Course summary

The PGDip and MA Criminology courses have been designed to give both recent graduates and practitioners currently working in the criminal justice system greater insight in to the dynamic issues surrounding crime and criminal justice in the modern world. 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. 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. 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. Throughout the course contrasting theoretical approaches are compared to engender a lively on-going 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. You will 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 on the key approaches to preventing, investigating and tackling crime at all levels. The courses have been designed to enable you to study full-time over one year, or part-time over two years, and can be studied through both face-to face and blended learning. The MA starts in September and January and the PGDip starts in January only.