MA Criminology and Criminal Justice

Overview of the programme

This MA Criminology and Criminal Justice programme is designed to offer students, with or without a first degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, the opportunity to progress academically and professionally. The programme builds on expertise and specialist interests across the Criminology and Social Work programmes. It offers students and professionals the opportunity for Continuing Professional Development.

A distinctive feature of the MA Criminology and Criminal Justice programme is that it is delivered 100 percent online, affording the busy student the flexibility to access postgraduate study while maintaining other commitments. The lectures are delivered via Moodle software, allowing excellent flexibility for times and days of study. Students will experience the programme and its online inter-active approach, its relevance to the workplace and its challenging blend of modules both stimulating and supportive. This also means that the programme can be studied internationally.

The range of modules are contemporary and relevant to the current criminal justice landscape and will help to build on a number of key skills that enhance the student’s critical thinking and in turn, will thrive in a professional environment. Students will acquire an extensive range of generic skills which are widely accepted as providing an excellent preparation for many careers. In addition to subject skills and knowledge, graduates also develop skills in communication, numeracy, teamwork, critical thinking, computing, and independent learning. All are highly valued by employers.

The MA Criminology and Criminal Justice programme integrates theory, social research, skills and professional experience, preparing students with critical thinking skills for employment in the workforce in criminal and community justice related settings. The programme aims to:

• Provide an advanced level programme for students wanting to critically analyse the theory and practice of criminal justice.
• Engage students in critically assessing and synthesising theoretical perspectives on criminal justice policy and practice.
• Develop an advanced appreciation of the complexities of working in the Criminal Justice arena.

KEY COURSE FEATURES

• 100 per cent online delivery
• Can be studied from abroad
• Opportunities for face-to-face seminars
• Excellent tutorial support and communication with lecturers.

CAREER PROSPECTS

The MA Criminology and Criminal Justice programme allows students to reach their vocational aspirations, making them stand out to a wide range of employers attached to the fields of:

• Probation
• Youth Justice
• Police
• The Prison Service
• Substance Misuse Services
• Community Rehabilitation
• Homelessness Services
• Voluntary Agencies
• Law
• Working with victims e.g. domestic abuse related charities.

With further postgraduate study, career paths open to graduates may include Counselling Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Social Work or teaching and research. Students will also achieve PgCert and PgDip exit awards during this course.