Criminology MA

The courses are designed to enhance your understanding and provide you with new perspectives on criminological theory and practice.<br/><br/><br/>- Applied approach designed to develop the skills required for employment in various criminal justice roles.<br/><br/><br/>- Expert speakers from agencies involved in criminal justice complement and contextualise your understanding.<br/><br/><br/>- International perspectives on crime.<br/><br/><br/>**Why you should study this course**<br/>The course has been designed for graduates of criminology, professionals currently working in the field and graduates of other disciplines looking to develop their career in a criminology-related field.<br/><br/>You will explore a broad definition of crime, considering multiple perspectives and scales, from crimes committed by one person against another to crimes perpetrated by corporations and states against whole populations.<br/><br/>You will explore the causes of crime and the implications for everyone affected by crime, including victims, offenders, witnesses and criminal justice staff at all stages of the criminal justice process.<br/><br/>You will also examine the challenges of delivering criminal justice, including global concerns over security. The global perspective is an important element of the course, including discussion of what crime is across the globe and who defines what constitutes criminality.<br/><br/>Throughout the course contrasting theoretical approaches are compared to engender a lively ongoing debate reflective of developments in global criminology. The main purpose of the course is to support your academic, personal and professional development, aiming to prepare you for a variety of criminal justice, rehabilitation and victim support roles; as well as wider possible career destinations such as drug rehabilitation, mental health support, policy, health security and fraud investigation.<br/><br/>In addition to established theories, new areas of criminological concern are discussed, such as criminalisation of migration; harm to the environment; and breaching public health measures. Studying criminology on these courses is also designed to extend your awareness and understanding of the ways that globalisation has accelerated organised crime as it follows money flows, necessitating international collaboration for public protection. There is a focus on how emerging technologies impact on crime and security and links between youth, popular culture and crime. A central focus throughout is the effect of crime and social harm on communities and individuals.<br/><br/>How thinking on criminology has developed over time, and been refined due to new evidence and knowledge in the field is a key component of the course. You will also examine the important issue of how and when the criminal justice system has failed, through miscarriages of justice and systemic failings such as institutional racism.<br/><br/>During this course you will comprehensively explore criminology, examining the subject from a truly global perspective. You will investigate subjects at the cutting edge of criminology, including topics that create discussion in wider society, for example border control and drug policy. You will have the chance to study forensic linguistics, which incorporates the study of the language used in court and police interviews, and the impact this has on justice. The course is taught by staff with published expertise in criminal youth gangs, drugs and forensic mental health (staff subject to change).<br/><br/>You may have the opportunity to go on visits to relevant destinations, such as prisons and courts and hear from guest speakers working in criminal justice roles to provide access to ‘real-world’ applications of your learning (subject to availability). On successful completion of the course, you will have a detailed understanding of the key approaches to preventing, investigating and tackling crime at all levels.