Criminal Justice and Criminology MSc - Criminology and Policing

Program Overview

This MSc in Criminal Justice and Criminology, specializing in Criminology and Policing, offers a comprehensive understanding of the UK's justice system. It combines theoretical, legal, and practical perspectives to explore crime, criminal justice policy, and the role of the state in regulating human behavior. The program prepares students for careers in the justice arena, research, or professional development in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc in Criminal Justice and Criminology, specializing in Criminology and Policing, is designed to foster a deep understanding of the UK's justice and penal system.

• Explore the latest policies, practices, and debates in the field of criminal justice.
• Equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to embark on a career in the justice arena or to progress in their current roles.
• Foster critical thinking and analytical skills to address complex issues related to crime and criminal justice.
• Provide a platform for students to engage with diverse perspectives and real-world experiences in criminal justice.

Program Description:

The program is designed for individuals with an interest in the social and political challenges presented by crime. It is suitable for recent graduates with a relevant first degree who wish to deepen their knowledge and for current practitioners and managers within the criminal justice, rehabilitative, and penal systems. It examines issues such as corporate crime, state crime, terrorism, specific types of offending behavior, and cases where offenders under supervision commit more serious crimes. The program adopts an interdisciplinary and critical approach, combining theoretical, policy, legal, political, and practical perspectives. It challenges students' thinking about the role of the state and the criminal justice system in regulating human behavior and the limitations of criminal justice interventions in creating safe societies. The program also includes a comparative element, examining the role and function of criminal justice processes and policy-making in England and Wales alongside other global jurisdictions.

Outline:

Core Modules:

• Criminological Frameworks: This module introduces students to the key theoretical frameworks used to understand crime and criminal justice.
It explores various perspectives on crime, including biological, psychological, sociological, and Marxist theories.
• Independent Studies (Criminal Justice and Criminology): This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice related to criminal justice and criminology.
Students will develop their research skills, including literature review, data analysis, and report writing.
• Criminal Justice: Theory and Practice: This module examines the key institutions and processes within the criminal justice system, including the police, courts, prisons, and probation.
It explores the theoretical underpinnings of these institutions and their practical operation.
• Global Criminology and Criminal Justice Systems: This module provides a comparative analysis of criminal justice systems across different countries.
It examines the similarities and differences in crime rates, criminal justice policies, and the role of the state in different jurisdictions.
• Applied Research in Criminal Justice Systems: This module focuses on the application of research methods to real-world problems in criminal justice.
Students will learn how to design and conduct research projects, analyze data, and communicate their findings effectively.

Optional Modules:

• Concepts of Global Terrorism: This module explores the nature of terrorism, its causes, and its impact on global security.
It examines different approaches to counterterrorism and the role of international cooperation in combating terrorism.
• Criminal Justice: Practice and Management: This module focuses on the practical aspects of managing criminal justice organizations.
It covers topics such as leadership, organizational behavior, and policy development.
• The Criminal Justice Context of Forensic Psychology: This module examines the role of forensic psychology in the criminal justice system.
It explores the application of psychological principles to criminal investigations, offender profiling, and risk assessment.

Assessment:

The program emphasizes continuous assessment and written assignments. Some modules may also include presentations and group projects for assessment purposes.

Teaching:

The program is delivered through a variety of teaching and learning approaches, including lectures, online and face-to-face tutorials, discussion forums, project and work-based learning, group work, and guided independent study. Some elements of the course may be delivered via e-learning through group discussion boards and webinars, providing flexibility for students to study at their convenience. The program also emphasizes reflexivity, encouraging students to reflect on how the course is helping them develop their critical analytical skills.

Teaching Staff:

The program draws on the expertise of teaching staff actively engaged in research into crime and criminal justice. They possess a wide range of experience and expertise in areas such as penology, probation, youth crime and youth justice, white collar crime, violence, gender, crime and criminal justice, offender management, punishment, penology, sentencing, and international and comparative criminology.

Careers:

This course leads to a valuable qualification for those seeking academic or research roles in criminology. It also provides an excellent stepping stone into professional careers in criminal justice or with public, private, and third sector agencies concerned with crime prevention and community safety. For those already working in the sector and studying part-time, the MSc will contribute to their ongoing professional development and provide a foundation for career progression to more senior roles.

Other:

The program is delivered at One Friar Gate Square, home to the University of Derby's Law, Criminology, Policing, and Social Sciences programs. The program benefits from strong links with criminal justice organizations, which enhance learning through guest lectures where leading practitioners share their expertise and knowledge.

• UK fee: £9,450 for the full course (2024/25)
• International fee: £14,900 for the full course (2024/25)