Course description
In recent years, criminology and criminal justice have become popular areas of study, reflecting their heightened relevance in political and policymaking arenas. This course provides students with a broad understanding of the main theoretical perspectives within criminology and criminal justice and introduces them to major empirical research. It also provides more detailed study in specific topic areas through selected course options.
The course is taught at the Centre for Criminology. The Centre is a well-established department with 10 members of staff who are all involved in criminological teaching and research.
Brief Overview:
The problem of crime is a major issue in today’s society, and the subject of constant interest, contention and debate.
This Masters course is a logical step for those who have or aspire to a career within criminal justice. The course is suitable for graduates of degrees in related subjects, who want to develop their knowledge in this exciting subject area.
Drawing on the expertise of research staff in Glamorgan’s well-established Centre for Criminology, it offers you an in-depth understanding of the social context of crime and how it is managed.
On this course, you’ll develop a clear critical awareness of both theory and practice in criminology and criminal justice. You’ll also get a thorough grounding in qualitative and quantitative research methods – invaluable skills for any profession that uses planning, analysis and evaluation.
As well as studying a group of core modules, you will be able to choose modules that suit your interests and career aspirations, as well as exploring an area of particular interest through a dissertation on an approved topic of your choice.
Course Content
You will study the following modules:
* Criminological Theory
* Criminal Justice – Theory and Practice
* Approaches to Social Science Research
* Social Science Research in Practice
* DissertationOptional modules include:
* Young People in the Criminal Justice System
* Violence and Homicide
* Drugs and Crime
How To Study
The course is delivered through lectures, seminars and tutorials. An important aspect of the course is independent research by students and open discussion of their findings. Certificate and Diploma stages are taught in a group situation and each module is individually assessed. The MSc degree involves submitting an additional dissertation of around 20,000 words based on an individual piece of research (which may be work-related).
Career prospects
Career opportunities in criminal justice agencies have increased considerably in recent years. Traditional roles in the Police, Probation and Prison Services have become professionalised and higher academic qualifications are becoming increasingly necessary. There are also many civilian roles and careers within these services, including Crime Reduction Officers, Crime Analysts and academic or Home Office researchers.
