Criminology and Criminal Justice

Program Overview

The MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice equips graduates with knowledge and skills to understand and address current crime and harm issues. It emphasizes research training, practical skills, and collaboration with practitioners and researchers. Graduates are prepared for careers in the criminal justice sector, including probation, policing, and research. The program fosters evidence-based practice and provides resources for career development.

Program Outline

Criminology and Criminal Justice - MA

Degree Overview:

This MA program prepares graduates for careers in the criminal justice sector by equipping them with knowledge and skills to understand and address current problems in crime and harm. It focuses on developing both theoretical and practical skills through diverse modules and emphasizes research skills necessary for evidence-based practice. The program welcomes graduates from various disciplines, including criminology, policing, sociology, psychology, and law.

Key Objectives:

• Develop awareness of current problems and ideas in criminology.
• Equip students with knowledge and skills for professional roles in criminal justice.
• Offer research training that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Benefit from the expertise of practitioners and researchers with diverse interests across the social sciences.
• Assist students in conducting real-world criminological research through a postgraduate research project.

Outline:

Modules:

Year 1:

• Current Criminological Concepts: Explores contemporary explanations of crime and emerging theoretical frameworks.
• Practical Criminological Research: Equips students with research skills, understanding of methodologies, and ethical considerations.
• Justice and Control in the 21st Century: Examines institutions and processes within the criminal justice system, including police, prisons, probation, youth justice, gender, and masculinities.
• Illicit Markets: Develops knowledge of global crime, illicit flows of goods and services, and criminal marketplaces.
• Scholarly Project: Independent research project on a chosen criminological topic.

Teaching and Learning:

The program utilizes diverse teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, group projects, and individual presentations. The curriculum is designed to encourage student-led and real-world activities, promoting active learning, critical thinking, and reflection. The program also highlights the importance of collaborative learning and personalized support.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include essays, podcasts, group and individual presentations, and the final Scholarly Project. The program emphasizes demonstrating research skills, analysis, synthesis, and critique of criminological concepts and research methodologies.

Careers:

This program prepares graduates for a range of careers in the criminal justice sector, including:

• Probation officer
• Police officer
• Prison officer
• Youth justice worker
• Policy analyst
• Researcher
• Criminologist
Graduates can also pursue careers in related fields such as social work, education, and law. The program offers resources and support for career development and employability.

Other:

• The program offers research training that explores innovative online methodologies.
• Students benefit from established links between the program and West Yorkshire Police, the probation service, and other relevant organizations.
• The program emphasizes fostering students' ability to identify, build, and employ evidence-based practice.
• Participants gain expertise from academics and practitioners with extensive experience in the field.