About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: M93012
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Health and Applied Social Sciences
- Campus: Distance learning
- Duration: Full-time or Part-time (12-30 months)
- Programme leader: Dr Kieran McCartan
Introduction
The Department of Sociology and Criminology is offering a number of MSc qualifications in Criminology with a related field, including Criminal Justice, Penal Studies, Policing, Risk and Security Management, and Youth Justice. The course is delivered via a hybrid combination of distance learning and three optional university-based study schools per year, and is studied part-time over 30 months.
The course has been designed to meet the needs of a variety of students. As such, they are equally suitable for students with a criminology undergraduate degree, and students who have not studied criminology before, but either have an undergraduate degree in another social science or who have been working within the criminal justice arena for some time.
Structure
Content
The MSc requires successful completion of 180 credits, the PGDip 120 credits and the PGCert 60 credits.
The module programme will consist of:
Compulsory modules
- Criminological Theory and Criminal Justice Practice - 30 credits
- Criminological Research Methods - 30 credits
- Criminology Dissertation - 60 credits
Option modules
Choice of two modules: each is worth 30 credits. Please note that the MSc pathways you select will affect your choice of optional modules. You may choose from the following:
- Policing and Professional Practice
- Penology
- Crime Risk Management
- Youth Justice and Professional Practice
- Criminal Justice Work-based Learning
- Controlling Crime in the 21st Century
- Criminal Psychology and Sexual Violence
Teaching and learning
The Distance Learning element of the course will be managed through the use of a wide range of resources including UWE's virtual learning resource - Blackboard, electronic reading guides, streamed video lectures, digitised texts, podcasts, e-library resources, and online discussions which will either be live or via chat rooms.
Three optional study schools will be held each year. Each of these schools will be held over a weekend and will be two days in length; they will cover material such as an induction to the course, introductions to each of the core and option modules, revision type workshops for the modules and an introduction to, and guidance for, the dissertation.
The modules are assessed in a variety of ways including essays, reports, reflective journals, online discussions, data analysis portfolios and a dissertation.
Study time
The Criminology MSc offered by UWE is unique as it is part-time, distance learning and employment centred. This means that students can study in their own time, at their own pace and successfully balance the demands of MSc study with the realities of work. In addition to this the MSc is aimed at helping student progress and adapt in their current employment, as well as experience crime orientated employment for the first time through the placement module.
Careers/further study
The Criminology MSc is career orientated as it has a number of distinct pathways which tie directly to careers within the criminal justice system (Criminal Justice; Penal Studies; Policing; Risk and Security Management; Youth Justice). It offers people the opportunity to get real world, on site experience and knowledge through the placement module and it provides the opportunity for people who have never worked within the criminal justice sector with work experience, while offering those already employed within criminal justice to either adapt within their current working environment or to look to new environments (again through the placement module). As this programme involves a substantial amount of sustained independent study as well as a core research methods module it would make a perfect bridge to a research position and/or a PhD.
Entry
Entry requirements
Candidates must be able to satisfy the general admissions requirements of UWE with specific requirements as listed below:
- GCSE - Mathematics/Statistics, English.
- Applicants must provide evidence which demonstrates to the University's satisfaction that they have achieved an undergraduate award of a grade of 2:2, or above (or equivalent) or have an equivalent Professional Qualification.
- Students who have less than a 2:1 in a social science subject (or equivalent) will be required to attend an interview to ensure suitability for the course.
The University will consider applications on the basis of evidence of personal, professional and educational experience which indicate an applicant's ability to meet the demands of a degree. We like to give such applicants every opportunity to show that they have the motivation and ability to succeed in their chosen course of study.
If English is not your first language a recognised English language qualification is also normally required. Tests such as the British Council's International English Language Test (IELTS) at grade 6.5 or TOEFL at 600 are acceptable.
Fees
Full details of fees for this course can be found on our postgraduate fees pages.
For funding options, please see our funding and scholarships information.
How to apply
Please apply online. Admissions and International Development, telephone +44 (0)117 32 83333, e-mail Admissions@uwe.ac.uk.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011