Key informationInvestigate the human fascination with crime by taking a critical approach to criminology and criminal justice in this MSc programme. You may pursue an established field of learning or specialise in a subject area that relates to your background or career ambitions.Benefits of this courseYou will benefit from the global perspectives of crime, deviance and criminal justice systems presented in this MSc.Integral to our inquiries thus are cultural narratives and social reactions. We believe that a multi-dimensional approach to the phenomena of crime and deviance that considers the offender, the victim and the familial and social networks that are integral to such behaviours and the responses they elicit is key to our teaching.Who is this course for?If you are an independent thinker who wants to work within criminal justice, or perhaps already does, this degree is ideal. You can undertake specific research that builds on undergraduate criminology degrees taken anywhere in the world.An interest in data collection and analysis will also be useful as research methods form a key component of the programme.You might have a background in science, humanities or law, and you might already be working in the criminal justice system.Teaching and assessmentIn the first and second term from September to April, you will learn through lectures, interactive workshops and seminars.This is supported by insight from visitors such as external criminologists or practitioners. You can ask questions, debate ideas and present your own evidence around particular arguments.We encourage you to use the dissertation research to explore specialist areas of criminal justice and network with useful contacts.London is an ideal environment to seek out respected relevant institutions and initiatives.Most modules are assessed by coursework but the opportunity to study modules outside the department can involve different assessment methods.Our course has an emphasis on theoretical analysis and methodological training, allowing you to research the significance of a crime and identify how it might mark social and institutional change.