MA-Diploma Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice
ObjectivesThe course aims to provide advanced training in research and analysis, linking theoretical awareness with empirical studies in criminology and criminal justice. The taught element of the course is studied by both MA and Diploma students and consists of core research training and theory modules, plus a module focussing on international and comparative criminological and criminal justice research. MA students who successfully complete the taught element proceed to the research dissertation.
Entry requirementsEntry A good undergraduate degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice or an associated discipline or 2 years relevant experience.
Academic titleMA/Diploma Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice
Course descriptionDescription
The course was one of the first to take an internationally comparative perspective across a broad range of criminology and criminal justice issues. It is designed to meet the needs of three groups of potential students: those requiring a thorough research training specialising in criminology and criminal justice; those who are interested in pursuing criminology and criminal justice to an advanced level; and practitioners in the criminal justice field who wish to expand their horizons from national to international levels. The programme components consist of a generic research module (The Research Process) for training in qualitative and quantitative research methods in the Social Sciences, specialised research training in Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice, Legal Research and a module on international case studies in Criminology, which allows students to incorporate their particular research interests and areas of enquiry in comparative criminological and criminal justice research. The MA includes a 15,000 word dissertation.
Modules
Core modules:
* The Research Process
* Comparative Criminological Research
* Legal Research Methods
* Key Issues in Crime and Justice
Empirical studies:
* International Case Studies in Criminology
Research dissertation
The dissertation is a piece of independent research where you are expected to apply your research skills to a specific criminological or criminal justice topic. You will conduct this work with academic guidance provided by your supervisor who will be a member of the criminology and criminal justice team. Examples of successful MA dissertations in the past include:
* Youth crime: high spirits or a criminal act
* Sex offenders in the community
* Human trafficking
* An Englishman’s home is his castle
* 'Get out of jail free’ – malingered psychosis in prison populations
Research Interests of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Team
The research interests of current staff include:
* Youth homelessness and crime
* Institutional child abuse
* Critical approaches to law, crime and criminology * Sociology of law
* Public opinion on crime and criminal justice * Penal policy
* Rural criminology * Lay judges and jurors
* Procedural justice
* Popular legal culture, including film and TV
* Victimology
Teaching and assessment methods
Teaching occurs via lectures, seminars and tutorials given by research experts in the School of Social Sciences. Assessment methods include essays, assignments and a 15,000 word dissertation.
Careers information
Our graduate students have gone on to a range of successful careers both in academia in teaching and research and more widely in the Police Force, the Probation Service and support organisations such as CAIS.