Criminology MA

Criminology is a broad and dynamic discipline. Although it is rooted in social sciences, socio-legal and policy studies, it has developed its own distinct tradition. Topics of concern to the criminologist include:

• the social and legal construction of deviance and the social consequences of crime;
• structural and motivational influences on offending;
• the organisation of crime;
• policing, preventing and managing crime;
• victim experiences;
• the relationship between offender and the criminal justice system; and
• the development of crime and justice policy.

The Criminology MA is designed for those who have a background in social science, socio-legal or policy studies and want to develop their knowledge further. It is open to both those with a good first degree in a relevant area and those with relevant practitioner experience at an appropriate level.

What will you study?

The core taught curriculum gives you:

• an in-depth knowledge of contemporary criminal justice policy, practice and politics in local, national and global contexts;
• a critical appreciation of the relationship dynamic between criminological theory and policy making;
• an understanding of the relationship of research to the formation, implementation and evaluation of crime-related policy and practice; and
• an appreciation of current trends in the expansion of criminological issues in the context of globalisation.

A major feature of this course is the fieldwork component, which enables you to gain an understanding of the operational realities of crime-related policies and practices.

The extensive network of courts, custodial institutions and community-based crime-reduction programmes in London means that we are well placed to provide numerous opportunities to see the criminal justice system in operation.

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Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules

• Criminology Dissertation or Project
• Criminological Perspectives on Law
• International Perspectives on Crime Control and Punishment
• Research Methods in Criminology
• Themes and Debates in Policing
• Evaluation and Analysis in an Applied Setting
• Influencing Crime and Justice Policy
• Organisations and Institutional Practices

Optional modules

• Special Topic: Cyber Crime and Society
• Special Topic: Mentally Disordered Offenders
• Special Topic: Women and Violent Crime
• Special Topic:Offender Management and Contemporary Probation Practice

We want to make sure you get all the support you need while you are with us. Here you can see the range of support we can offer you while you're doing this course. Find out more...

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