COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Criminology curriculum provides a comprehensive combination of criminological theory, criminal justice, research, public policy, and specialist contemporary topics to prepare students for professional careers in criminal justice, public safety, policy development, and research. All students complete Contemporary Issues in Crime and Justice, which examines current developments in crime, criminal behaviour, victimisation, policing, punishment, rehabilitation, organised crime, cybercrime, terrorism, and criminal justice policy while encouraging critical evaluation of contemporary social and legal challenges. Public Criminology focuses on applying criminological knowledge beyond academia by exploring public engagement, policy development, crime prevention, media representation, community safety, and evidence-based approaches that influence criminal justice practice and public understanding of crime. Advanced Research Methods develops expertise in qualitative and quantitative research design, data collection, statistical analysis, ethics, critical evaluation, and evidence-based investigation, equipping students with the skills required to conduct independent criminological research. Students also complete a Dissertation, undertaking an original research project that applies advanced research methods and critical analysis to investigate a significant issue within criminology or criminal justice. The programme offers several optional modules that allow students to specialise in areas aligned with their interests and career goals. Criminal Investigation examines investigative procedures, forensic evidence, interviewing techniques, intelligence gathering, and investigative decision-making used in the detection and prosecution of crime. International Security explores global security challenges including terrorism, organised crime, cyber threats, conflict, migration, and international cooperation in maintaining public safety. Post-Conflict Societies investigates peacebuilding, transitional justice, reconciliation, human rights, and the social, political, and legal challenges faced by societies recovering from conflict. Domestic Abuse, Coercion and Control examines the causes, impacts, legal responses, safeguarding practices, victim support, and prevention of domestic abuse and coercive behaviour. Alternative Justice explores restorative justice, community-based interventions, mediation, rehabilitation, and innovative approaches to resolving conflict and reducing reoffending outside traditional criminal justice systems. Throughout the programme, students strengthen analytical, research, communication, critical thinking, and policy evaluation skills while engaging with real-world criminological issues. Overall, the curriculum prepares graduates for careers in policing, probation, prisons, youth justice, victim support, intelligence agencies, government departments, policy development, community safety, research organisations, charities, international justice agencies, and doctoral study in criminology or related disciplines.