Criminal Justice and Criminology MSc

Criminology is both a theoretical and empirical subject. It is neither purely deductive nor purely descriptive; theorisation needs to guide the collection of data and to be grounded in evidence. This course therefore recognises that theoretical debates about a wide range of perspectives lie at the heart of criminology and criminal justice.

The MSc programme begins with an introduction to the nature of crime and contemporary criminal justice policy. It examines the main elements of modern criminal justice systems, such as the police, courts, prisons, probation, the media and private security.

Special emphasis is also given to current pressing policy issues, including the rapidly rising rates of incarceration and the changing nature of the delivery of probation intervention.

You will study the following core modules:

• Criminological Frameworks
• Criminal Justice: Theory and Practice
• Applied Research in Criminal Justice Systems
• Global Criminology and Criminal Justice

You will also have the opportunity to choose from a range of options which include:

• Criminal Justice: Practice and Management
• Concepts of Global Terrorism
• The Legal and Criminal Justice Context of Forensic and Criminal Psychology

In addition, you will undertake an original piece of research into a theme of your own choice through our independent studies module.