COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Criminology course is structured to provide students with a strong grounding in both contemporary theory and practical issues in criminology. To complete the program, students must take a range of core modules worth a total of 160 credits. These include Contemporary Criminological Thought, Key Criminological Issues, Research Methods, Reimagining Crime Online: Critical Perspectives, and Prisons, Probation and Policing, alongside a major Dissertation worth 60 credits. These modules ensure students gain a comprehensive understanding of criminological theories, current debates, and the functioning of criminal justice systems, while also developing essential research and analytical skills. In addition to the core modules, students must choose at least one optional module worth 20 credits, selected from a range of specialist topics. These options may include Homicide and Harm, Understanding Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence, Inside Out, Green Criminology in an Age of Climate Breakdown, Contemporary Coercions, or Terrorism and Political Violence. Optional modules vary each year, giving students the chance to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. This structure allows students to critically engage with key criminological themes while exploring specialist areas, ultimately equipping them with the expertise needed for careers in criminal justice, policy, or research.