Criminology and Criminal Justice
Level
MA
Duration
One year full-time or two or three years part-time
Apply here
Introduction
The MA Criminology and Criminal Justice, based at our Canterbury Campus, allows students to combine the study of contemporary issues in the criminal justice system with theoretical approaches to the study of crime. Students will initially follow three core courses that provide an informed overview of crime, criminology and the criminal justice system. These three core courses will be complemented by three further courses in more specific subject areas (Punishment and Penology, Policing and Community Safety and Research Design, Procedure and Analysis) followed by a final dissertation.
Students who complete the initial three 20 credit core courses successfully may exit the programme with the award of postgraduate certificate. On the completion of a further 60 core credits, students not wishing to take the dissertation may exit with the award of postgraduate diploma. Assessment methods will include essay, presentation, literature review, project initiation document and dissertation.
Programme Structure
The MA Criminology and Criminal Justice is composed of six core 20 credit taught courses and a 60 credit dissertation. Each of the taught courses comprises a taught element (including lecture and seminar) and associated assessment and each has a series of defined learning outcomes which are assessed as part of the course requirements.
The six taught courses are:
Dimensions of Crime (20 credits)
The aim of this course is to develop in
students a critical appreciation of both the different forms that
crime takes and the different approaches to analysing its causes and
effects.
Criminal Justice: Themes and Issues (20
Credits)
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the contemporary
criminal justice system and the associated themes, issues and
dilemmas which impact on criminal justice policy.
Understanding Criminology (20 credits)
The course has two main aims; first, to explore the
inter-disciplinary nature of criminology and its relationship to
different research agendas. Second, it aims to investigate the
increasingly complex political and ethical contexts within which
such research occurs.
Research Design, Procedure and Analysis (20
credits)
The course aims to provide students with a critical and appreciative
knowledge of the research methods used in the study of crime and the
criminal justice system. It will provide students with an in-depth
critical knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative research
methodologies.
Punishment and Penology (20 credits)
This course has two main aims; first, to introduce students to
conflicting ideologies of punishment and, second, to allow students
a critical appreciation of the persistent themes and issues
associated with both imprisonment and community punishment.
Policing and Community Safety (20 credits)
This course will introduce students to contemporary issues in, and
strategies of, policing drawing on practice, policy and theory.
Dissertation (60 credits)
The dissertation is the final component of the MA
and builds upon themes and issues covered in the core course
Research
Design, Procedure and Analysis. The dissertation
involves the student undertaking a research based project that is
written up in the form of a dissertation. The dissertation gives
students the opportunity to pursue research in an area of specific
interest to them and is supervised by a member of staff.
How to Apply
Candidates for this programme are normally expected to have a good honours degree in a relevant area. Candidates with other degrees or relevant professional qualifications may also apply, but additional criteria may be set for admission onto the programme.
Applications must be made in writing on the appropriate application form. A curriculum vitae detailing the applicant’s educational and professional background is required, together with a statement outlining the reasons for wishing to undertake the programme. The Programme Director will arrange for all suitable applicants to be interviewed (by telephone or in person). Applicants will be selected for the programme on the basis of their previous educational attainment and present expertise and potential, together with evidence of their commitment to Master’s level study and their willingness and ability to study as part of a group.
An application form can be downloaded here.
Copies are also available from:
Student Recruitment (Postgraduate Admissions)
Canterbury Christ Church University
North Holmes Road
Canterbury
Kent
CT1 1QU
Telephone: 01227 782900
Fax: 01227 782888
Email:
admissions@canterbury.ac.uk
Informal enquiries can be made to Sofia Graca
sofia.graca@canterbury.ac.uk