international debates in these areas.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Good second-class honours degree in law or a related discipline.
Academic titleCriminal Law and Criminal Justice (MA / LLM)
Course descriptionContent
There is a common structure for both MA and LLM degrees. The dual stream allows the programme to be relevant and recognisable within a diverse range of career pathways associated with the criminal justice sector. The final award will be determined prior to completion, in consultation with the programme director.
Core courses (one term each):
-Criminal Law Theory and History
-Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice.
-Students are also required to complete a short dissertation.
Option modules (one term each) may include:
-Criminal Justice Ethics
-Crime and Violence
-Crime, Justice and Mercy
-Crime and Culture
-Gender, Sexuality and Criminal Justice
-Hate Crime
-Crime and Criminals in Modernity
-The Trial
-Law's Moving Image (Criminal Justice)
-Qualitative Methodology
-Quantitative Research Methods.
In consultation with the programme director, you may also select modules from the School’s postgraduate MRes Law and MA/LLM Human Rights programmes.
Teaching
The programme involves both taught and research (a dissertation) components. Teaching and learning formats may vary: some modules follow a traditional programme of weekly meetings; others take the form of intensive courses offered over one or two weekends.
Assessment
Final assessment for each compulsory and option module is based on a 4000-word essay. You will also prepare a 6000-8000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice, to be agreed with the programme director.