Criminology and Evidence-Based Policing MSc

In this module you will explore a range of challenges that characterise contemporary policing that will provide you with the basis for exploring issues in more detail within subsequent modules of the course. You will consider the context of modern policing and how this impacts on the nature of policing. For example, you will explore the transformative impact of digital technologies on crime and criminality as well as other continuing and emerging threats and challenges to policing. The module will also encompass current policing responses to these, offering an overview of action by state, sub-state, and supra-national bodies, as well as the challenges this poses for effective policing. Specific attention will be paid to operational questions, and to the development of new thinking in respect of potential responses.

In this module you will explore a range of research and analysis techniques that help inform evidence-based practice in policing. You will explore the relative effectiveness of a range of policing and intervention approaches and the research and evaluation evidence that underpins these. In doing so, you will also explore important approaches to research, such as systematic reviews and action-research. In addition, you will also learn about the use of analysis within policing, to inform appropriate targeting of individuals, locations and multi-agency crime reduction. This will include hands-on-practice of methods such as crime pattern analysis, hotspotting and association charting.

Within this module you will explore a range of strategic challenges faced by police managers. Through lectures and seminars, you will critically consider issues surrounding leadership, accountability, police effectiveness, and the impact of reforms to modern policing. The module is interdisciplinary supporting you to draw on knowledge and literatures from criminology and the social sciences as well as management and political science.

This module enables you to undertake an extended piece of research on a Criminology and International Security related topic of your choice. It will allow you to investigate in-depth an area of interest alongside a supervisor who is an expert at the forefront of the discipline. You will design and manage your research project, incorporate appropriate research methods, synthesise and analyse a range of sources and demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge about your chosen topic. You will be assessed by one piece of coursework.

You will develop an advanced level appreciation of the understanding of terrorism, counter-terrorism, security, transnational crime and policing in the modern world. Modern day terrorists and transnational organised crime groups will be examined alongside developments in security and policing/international organisations to prevent/counter them. You will develop your ability to understand, explain, critique current issues in global terrorism, transnational crime, policing and security and compare different theoretical approaches to particular case studies. You will be assessed through coursework.

You will explore the patterns of immigration and the associated research on crime, predominantly derived from quantitative data analysis (e.g. the CSEW). Crime by, within and against immigrant communities will be explored alongside relevant criminological theories, media’s perspective on immigration and the political context of immigration.