MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice Online

Program Overview

The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice Online program from The University of Law provides a comprehensive understanding of criminology principles, with a focus on practical application. Through two pathways (Desistance and Resettlement or Social Justice), students gain knowledge and skills in research methods, criminal justice system analysis, and social policy. The program emphasizes real-world experience through ride-alongs and digital co-production projects, preparing graduates for diverse careers in the criminal justice sector and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This online Master's program in Criminology and Criminal Justice at The University of Law is designed for students of all subject backgrounds. The program emphasizes practical application and building experience while studying, opening career opportunities within the Criminal Justice sector and beyond.

Objectives:

• Gain a systematic understanding and critical awareness of key principles of criminology.
• Develop knowledge of the history of ideas, the cultural context, and the social and political theories that inform and influence the practice of criminology.
• Design and successfully complete a substantial empirical criminology research project, systematic review or systematic case study, informed by wide understandings of criminology in the contemporary world.
• Analyze the intersectionality of criminology topics in relation to criminal justice organizations and responses to crime, harm, deviance, and victimization.
• Engage with a wide range of research methods to conduct impactful research.
• Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to see things from different perspectives.

Outline:

The program offers two pathways:

• Desistance and Resettlement Pathway: Focuses on prisons, probation, rehabilitation, and resettlement.
Includes opportunities to work with criminal justice organizations and individuals with prison experience on a digital co-production project. Ideal for those interested in working within the criminal justice system, particularly in the third sector, prisons, and probation.
• Social Justice Pathway: Takes a critical approach to investigating the criminal justice system, examining how it has been perceived and resisted by those outside of institutional power structures.
Investigates how criminology engages with and pushes at the margins of the discipline, exploring the relationship between social marginalization and criminalization. Ideal for those who want to shape the system from either outside or within.

Course Structure:

• Full-time: 3 terms, with terms 1 and 2 dedicated to taught modules and terms 2 and 3 for dissertation or project research and writing.
• Part-time: 6 terms, with term 1 including 2 taught modules, terms 2-5 including 1 taught module each, and terms 5 and 6 for dissertation or project research and writing.

Modules:

Year One (Full-time)

• Criminology Harms and Power (30 credits, Compulsory): This module explores the concept of harm in criminology, examining how power dynamics influence the definition and response to crime.
• Research Methods (30 credits, Compulsory): This module equips students with the necessary skills to conduct research in criminology, covering various methodologies and data analysis techniques.
• Identity, Diversity and Human (15 credits, Optional): This module examines the intersection of identity, diversity, and human rights within the context of criminology.
• Transforming Social Policy (15 credits, Optional): This module explores the role of social policy in addressing crime and criminal justice issues.
• Resistance Activism and the State (15 credits, Optional): This module explores the role of resistance and activism in challenging the criminal justice system.
• Resistance Activism and the State (15 credits, Optional): This module explores the role of resistance and activism in challenging the criminal justice system.
• Dissertation or Coproducing in Criminal Justice: Digital Desistance Project (60 credits, Compulsory): This module allows students to undertake a substantial research project or participate in a digital co-production project focused on desistance and resettlement.

Assessment:

• Formative Assessments: Include preparation and feedback from teaching sessions (lectures, seminars, workshops, and presentations).
• Summative Assessments: Contribute to the final grade and may include written assignments, group work/studies, projects, and possibly exams.

Teaching:

• Lecturers: All criminology lecturers have varied professional experience and are research-active experts in their fields.
• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and online discussions.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes practical application and real-world experience, offering opportunities for ride-alongs with the City of London Police and other employability activities.

Careers:

• Career Prospects: The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the criminal justice sector and beyond.
• Job Opportunities: Graduates are sought after across sectors, with good job stability and security.
• Main Career Paths: Police, prison and probation service, court and security services, civil service, not-for-profit organizations, social care, academia, education, journalism, intelligence services, business, and the military.

Other:

• Work Experience Opportunities: The program offers unique opportunities for digital co-production projects with the Prison and Probation Service and charitable organizations.
• Award-winning Employability Support: Students have access to 1:1 support from the Employability Service, providing career planning, work experience, and other support tailored to their ambitions.
• Soft Skill Development: The program focuses on developing soft skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, which are highly valued by employers.
• Uncompromised Quality: The online program offers flexibility and convenience without compromising on quality or rigor.