Overview

Develop your skills in leading complex criminal investigations, improve your skills in making reasoned arguments and rational decisions, and deepen your understanding of a range of key criminological theories, practices and perspectives in order to improve your potential impact within a policing, prison, probation or other criminal justice setting.

Our criminology Masters helps you take advantage of the new opportunities available within psychology, as well as making you aware of how new and growing challenges can be addressed. Youll delve into a range of specialist topics such as:

• the sociological approach to crime, criminology and criminological theory
• the role of forensic psychology in manging mentally disordered offenders
• the status of the victim throughout the criminal process
• the historic relationship between psychology and policing, and what this means for modern policing
• critical assessment of complex criminal investigations in accordance with national standards.

Towards the end of your degree, you will produce an original piece of research on the topic of your choice within criminology and criminal psychology, conducting research retrieval and thorough analysis of the issue and presenting it effectively. Throughout the course you will debate course content with fellow professionals, improving your skills in critical reasoning, communication and leadership, all of which will enhance your potential in future roles related to criminology.

Teaching methods

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you will have access to your study materials 24/7, including:

• multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments
• discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students
• live Q&A sessions with your tutors
• a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals
• support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team

To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.

Assessment methods

Rather than fretting about exams, you will be assessed exclusively through assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, or by submitting longer written pieces.

We are committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback through the following ways:

• Our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent.
• You will always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme.
• You will be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log onto the learning platform.
• There is a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work.
• You will have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise.

Career prospects

Senior roles within criminal justice are often a career objective for our criminology graduates. Many go on to serve as analytical police staff or police officers, or in offender support, probation, prison and victim services. The course will also be useful for those seeking employment within security services and the National Crime Agency.