MSc
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Study crime, its causes and responses to offending
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This established programme allows you to develop your understanding of criminological theories of offending and the extent of crime, enabling you to critically examine the role and function of the criminal justice and penal policy process, and the criminal justice policy-making context, in England and Wales. It has been specifically designed for graduates of criminology or other related degrees, for those with criminal justice career aspirations or those already working in the criminal justice arena at all levels.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Develop an understanding of the application of criminological and criminal justice principles to law enforcement and criminal justice agencies
- Examine the treatment of disadvantaged communities and groups discriminated against, by and within, the criminal justice system
- Shape your study to your interests through your choice of options and dissertation topic
Notes
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.
For further information, please contact Tom Ellis: Tom.Ellis@port.ac.uk
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 distance learning
- Entry
A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or training within the police or other criminal justice organisation.
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
- francis.pakes@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 3607 - Department
- Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Course:
MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice
Academic staff and former students from the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies talk about their experience of studying for a Master's degree.
Structure & Teaching
You will study the following core units:
- Criminology Past and Present (30 credits) (campus-based only)
- Criminology (30 credits) (distance learning only)
- Criminal Justice (30 credits)
- Research Methods and Research Management (30 credits)
- 15,000-word Dissertation (60 credits)
Optional units include:
- Policing and Police Reform (campus-based only)
- Substance Misuse, Crime and the Criminal Justice System (campus-based only)
- Risk, Dangerousness and Vulnerability: Managing public protection (campus-based only)
- Investigation and Psychology (distance learning only)
- Managing Justice and Security Organisations (distance learning only)
- Countering Fraud and Corruption in Public and Private Sectors (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 your 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 University support services including careers, financial advice, housing and counselling etc.
Academic support will be delivered by the relevant academic 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 online 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 focused 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 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
Given the broad range of issues considered and the skills acquired throughout the degree programme, you will be well equipped to embark upon a diverse range of career choices. Over the years our graduates have found employment in areas including policing (both as officers and as civilian staff), crime analysis, probation, the courts and prison service, local authorities, academia and research, charities and private industry to name just a few.
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.