Course overview

All applicants should apply as soon as possible to reserve a place and ensure adequate preparations are made for the start of your studies. The latest we can receive an 'on time' application (with all associated documentation)is: 6 September 2013 (16 August 2013 for non-EU students). Applications received after this date may be processed, but your course induction and start to studies may well be disrupted.

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.

Video: Watch staff and students discuss their experience of this programme

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 (1 year full time)
• Part-time by distance learning from any location world-wide (two or three year study schedule)

Units of Study

• Criminology Past and Present (30 credits) (campus based only)
• Criminology (30 credits) (distance learning only)
• Psychology and Offending Behaviour (30 credits)
• Investigation and Psychology (30 credits)
• Research Methods and Research Management (30 credits)
• 15,000 word Dissertation (60 credits)

Please note that the 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, case study, a literature review and research proposal focussed on your chosen project, and finally a 15,000 word dissertation. For each assignment full academic support is provided by an academic subject expert and you will be provided with academic supervisor once you have identified the subject area of your dissertation.

Student support

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.

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.

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.

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.

Most of our students are in full time employment in areas such as police, probation, law, youth programmes, etc. Their career prospects involve transfers to other units or advancing to more senior levels of management. Other students find the degree to enhance their applications when searching for work opportunities in this field. 

Facilities and features

Academic Skills Development

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

The library

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.

• Library Information Literacy
• Library services for distance learning students
• Criminology subject resources

Further support

Other key support services include:

• 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