MSc
Criminology and Community Safety
Explore theories of offending and their application to community safety strategies
Course Overview
Why take this course?
You will study the application of criminological theories and principle to law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, as well as explore the application of community safety strategies to crime reduction and the fear of victimisation, among other related subjects.
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:
- Work with staff currently involved in action research with Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRP) as well as staff linked to the Local Government Association's Community Safety Advisers Board and a number of police forces in England and Wales
- Follow a programme of study that would enhance your chances of entering or progressing in a community safety career
- Have the chance to complete an internship with either local Community Safety Partnerships or where appropriate agencies working within the voluntary sector
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)
With the help of a scheme from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, I decided to take the plunge. The course tutors were extremely supportive and helped me understand the direction I should be going in.
Jocelyn Johnson, law and criminology student
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
- barry.loveday@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 3458 - Department
- Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Structure & Teaching
You will study the following core units:
- Study Skills (non-assessed)
- Criminology (30 credits)
- Community Safety, Partnerships and Crime Reduction (30 credits)
- Research Methods and Research Management (30 credits)
- 15,000-word Dissertation (60 credits)
You will take 30 credits of optional units. Here are a few example units:
- Managing Justice and Security Organisations (30 credits)
- Cyber Crime, Security and Risk Management (30 credits)
- Investigation and Psychology (30 credits)
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
The course will be delivered by distance learning materials and online. It will link directly to current challenges for crime reduction partnerships.
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 your course leader for the duration of your studies.
All ICJS campus-based students will be assigned a personal tutor, who will be responsible for pastoral support and guidance. You will also have access to University support services including careers, financial advice, housing and counselling etc.
Academic support will be delivered by the relevant unit coordinators and the course leader via the internet, telephone and email. All students have access to the formal and informal support areas of the course discussions areas (Graduate Common Room), 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. You will also complete 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 your dissertation subject area.
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
This degree is aimed at both current practitioners in community safety and also those who would like to take up a career in this field. This includes those currently employed as community-safety officers with local authorities who would like to gain an academic qualification in this field, police officers, particularly those who are or will be involved with the future delivery of neighbourhood policing strategy, and members of voluntary bodies and associations who also work in this area.
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.