Course summary

MSc Criminology at Aston University develops a critical understating of criminology, moving beyond narrow legal definitions of ‘crime’ to focus on the causes and expressions of a variety of social harms. We study the operation of the criminal justice process, placing it within its wider social context of power, deviance, and exclusion. Through optional modules, you can focus on online communities, whilst core modules explore the relationship between technology, harm, and social control. Across the programme, you will develop both your digital skills and your higher level methodological skills through a series of bespoke modules, and have the opportunity to explore the relationship between social and criminal justice through workshops with professionals working in the criminal justice and related sectors. These aspects of the programme are designed to develop your critical analytical and research skills, whilst enabling understanding of and insight into professional practice in the sector.