Criminology and International Security MSc

This module offers an advanced level appreciation of the theory and understanding of crime, criminality and issues of International Security, providing a detailed understanding of rival theories and concepts and the ways these play out in the practice of criminality, international security and threats. Large datasets of crime will be discussed with patterns and trends identified (eg the CSEW). The module focuses on developing the student’s abilities in understanding, explaining, critiquing current issues in crime and International Security, and comparing different theoretical approaches to particular case studies.

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.

Upon successful completion of this module, you will have a systematic understanding of knowledge, and critical awareness of current cyber security challenges and how they are exploited through cybercrime. Have originality in the application of practical knowledge and critical evaluation of crime scene from a digital perspective. And, a conceptual understanding the enables the learner critically evaluate and engage in scholarship in the discipline, including proposing and testing both research and investigative hypotheses.

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.

You will be introduced to the design of social research and examine the approaches used to collect social research data. You will have the opportunity to explore issues that affect the quality of research and the three design strategies: experiment, survey and case study. You will also be encouraged to study key techniques including questionnaire design, interviewing, ethnography and the use of documents. The module will be assessed through coursework, where you will assemble a critique of the research methods used in a provided journal article.

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.