MSc International Criminal Justice
Student profile
Sylvie Nicole-Korlaar - MSc International Criminal Justice
What made you decide to come to University of Portsmouth to study?
I had followed several short-term courses on international criminal justice and decided to go for a postgraduate Higher Education course that was online, in order to strengthen my knowledge on the issue. As a consultant on justice reform, I also saw the need to increase my specialization on the subject matter, but also needed a flexible study programme. I searched on many universities websites for distance learning study programmes in international criminal justice and I found that the MSc in International Criminal Justice at the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies in Portsmouth was the only one corresponding to my interests and lifestyle.
How have you found the course?
I found it very professional and instructive. Beyond developing my knowledge in transnational crime, this course really enhanced my research capacities and academic writing. The regular online seminars and essays proved to be a very good method to progress through the course and obtain a more thorough understanding of the subjects of interest. The learning environment is very easy to handle and quite attractive (in comparison with other study programs I had tasted). Although I found it hard to read and write literature online at the beginning, I have now become completely familiar with the process and often find it easier than reading on hard-copy printed materials.
How have you found life at university?
This part-time online study programme has been perfect for me, as I can really choose when, where and what I can study. Professors and administrative staff have been very supportive and helpful, always available and reactive to my queries. Although I did not use all possibilities offered by the virtual learning environment in the first two years, I am now catching up with the Dissertation Hub and find it very well structured. I have also referred a lot to the skills@portsmouth study support resources. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to visit the University twice for study days, and really gained a lot by attending several academic sessions, meeting directly professors, other staff and students.
This course has been very fruitful for me, contributing to apply research methodologies in my professional practice.
Student profile
Keith Ditcham - MSc International Criminal Justice
What made you decide to come to University of Portsmouth to study?
I wished to undertake further education and examined the possibilities with a number of universities before electing Portsmouth. I wanted a course that was relevant to my work and future career aspirations that could fit in with my demanding work and busy home life.
The course’s syllabus offers a wide range of topics, all relevant to those working in the field of law enforcement. The university has a very good reputation internationally and I knew a number of alumni, all of whom spoke highly of their experience in studying for the MSc in International Criminal Justice through the University of Portsmouth. I particularly liked the fact that I would be studying alongside students with a diverse background, many from overseas.
How have you found your course?
I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of presentations and discussions groups delivered online together with attendance at the yearly study schools. The course is demanding but manageable. I elected to study over a three year period and found I was able to complete the marked assessments on time as well as contribute to the online discussions fitting this in around my work and domestic life.
The wide range of topics, all of which were extremely interesting, resulted in me looking at issues in a much broader perspective than I had done previously. For example, examining the globalisation of certain crimes and how policing has become more transnational to deal with the perceived threat led me to consider in greater detail issues of jurisdiction and governance above the nation state. I also learnt about subjects of which I have no previous experience such as international crimes against humanity, i.e. genocide and war crimes.
Feedback from the written assignments delivered throughout the course afforded me the opportunity to sharpen my writing skills and improve my ability to write a coherent argument for an academic audience. These are skills that I am already putting to good use in my work.
How have you found life at the University?
Although a distance learning post graduate I never felt isolated. I regularly spoke to the staff at the university and with fellow students. The library staff were very helpful in sourcing material and gave advice on how to conduct a thorough search on a topic. The university offered help with improving writing skills too and I would strongly recommend students make use of this service. Throughout my dissertation I had regular contact with my appointed supervisor. His guidance and advice in the planning, research and writing phases of my thesis was essential and enabled me to produce a finished article of which I am proud and who’s findings have been adopted in the workplace.
I have 28 years law enforcement experience, 12 of which in international police cooperation. The addition of a recognised qualification from a respected university such as Portsmouth has enhanced my CV and will stand me in good stead for future career development.
Caroline Denham – MSc International Criminal Justice
What made you decide to come to University of Portsmouth to study?
"I chose the course as it linked closely to my professional role, with the syllabus giving me the opportunity to focus on subjects of interest to me, and I knew the University of Portsmouth had a good reputation for criminal justice studies."
How have you found your course?
"I liked the flexibility of the distance learning Masters and was able to combine work, family and course commitments by studying over three years. The annual Study School sessions on essay writing, and clarify points with the Institute staff as I progressed, were particularly useful. The structured feedback for each assignment enabled me to hone my academic skills, both research and writing, which has benefited me at work."
How have you found life at the University?
"In completing the Masters I have a strong sense of achievement and fulfilment, and an enhanced CV allowing me to couple 20 years of law enforcement experience with academic skills in my specialist area. There were also benefits to my employer and partner organisations, with the findings of my dissertation being presented at an international conference.
"The course has certainly given me an edge for career development. Since completing I successfully applied for promotion."