Course summary

The basic aims of both MPhil programmes are: to offer up-to-date and high-quality degree courses, introducing students to some of the most important theory, methods and research in criminology; to offer a sound academic foundation to those who aspire to undertake a PhD and/or a career in teaching and research in criminology or related fields; and to provide a sound foundation of knowledge and methodological skills to those who wish to work in a wide range of criminal justice agencies, the legal profession, or other professional or voluntary organisations. The MPhil in Criminological Research provides a foundational education in prominent criminological theories, research methods, and areas of criminological knowledge. Compulsory modules on criminological theories and research methods familiarise students with historic and contemporary criminological thinking and research. A variety of optional seminars are on offer each year covering a wide range of criminological topics. What is on offer varies by year, but in recent years has included topics such as criminal justice: players and processes, policing, organised crime, the sociology of prison life, victims and injustice, socio-critical perspectives on criminal justice, history of violence, global perspectives on violence, characters, crime and criminal careers, and neurocriminology. The MPhil in Criminological Research requires empirical research as part of the final dissertation and therefore includes practical training in analytical and advanced research methods through the Social Sciences Research Methods Programme (SSRMP).