About the courseA stimulating and demanding programme, involving intensive learning in small groups, the MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice will equip you with an advanced understanding of crime and criminal justice, comprising courses in criminological theory, the study of criminal justice, and training in research design and methodology.The MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice is offered on both a full-time (one-year) and part-time (two-year) basis. The degree and expectations for ... READ MORE

About the course

A stimulating and demanding programme, involving intensive learning in small groups, the MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice will equip you with an advanced understanding of crime and criminal justice, comprising courses in criminological theory, the study of criminal justice, and training in research design and methodology.

The MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice is offered on both a full-time (one-year) and part-time (two-year) basis. The degree and expectations for both modes of study are equally rigorous. Part-time students take their classes with the full-time students, but spread over two years to accommodate work and personal circumstances.

The MSc is comprised of compulsory courses, optional subjects and a dissertation.

As a full-time student, you will be expected to spend around 40 hours studying each week during term, and to undertake some further study during vacations. During the first two terms you will be advised to divide your time between the core course and your other courses as follows.

• At least 10 hours per week preparation for the core course
• At least 8 hours per week preparation for each option/compulsory course
• 4.5 to 6 hours per week in seminars (90 minutes for each course)

Assessment

You will take one unseen examination relating to the Criminological Theories and Criminal Justice course.

Research methods courses are examined by means of an assessment to be submitted at the end of the relevant term. These courses also have some term-time assignments which are assessed on a pass/fail basis.

All other options are examined by means of an assessed essay, also to be submitted at the end of the term in which the option runs.

In addition to the options you take, you will write a dissertation during the third term. Part-time students will write their dissertations in the third term of their second year, but will be encouraged to start planning their dissertation from their first year. The dissertation will be researched and written independently, with only minimum guidance from your dissertation supervisor. This is also supported by a compulsory but non-assessed course, Communications Skills for Criminologists, attended by both full-time and part-time students.

Graduate destinations

Graduates from the programme have recently gone on into the following areas.

• research careers
• government departments and criminal justice agencies
• voluntary organisations in the crime and justice field
• international organisations, such as the UNODC.