Course description
The MA Criminology imparts a thorough understanding of contemporary theoretical and policy debates within criminology and criminal justice and of relevant research methodology. We arrange visits to local courts and prisons, and students are encouraged to attend seminars and conferences held by the Centre for Criminology and Criminal Justice. Recent graduates have gone on to join the police; continue their academic study; pursue research careers in academic and policy environments; and work with offenders. The programme also provides an opportunity for those already working in criminal justice or related agencies to enhance their academic knowledge and career development potential.
Course Structure
The programme may be taken full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24. Learning and teaching takes place through lectures, seminars and independent study. Taught modules are assessed by a combination of written examinations and essays, with project and exercise work based on the acquisition of practical research skills. Diploma students must complete 120 credits and are not required to submit a dissertation. To be awarded the MA, students must gain 180 credits. Students who complete their coursework at Masters standard (120 credit) proceed to a dissertation on a specialist topic agreed with the course director (worth a further 60 credits). Each student is allocated a personal tutor who provides academic and pastoral support throughout the course. In addition, dissertation supervisors provide guidance on the process of completing a dissertation.
As detailed below, Course work is divided between core criminology modules and optional modules in criminology and/or research training. A separate booklet (the CASS postgraduate module handbook) provides more information on all core and optional modules currently available for CASS postgraduate students.
Core modules
-Criminal justice
-Research methods in criminology
-Theorising about crime
-Crime, deviance and social control
Optional modules
-Contemporary Imprisonment
-Media and Crime
-Gender and Crime
-History of Crime
-Policing
-Victims of Crime
-Social Analysis of Punishment
-Research Training Module