MSc
Criminology and Criminal Psychology
Offending, psychology and crime
Course Overview
Why take this course?
If you want 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, this course will be of interest to you.
This degree is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
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:
- Examine how psychology can further our understanding of offending behaviour
- Study how psychological knowledge informs practice within a range of criminal justice agencies
- Explore psychology's contribution to working with offenders in order to reduce re-offending
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 will support 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 and youth programmes, etc. Their career prospects involve transfers to other units or advancing to more senior levels of management.
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, MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology student
Key Facts
- Duration
- 1 year full time, 2 or 3 years 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
- francis.pakes@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 3607 - Department
- Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Course:
MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology
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 units:
- 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
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, 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. You will 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, 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 your dissertation subject area.
Tutor's view
Dr Karen Shalev-Greene
Criminology and Criminal Psychology
If you wish to expand and develop your knowledge on reasons why people offend, differences between offenders and the psychology behind police interviewing of witnesses and victims, this is the course for you! Our students also have the opportunity to explore in more depth a subject area of particular interest to them in their dissertation project.
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
Most of our students are in full time employment in areas such as police, probation, law and youth programmes etc. Their career prospects involve transfers to other units or advancing to more senior levels of management.
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.