COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in Criminology at Kent provides a structured and research-led approach to understanding crime, criminal behaviour, and justice systems. In the first year, students build a strong foundation through compulsory modules such as Critical and Global Criminology, which examines contemporary theoretical approaches and the global context of crime, and Design of Social Research, which equips students with the methodological tools necessary to conduct robust criminological research. Alongside these core modules, students can choose from a range of optional modules to tailor their learning to specific interests, including Advanced Data Analysis in the Real World, which develops practical skills in handling and interpreting complex data, Intersectionalities and Crime, which explores how overlapping social identities impact criminal justice experiences, Social Justice Debates, and Understanding Global Harms, providing insights into transnational crime and policy responses. In the second year, students undertake a dissertation, allowing them to conduct an independent, in-depth research project under academic supervision. This process enables students to apply theoretical knowledge and research methods to real-world questions, producing work that contributes to contemporary debates in criminology. By combining critical theory, research training, and optional specialisations, the course prepares graduates for careers in research, policy development, criminal justice, social services, and other fields that address crime and social harm.