Course description

The MRes in Criminology course provides you with the advanced theoretical, conceptual and methodological expertise and skills necessary to undertake and critically evaluate criminological, socio-legal and criminal justice research.

Combining core research skills with specialist criminology and criminal justice teaching from research-active staff, this course encourages you to critically examine the theoretical foundations that underpin applied criminological research.

The course also provides formal, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary training in research methodologies and transferable employment related skills, for those interested in applying for a PhD and/or planning a professional research career in the voluntary, public or private sectors.

The MRes is an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and North West Social Science Doctoral Training Centre (NWSSDTP) recognised foundation course for research training.

This is an essential first step if you wish to undertake doctoral research as part of the 1+3 PhD in Criminology programme, which qualifies towards ESRC and NWSSDTP funding.

Aims

• Meet national and regional demands for new research and policy oriented competencies in criminology or socio-legal studies.
• Provide advanced, systematic and critical knowledge of research methods and theoretical arguments in criminology or socio-legal studies which are at the forefront of the subject area in a vibrant research context.
• Offer a course integrating a grounding in research methodology with understanding of the implications for policy.
• Offer you the opportunity for developing your understanding of the key theoretical and epistemological debates within the subject area and to assist you to engage in theoretical debates at an advanced postgraduate level.
• Provide a formal, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary training for you in research methodology and transferable employment related skills.
• Prepare you for PhD level research careers in academic life or as professionals in government and voluntary agencies.
• Contribute to the national need for skilled social science researchers in criminological, socio-legal and related matters.
• Train you to appreciate the relationship between research on the one hand, and the implementation and operation of policy and practice in the implementation of justice, on the other.
• Provide you with the tools for further research or study in criminology or socio-legal studies.

Teaching and learning

This course is taught by an interdisciplinary team of experts using a variety of delivery methods: lectures, workshops, student-led presentations and debate, group work and individual research.

Coursework and assessment

Most course units are assessed by 3,500 word essay or by essay and presentation.

Career opportunities

This degree is designed to appeal to recent graduates looking to work for local or central government and criminal justice agencies, for example:

• as a criminal intelligence analyst within the police;
• probation;
• voluntary sector and NGOs;
• pressure groups;
• think-tanks (such as The Howard League Reform Trust); and
• roles within the private sector.