Criminology – (M.A.)

Criminology is a broad and dynamic discipline. Although it is rooted in social sciences, socio-legal and policy studies, it has developed its own distinct tradition. Topics of concern to the criminologist include:

* the social and legal construction of deviance and the social consequences of crime;
* structural and motivational influences on offending;
* the organisation of crime;
* policing, preventing and managing crime;
* victim experiences;
* the relationship between offender and the criminal justice system; and
* the development of crime and justice policy.

The MA in Criminology is designed for those who have a background in social science, socio-legal or policy studies and want to develop their knowledge further. It is open to both those with a good first degree in a relevant area and those with relevant practitioner experience at an appropriate level.

What will you study?

The core taught curriculum gives you:

* an in-depth knowledge of contemporary criminal justice policy, practice and politics in local, national and global contexts;
* a critical appreciation of the relationship dynamic between criminological theory and policy making;
* an understanding of the relationship of research to the formation, implementation and evaluation of crime-related policy and practice; and
* an appreciation of current trends in the expansion of criminological issues in the context of globalisation.

A major feature of this course is the fieldwork component, which enables you to gain an understanding of the operational realities of crime-related policies and practices.