COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Criminology programme is structured around three core modules that provide a strong foundation in criminological theory, criminal justice policy, and advanced research skills. The Understanding Crime module introduces students to classical and contemporary criminological theories, examining how crime, criminal behaviour, victimisation, and law enforcement are explained and understood by modern criminologists. Particular attention is given to current debates within criminology, encouraging students to critically evaluate different perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of the social, political, and cultural factors that influence crime. The Responding to Crime module focuses on the ways societies and criminal justice systems address crime and harm at both domestic and international levels. Students explore a wide range of crime and justice issues, analyse different approaches to crime control, and critically assess how policy and practice interact in shaping responses to criminal behaviour. This module encourages comparative thinking and helps students understand the effectiveness, limitations, and consequences of various criminal justice strategies. The Research Project module represents a significant part of the degree and combines advanced research methods training with the completion of an independent research study. Students develop knowledge of research design, methodologies, data collection, and analysis while exploring important concepts such as ontology, epistemology, and ethical research practice. The project enables students to specialise in an area of personal interest within criminology, law enforcement, or cybercrime and may include a work-based evaluation linked to employment or a placement opportunity. Through this substantial piece of academic research, students contribute to existing knowledge while developing valuable analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills. Together, these modules provide a comprehensive understanding of crime, criminal justice responses, and research practice, preparing graduates for careers in policing, law enforcement, intelligence, cybercrime investigation, criminal justice agencies, policy development, research, community safety, offender management, and further academic study at doctoral level.