Course overview

UK/EU Applicants must submit full applications by: 9am Friday 7th September 2012
Non-EU Applicants must submit full applications by: 9am Friday 27th July 2012

All applicants should apply as soon as possible to reserve a place and ensure adequate preparations are made for the start of your studies.

This programme of studies is designed to develop students' understanding of criminological theories of offending and the extent of crime whilst providing an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of the application of criminological principles to criminal justice agencies. Specifically, the programme aims to develop students' understanding of the psychology of various types of offending behaviour, providing an opportunity for students to discover how psychological research informs practice within a range of criminal justice agencies. Further, students will have opportunities to study a range of criminological subjects and will design, research and write a substantial piece of academic written work.

This award is aimed at those with an interest in criminology and psychology. In particular, the course would be of interest for those wanting to examine how the science of psychology can further our understanding of offending behaviour, and how psychological knowledge is utilised in improving policing, and victim services, as well as those working with offenders in order to reduce re-offending.

The MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Accreditation is not sought due to the fact that the programme is partly criminology and partly psychology and would be unlikely to meet requirements.

Course content

The specific programme aims are

• To develop students' understanding of criminological theories of offending and the extent of crime.
• To provide an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of the application of criminological principles to law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.
• To provide opportunities for students to study a range of criminological subjects and to write a substantial piece of academic written work.
• To develop students' understanding of the psychology of various types of offending behaviour.
• To provide an opportunity for students to discover how psychological research informs practice within a range of criminal justice agencies.
• In addition, students will benefit from an extra-curricular visiting programme that includes several key criminal justice institutions and settings.

The available modes of study are

• Full-time by attendance at the University of Portsmouth (12 months study)
• Part-time by distance learning from any location world-wide (two or three year study schedule)

Course Structure

• Criminology Past and Present (30 credits)
• Psychology and Offending Behaviour (30 credits)
• Investigation and Psychology (30 credits)
• Research Methods and Research Management (30 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Please note that course structure may vary from year to year; course content and learning opportunities will not be diminished by this.

Teaching and assessment

Assessment is based upon a range of written assignments including essays, research proposal, literature review, case study and a 15,000 word dissertation.

Written formative feedback is provided on all assignments to assist improvement of student performance and further academic development in line with the ICJS Marking Protocol. In the first period of study, the unit assessment pattern will ensure early feedback and assessment is provided so that remedial action can be acted upon in a timely fashion. For the dissertation proposal a two-page summary can be submitted for advance formative feedback. Mechanisms for peer support will be facilitated via the Postgraduate Online Learning Centre (see below) and all students have access to local technical support at the University of Portsmouth (IS Service Desk).

Career prospects

Given the broad range of issues considered and the skills acquired throughout the degree programme, our students graduate with a portfolio of knowledge and abilities that supports a diverse range of career development opportunities in this field.

Facilities and features

Student Support

The course is managed by a Course Leader and an extensive induction programme introduces the student to the University and their course. Student course and unit handbooks provide information about the course structure and University regulations, etc.

The University of Portsmouth has consistently been awarded an excellent rating for student support and guidance in a number of Quality Assurance Agency inspections.

Personal Tutoring

All ICJS distance learning students are supported in the initial stages by the extended Induction Programme (online and face-to-face). Immediately following induction, an ‘engagement officer’ proactively ensures any issues are resolved rapidly, and thereafter personal support is provided by their Course Leader for the duration of their studies.

Academic support will be delivered by the relevant academic Unit Coordinators and the Course Leader. This will take the form of online, telephone and email. All students have access to the formal and informal support areas of the course discussions areas (Graduate Common Room, etc.) and student peer support and Library support services in specific discussion rooms.

All ICJS campus-based students will be assigned a personal tutor, responsible for pastoral support and guidance, and have access to wider University support services including careers, financial advice, housing, counselling etc. via a dedicated Student Services Centre.

Campus-based international students who speak English as an additional language will be placed within an appropriate English for Academic Purposes (EAP) class and progress will be monitored by their Personal Tutor. The University of Portsmouth values the cultural diversity of our student population and provides additional English language support and cultural events. The details of dedicated support services for International Students are available at www.port.ac.uk/international/.

Relevant Unit Coordinators will also act proactively, for example in contacting those students whose performance appears to indicate that they would benefit from study support, and will follow up with direct contact to any student non-submission. A marker referral system is also in place to identify specific academic skills gaps and their resolution via additional skills support.

Online Library and Study Resources

The University has excellent library facilities including extensive electronic library services available on and off-campus. The Library is renowned for its high quality, responsive and customised support to students studying at a distance, or seeking to research criminal justice projects at a distance. A range of library services for distance learning students are provided to supplement the broad range of online academic resources (e-journals and e-books, etc.) available to all. Other key support services include:

• Library Information Literacy
• Academic Skills Unit
• Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Tel: +44 (023) 9284 3907
Email: francis.pakes@port.ac.uk