10Feb
PostgraduateCourse summary
Criminology and criminal justice engages with a vast range of historical and contemporary issues. In a field that is constantly evolving, experts have become adept at changing their approach to keep pace with new and emerging forms of crime. The MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice critically addresses key issues and debates relating to crime and the criminal justice system. Exploring issues such as terrorism, sex work, legal and illegal drugs, forced migration, law enforcement, cybercrime and the use of new technologies you will develop an in-depth understanding of crime, deviance and criminal justice from critical, theoretical, policy, legal, political and practical perspectives. You will study issues of theoretical and social importance, learning from practitioners, lecturers and researchers who are international experts in their fields. The module ’Criminology: Theory and Critical Issues' links directly with the research activities of the criminology staff while ‘Gender Violence and Abuse’ links with the current activities of the Department’s research group of the same name. You will also benefit from our strong links with the sector. ‘Prisons, Crime and Criminal Justice’ is an innovative module taught within a prison using the Inside-Out learning model that emphasises transformative education. You need security clearance and mandatory prison training before being allowed to enter the prison and eligibility to register on this module is dependent on these being successfully undertaken. The course will suit those from a wide range of disciplines, who are interested in pursuing a career in the field and those with a professional background in criminal justice who are keen to take their skills to the next level.
Modules
Course structure Core modules: Criminology, Theory and Critical Issues provides an advanced education in the application of a range of theoretical approaches to the study of crime and criminal justice. These theories of crime and justice are then applied to a range of topical issues including: gender, crime and justice; policing, prisons and punishment; sexual violence and abuse; youth justice; human rights; border crime and transnational justice; cyber-crime, nightlife and alcohol-related violence, and forensics. Researching Society, Policy and Practice develops your critical understanding of main approaches and methods of social research, and the skills used in this area. The module makes particular reference to the use of research in social welfare practice settings within an ethical framework, exploring areas such as research questions, sampling, methods of data collection and analysis, and interpretation. The 15,000-word Dissertation gives you the opportunity to explore and write about a suitable subject of your choice under the guidance of a supervisor, and to use the techniques developed in the research modules. It enables you to demonstrate your capacity for independent thought, critical thinking and analysis. Examples of optional modules: Gender, Violence and Abuse; Prisons, Crime and Justice; Social Policy and Society; Participatory Action Research; Public Sociology: Theory and Practice; Policy Related and Evaluation Research; Quantitative Methods and Analysis; Qualitative Methods and Analysis; Computational Social Science; Analysing Causal Relations in Social Science Research; Placement; Communities, Civil Society and Social Justice; Education and Social Inequality; Sociology of Health and Illness; Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practices Across Social Research; Global Environmental Law; International Protection of Human Rights; A relevant module from Durham Law School; A language module.
Assessment method
The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice involves a combination of lectures, seminar discussion, workshops and presentations, and some optional research methods modules involve computer-based practicals. To gain the most from your study, significant time is needed for reading, discussing and preparing for classes, assignments and project work. The optional 'Prisons, Crime and Criminal Justice' module takes place in a local prison, and includes group work and projects alongside prisoners. There is also the opportunity for a work placement. The MSc culminates in independent research for the dissertation on a topic of your choice, with supervision by staff actively engaged in relevant research. You will also participate in two workshops, usually alongside others researching in similar areas. The majority of the MSc is assessed through coursework, and this takes a variety of forms depending on the modules studied. Assessment methods include written assignments, reports, group and individual presentations, reflective journals, research proposals and in some optional research methods modules there are computer-based practicals. If you complete the optional placement module, you will be assessed through a placement portfolio. The MSc dissertation, carried out under the guidance of a supervisor, makes up one-third of your credits.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
Normally an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent. An undergraduate degree in social sciences is desirable but not compulsory and we welcome students with degrees in arts, humanities and science subjects. You should demonstrate clearly why you are interested in the MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice degree in your personal statement. We are ALSO keen to consider applications with a professional background in criminal justice. Additional requirements: When submitting your online application, you will also need to provide: Academic Transcript and Certificate (if possible) Two academic references (it is the applicant's responsibility to obtain their references from their referees).
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £6200 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6200 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6200 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6200 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £6200 | Year 1 |
| EU | £14800 | Year 1 |
| International | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £14800 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE