Crime Science

Programme Overview

The MSc in Crime Science is composed of 5 compulsory modules and 3 optional modules. 180 credits are required for this programme (75 credits of compulsory courses, 60 credits of dissertation, plus 45 credits of option courses)

Programme Structure

Programme Structure for Full time students

Full time students will complete the MSc in one calendar year.

Programme Structure for Modular/flexible students

Modular Flexible students can take up to 5 years to complete the programme, although we would typically expect the course to be completed in three years.
Credits

The MSc in Crime Science is worth 180 credits.

Credits gained from successful completion of the Certificate in Crime Prevention and Community Safety or Certificate in Crime Detection can contribute to the MSc in Crime Science.

Objectives

Aims and objectives

The MSc in Crime Science aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of how science and scientifically based techniques can deliver immediate and sustainable reductions in crime. The programme focuses on how to apply science better to understand crime problems, and develop strategies for reducing such problems by (a) stopping them from happening in the first place and (b) increasing the probability of detecting and arresting offenders. The programme outlines the philosophical and theoretical bases for this approach and explores its application to a range of crime problems. Implementation issues are examined, including ethical, policy, political and contextual issues and the role of the media. It is a multi-disciplinary subject, drawing on expertise in psychology, social science, statistics, mathematics, architecture, forensic sciences, design, geography and computing, although the range depends to some extent on the options chosen.

Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will:

• understand how science and a variety of professional disciplines can contribute to reducing crime, through prevention and increasing the probability of arrest where a crime has occurred

• be able to apply scientific principles to crime control, and think more strategically in developing and implementing crime control strategies

• appreciate the relevance and practical significance of the immediate situation as a cause of crime, and the complexity of the associated implementation issues

• be able to assess critically the likely impact of planned crime reduction initiatives and to generate more innovative proposals for reducing particular crime problems.

Mode of Attendance: Full - time