MSc Modules

The core modules that you are required to follow will be determined by the programme that you choose. The optional modules you can choose from are also dependent on the programme you are studying. Further details can be found on each course page:

• MSc Criminology
• MSc Applied Criminology
• MSc Clinical Criminology
• MSc Terrorism, Security and Policing

Core Module (for all programmes)

Criminological Research Methods provides you with a grounding in research methodology. Specifically, it aims to give you a hands-on experience of designing research as well as the ability to comment critically on published articles, books and reports.

The Dissertation is an opportunity for you to comprehensively explore a criminological topic of your own interest. You will undertake the project independently, but support is provided by a designated member of staff. Past MSc dissertations have varied from evaluations of the impact of domestic violence training at schools, to assessing the fit of counter-terrorism strategies. 

Core and Optional Modules (dependant on programme)

Understanding Crime focuses on the problems of explaining, measuring and preventing crime. It also considers the effects of crime, fear of crime, media reporting, corporate crime and police responses.

Penology examines issues relating to the punishment of offenders within the criminal justice process.

Current Issues in Clinical Criminology investigates how the criminal law and the criminal justice system respond to mentally disordered offenders, it examines the relationship between mental disorders and criminality and explores the methods of disposal for mentally-disordered offenders.

Crime, Justice and Psychology focuses on the overlap between psychology, criminology and the law. This includes topics from forensic psychology and psychiatry, the study of crime and the criminal justice system, and from legal and criminological psychology.

Global Security and Policing introduces students to theoretical perspectives in security and policing within a global and local framework. It also considers the relationship between transnational and local criminal activity and the security issues which arise from this.

Understanding Terrorism explores the emergence and manifestation of terror and terrorism from a range of historical, political, sociological and cultural perspectives. Emphasising the diverse and contested nature of terror as both concept and practice, a number of case studies are highlighted in order to explore the complex connections between order, power, authority, security and terror.

Applied Criminology Placement module is rather unconventional when compared to other campus-based postgraduate modules in that it relies less upon directed teaching and more on students' own independent thought and action. The purpose of the module is to prepare students for a four-week work placement which is undertaken in a criminal justice setting of their choice.

Optional Modules

Media and Crime investigates the overlap between media, culture and crime. It focuses on the relevant theoretical perspectives that have shaped the fields of criminology and media studies, but also the impact that media theory and research has had on public understandings of crime and victimisation.

Racism, Crime and Disorder explores key issues surrounding racist harassment, crime and disorder. It introduces a range of theoretical perspectives on racism and identity, and relates these to the context of British society in the post 9/11 and 7/7 climates. The nature of multiculturalism, ethnicity and community are critically examined.

Psychology of 'Evil' explores the way that deviancy is socially constructed within society. In particular it takes a multi-disciplinary and critical approach, and seeks to investigate manifestations of 'evil' from psychological, socio-cultural, and historical perspectives. The way in which 'normality' and morality are constructed is considered by examining a range of illustrative topics including psychopathology, sexuality, crowd behaviour, genocide, and multiple homicide.

Risk Management provides the students with a theoretical and practical resource for risk management within organisations, government and criminal justice.

Drugs and Crime focuses on the key issues that arise when attempting to deal with the problem of drug use, particularly in a criminal justice context. The module takes a multi-disciplined approach as it focuses on strategies of demand reduction and not simply strategies of reducing the supply of substances.

Responding to Terrorism explores the interpretation of, and response to, contemporary manifestations of terror and terrorism. Exploring similarities and differences between the ‘new’ terrorism and predecessor forms using examples and case studies, the module considers the organisational form and objectives of terrorist organisations, and the range of strategies available in response to the demands and challenges posed by terror in an era of globalisation. 

Transnational Policing considers how combating the many forms of organised crime requires an efficient policing response at a European and international level. It examines the theoretical and practical operation of the many existing structures of police (and judicial) cooperation that currently exist between state and non-state sponsored organisations and agencies.

Surveillance and Society looks in detail at the nature, scale and extent of surveillance in modern societies. In particular it explores the way in which surveillance technologies are being used by governments and private organisations, their impact upon theories of social control and security, and the protection of civil liberties and human rights.

Please note: some modules may not be available every year and not all modules are available across both semesters.

Next step: Request an information pack and prospectus