COURSE CURRICULUM

The Working with Adults and Young People who Offend master’s program offers a comprehensive study of key issues surrounding offending behaviour, rehabilitation, and post-custody support. Students begin by examining the complexities of drug misuse, exploring its nature, administration methods, harms, and the interventions designed to address it. Modules on working with adults and young people within the criminal justice system provide critical insight into theories of offending behaviour, ethical practice, and the challenges faced in probation, prisons, punishment, and youth justice. The course also highlights the importance of forensic mental health, encouraging students to evaluate how trauma and adverse childhood experiences shape mental health challenges and to critically assess intervention strategies. Resettlement, rehabilitation, and restorative justice are studied in depth, offering both theoretical and practical perspectives on supporting offenders’ reintegration into society. The program further strengthens understanding of applied investigation and public protection, equipping students with the skills to manage risk and work effectively across agencies in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Alongside these, students engage in an independent research project, developing the ability to design, conduct, and critically evaluate social science and criminal justice research. This combination of theory, practice, and research prepares graduates to take on leadership and specialist roles in rehabilitation, probation, youth justice, and offender support services.