MA in Transnational Organised Crime

Program Overview

Through distance learning, students gain a comprehensive understanding of trafficking, terrorism, and financial crime, preparing them for careers in law enforcement, policy development, and research.

Program Outline

Transnational Organized Crime (MA)

Degree Overview:

• Focus: The study of contemporary global issues like drug and human trafficking, international terrorism, illegal arms trading, and financial crime through the lens of critical criminology.
• Examination: Recent emergence of transnational organized crime, its historical precedents at a global level, and various forms of law enforcement responses.
• Analysis: How transnational organized crime is represented by the media.
• Value: Offers invaluable insight for various careers concerned with transnational organized crime and developing strategies and policies for its prevention.
• Outcome: Enhances knowledge and career prospects through this qualification.
• Uniqueness: Features unique topics, a critical perspective, and collaboration with experts in sociology and criminology.
• Progression: Supports those wanting to undertake a PhD by providing robust training in research methods.

Outline:

• Structure: Full-time, distance learning program with optional part-time option lasting two years.
• Part-time Study: For part-time students, the modules total 180 credits across two years.
• Modules:
• Year 1:
• Transnational Justice and Organised Crime (20 credits)
• Researching Crime and Society: Research Design and Data Collection (40 credits)
• Crimes of the Powerful: Corporate, White Collar and Financial Crime (20 credits)
• Year 2:
• Postgraduate Project (60 credits)
• Trafficking: the illegal trade in people, goods and services (20 credits)
• Understanding and Tracking Domestic Organised Crime (20 credits)
• Content: Covers a comprehensive range of topics related to transnational organized crime, providing in-depth examination of various aspects through lectures, seminars, and independent study tasks.

Assessment:

• Types:
• Formative Assessments (practice assignments) for self-testing and improvement.
• Summative Assessments (formal assignments) at the end of each module, including essays, reports, presentations, and problem-based assignments.
• Feedback: Regular feedback provided through written reviews, online discussions, and course blogs.
• Grading: Coursework assessed based on criteria specific to each module and learning outcomes.

Teaching:

• Method: Primarily delivered through virtual learning, including weekly 20-minute podcast lectures, PowerPoint slides, and written learning journals.
• Communication: Email, Skype, and online forums for continuous communication between students and staff.
• Flexibility: Designed to accommodate working professionals and personal commitments.
• Additional Support:
• Academic Skills team to guide students in writing, studying, researching, and critical thinking.

Careers:

• Potential Positions: National Crime Agency (NCA), Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies tackling transnational organized crime, banking sectors focusing on financial crime and fraud compliance, NGOs supporting victims of trafficking, policy development.

Other:

• Accreditation: Award granted upon successful completion is MA Transnational Organized Crime.
• Staff: Dedicated and research-active lecturers with expertise in criminology and sociology, extensive experience within the criminal justice system, and strong community partnerships.
• Duration: Part-time: 2 years, Full-time: 13 months with potential start on 23rd September 2024.
• Financial Support: Postgraduate loans and alumni discounts available.
• Application: Online application available through the website.
Its flexible distance learning approach makes it accessible to working professionals while providing the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in various careers related to this field.