LLM Criminal Justice

Program Overview

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The DMU LLM Criminal Justice program provides a comprehensive exploration of the criminal justice system, examining its theoretical and practical aspects. Through block teaching and expert instruction, students critically assess criminal law, develop legal arguments, and solidify their understanding of research methodologies. The program culminates in a research-led portfolio or dissertation, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in the criminal justice field.

Program Outline

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Objectives:

• Critically assess criminal law, practice, and procedure.

• Develop & present legal arguments with theoretical & conceptual grounding.

• Solidify understanding of criminal justice research methodologies.

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Program Description:

• Explores each stage of the criminal justice process through dedicated modules.
• Culminates in a research-led portfolio or dissertation.
• Features block teaching for focused learning.
• Led by legal experts with diverse professional backgrounds.

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Outline:

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Content:

• Criminal Investigations
• Criminal Trial
• Criminal Law
• Sentencing & Punishment

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Structure:

• 5 blocks delivered throughout the year.
• Each block focuses on a specific stage of the criminal justice process.
• Block teaching allows for deep dives into each subject.

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Modules:

• Critical Issues in Criminal Investigations: Explores modern investigative techniques and legal considerations.
• Critical Issues in the Criminal Trial: Examines the trial process, evidence rules, and jury deliberations.
• Critical Issues in Criminal Law: Analyzes substantive criminal law principles and offenses.
• Critical Issues in Sentencing and Punishment: Investigates sentencing policies, theories, and their impact.
• Dissertation: Allows students to conduct independent research on a chosen topic within criminal justice.

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Assessment:

• Variety of assessment methods: Presentations, case study analysis, individual exercises, reports, essays.
• Emphasis on independent development and presentation of legal arguments.

• Theoretical and conceptual basis required for arguments.

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Teaching:

• Expert legal professionals as instructors: Barristers, solicitors, professors, and practitioners.
• Block teaching delivery mode: Promotes focused learning and deeper subject engagement.
• Access to dedicated learning spaces: Crown court, training courtroom, Judge's Chambers, law library.
• Scenario-based learning encouraged.

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Careers:

• Broad range of opportunities for graduates with developed skills.

• Potential careers:
• Criminal lawyer
• Prosecutor
• Defense attorney
• Judge
• Criminologist
• Policy analyst
• Legal researcher
• DMU Careers Team provides support and resources for career exploration and development.

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Other:

• Scholarships available for eligible students.
• The program aligns with values of justice, peace, and sustainability.

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UK:

For 2024/25 tuition fees for UK students will be £10,450

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International:

For 2024/25 tuition fees for international students will be £17,950