Course summary
The MSc Criminal Justice & Security degree at Cardiff Met is an immersive and dynamic Master’s programme designed to provide a deep and critical understanding of modern issues in crime, law, security policy, and criminal justice. By integrating diverse methodological approaches, theoretical frameworks, and global perspectives, the programme explores both personal and global security, addressing international peace, the use of force, and the protection of vulnerable groups. Beginning with a thorough examination of criminal justice policy-making and system operations, you will delve into the core aspects of the discipline, covering the UK criminal justice system alongside international perspectives. Key topics include international crimes such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, as well as serious miscarriages of justice and Honour Based Violence against women and girls. The programme also emphasises international peace and security within the broader context of global justice. A central module on research methods equips you with the skills needed for your dissertation projects, enhancing your knowledge of research techniques. Given the ever-evolving nature of criminal justice, the programme introduces a wide array of topics to help you cultivate your areas of interest, aiding in the selection of dissertation subjects. The dissertation component allows for in-depth investigation into topics of personal interest, supported by a dedicated dissertation supervisor. Throughout this Master’s Degree, you will develop essential employability skills, such as presentation, critical thinking, reflective practice, and other practical skills. You will also gain valuable skills through scenario-based role plays relevant to the criminal justice sector, ensuring practical, real-world applications for workplace settings. Possible exit points - MSc/PgD/PgC
Modules
Our programme’s interdisciplinary approach explores the intersections of law, criminology, criminal justice, and security studies, equipping you with the analytical skills necessary to tackle complex issues in today's evolving landscape. MSc Criminal Justice & Security (180 credits)
- Crime, Criminals, & Criminal Justice (20 credits) - This module provides you with a sound knowledge and understanding of classical criminological theories, the making of criminal justice policy (within England and Wales), and the workings of the criminal justice system (of England and Wales). The module will provide a framework to scaffold higher level learning, offering you the opportunity to explore, examine and critique core aspects the discipline.
- Investigating Global Crimes and Social Harms (20 credits) - The module will look at types of crime not commonly associated with local or national criminal justice issues, specifically international and transnational crimes. International Crimes covered in the module include war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression. Other critical issues that will be discussed include human rights and the criminal justice system, transnational crime such as organised crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, drug production, terrorism, and blue and green crime (maritime & environmental crimes).
- Conducting Criminological Research (20 credits) - This module aims to provide you with a sound understanding of research skills which are relevant to the discipline and prepare you to carry out their dissertation research project.
- Unravelling Miscarriage of Justice (20 credits) - This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of miscarriages of justice within the criminal justice system of England and Wales and draw upon international comparisons The module will examine factors such as legislative frameworks, the misuse of forensic evidence, cognitive biases, and errors in disclosure procedures, while evaluating potential legal and procedural reforms to enhance fairness and accountability.
- Faith, Honour, & Justice (20 credits) - This module will enable you to understand the complexities around child abuse that occurs because of someone's faith or belief. This includes belief in witchcraft, spirit possession and other forms of the supernatural. The module will also explore topics such as so-called honour-based abuse and violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriage. It will also look broadly at the area of violence against women and girls in a global context, specifically gender-based crimes.
- Justice Beyond Borders (20 credits) - This module will allow you to critically understand and investigate international peace and security. Specifically, the module will look to topics of international justice such as issues before the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the UN Security Council, and other global organs. This allows the exploration of topics such as the lawful use of force in international law, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, the prosecution of individuals for international crimes, and other contemporary issues in the maintenance of international peace and security.
- Dissertation (60 credits) - This module gives you the flexibility to carry out a research project on a topic of your choice. You will be supported with some taught sessions and scheduled meetings with your dissertation supervisor. The module runs across Semester 2 & Semester 3.
Assessment method
Each module will contain both formative and summative assessments. Assessments are interesting and varied and are designed to provide authentic experiences for the students to demonstrate the real-world competencies they would be required to use in professional contexts. The assessments are completed on either an individual or group basis. A diverse range of assessment opportunities are provided throughout, including variations of written, presentation, oral viva, practical, and multi-choice open book tests. There are two assessment points per module, and these are designed to provide students with the best opportunities to demonstrate their own strengths and educational backgrounds. Students are given the submission dates for assessments at the start of each module, as well as an assessment overview grid for the whole of the academic year to help them plan and manage their time effectively. Students receive individual feedback on their work that identifies strengths and areas for improvement.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
Entry requirements
Recognising the intensive nature of the course, applicants for the MSc Criminal Justice & Security are expected to satisfy the following minimum requirements: - An initial degree (usually a good Honours degree of 2:1 or above) in similarly related discipline such as (Criminal Justice, Forensics, Law, Professional Policing, Criminology, Psychology, Health & Social Care, Social Work, etc.); or - A 2:2 degree in similarly related discipline such as (Criminal Justice, Forensics, Law, Professional Policing, Criminology, Psychology, Health & Social Care, Social Work, etc.); with an interview – considered on a case-by-case basis; or - Students with degrees outside of a similarly related discipline will be considered on a case-by-case basis subject to an admissions interview; or - Hold a suitable professional qualification from an appropriate professional body. In some instances, those with higher level professional qualifications may be exempt from specific taught modules. Such exemptions would be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the Programme Director. Exceptional entry routes Exceptional entry routes are available for non-graduates in line with the University criteria for the Admission to Taught Postgraduate Programmes. A student who has successfully completed modules in a similar programme at another institution might gain direct and accelerated entry onto the programme as long as they have satisfied the aforementioned entry requirements and meet the University Criteria for the Admission through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). English Language Requirements Students whose first language is not English, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no sub-score lower than 5.5 (or equivalent qualification).
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £11000 | Whole course |
| England | £11000 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £11000 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £11000 | Whole course |
| Wales | £11000 | Whole course |
| EU | £17600 | Whole course |
| International | £17600 | Whole course |
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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Student Recruitment & Admissions
Western Avenue
Cardiff
CF5 2YB