MSc
Counter Fraud and Counter Corruption Studies
Advanced training to combat fraud and corruption
Course Overview
Why take this course?
Our degree has been specifically designed to meet a growing call for professional counter fraud and corruption staff in public and private sector organisations. This agenda for professionalism has encouraged investment in staff through relevant training and education, such as is provided in this course.
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.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Follow a challenging programme of study that will enhance your knowledge and skills of counter fraud and counter corruption
- Explore and evaluate the latest research on the extent and nature of fraud and corruption in a diverse range of locations, as well as the strategies that are used to combat them
What opportunities might it lead to?
Given the broad range of issues considered and the skills acquired throughout the degree programme, you will graduate with a portfolio of knowledge and abilities that supports a diverse range of career development opportunities in this field.
How do I apply?
Complete the University's online application form (not a UCAS form)
I chose Portsmouth because it is a reputable institution in the area of criminal justice education and also for the high standard of teaching and student welfare in the UK.
Marvin Adim Nwaefulu, MSc Counter Fraud and Counter Corruption Studies student 2013
Key Facts
- Duration
- 1 year full time, 2 or 3 years part time by distance learning
- Entry
A second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Exceptionally, applicants with strong relevant criminal justice experience will be considered.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 or equivalent. Campus-based applicants require a minimum score of 6.0 in all individual components. Distance learning applicants require a minimum score of 6.0 in reading and writing components.- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £4,500, 2 year route - distance learning students: £2,000 p/a*, 3 year route - distance learning students: £1,330 p/a*.
International full-time students: £10,500, 2 year route - distance learning students: £2,000 p/a*. 3 year route - distance learning students: £1,330 p/a*.
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- graham.brooks@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 5284 - Department
- Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Structure & Teaching
You will study the following core units:
- Countering Fraud and Corruption in the Public and Private Sectors (30 credits)
- Research Methods and Research Management (30 credits)
- International Fraud and Corruption (30 credits)
- 15,000-word Dissertation (60 credits)
You will also be able to choose one optional unit:
- Cybercrime, Security and Risk Management (30 credits)
- Investigation and Psychology (30 credits)
- Policing and Police Reform (30 credits) (campus-based only)
- Substance Misuse, Crime and the Criminal Justice System (30 credits) (campus-based only)
- Managing Justice and Security Organisations (30 credits) (distance-learning only)
Please note that all options are subject to minimum student numbers and may not all be available.
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
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.
How are you assessed?
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 an academic supervisor once you have identified the subject area of your dissertation.
Facilities & Features
ICJS
One of the UK's leading centres for research and course provision in criminology, criminal justice and police studies
Professional Links
Links with the criminal justice sector: local, national and international
Distance Learning
Pioneering distance learning programmes for professionals
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
ICJS
The Institute of Criminal Justice Studies was founded in 1992 and has since grown to comprise 50 academic staff and more than 1,800 students. Now an internationally-renowned focal point for the study of crime and criminal justice processes, it draws together expertise in criminological analysis, applied psychology, police governance and management, victimology, penology, risk and security.
Professional Links
Our extensive experience and close professional relationships with the police service and criminal justice agencies ensure that our courses reflect the changing needs of the profession. You may benefit from these links by hearing guest speakers, listening to leading-edge research and being helped to find professional work placements.
Distance Learning
Our distinctive approach to supported distance learning, robust procedures for the accreditation of prior learning and modular award framework not only help facilitate access to higher education but also offer flexible and transferable platforms for life-long learning.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
Students enrol on this award to further develop their professional expertise on counter fraud and corruption counter measures and strategies, or help support a career change or specialisation in this direction. Our students include those from the UK, Europe, and the Middle East that are employed in the private and public sector either working in the field of counter and/or corruption or some related discipline. The students that have completed the MSc have found it worthwhile and useful for promotion.
Career planning
One of the benefits of studying at Portsmouth is the support that we provide to our Master's and Research Degrees students in career planning. Our careers and recruitment service – Purple Door – can assist you in career research and finding employment opportunities. Help is also available if you wish to find a part-time job while studying your degree. We offer our postgraduate students and alumni one-to-one appointments with a careers adviser, or an online service for those not able to travel back to the University. Our alumni can call on our career services for five years after graduation.
In addition, regular employability events offer you the chance to meet employers, find out about different career sectors and improve your applications or CV. The Graduate Summer Programme provides a range of guidance and employability seminars and workshops.