MSc Crime and Justice

01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2029

Course Leader Ian McKim
Course Team Fiona Brookman, Katy Holloway, Helen Martin, Daniel Welch, Jennifer Maher, Zoe Cross, Ethem Ilbiz
Awarding Body University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions University of South Wales
Modes of Study Full Time, Part Time

Document Version

Version 4
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2029

QAA Benchmarks

N/A

Educational Aim

The main aims of the course are:

To provide a learner centred opportunity to develop in-depth and advanced knowledge and understanding of crime and justice, informed by current practice, scholarship, and research. The focus being for learners to demonstrate:

a systematic understanding and critical awareness of topics which are informed by the forefront of the subject of criminology, crime, and justice.

a critical awareness of the history of ideas, the cultural context, and the social and political theories that inform and influence the practice of criminology, crime, and justice.

a critical awareness of the intersectionality of power in relation to criminal justice agencies and responses to crime, law, and order

an ability to develop a critical discussion and analysis of power (for example in relation to gender, age, class, ethnicity, sexuality)

an ability to identify appropriate methodologies for dealing with complex problems.

an ability to develop critical discussion and analysis of complex concepts, and work independently and with some originality.

an ability to successfully complete a substantial empirical research project, systematic review, or systematic case study, informed by wide current understandings in relation to crime and justice and present these findings.

Learning Outcomes

A1 A systematic understanding and critical awareness of criminal justice and related systems
A2 Critical knowledge and understanding of criminological theory and topics which are informed by the subject of criminology.
A3 Critical knowledge and understanding of research evidence
A4 Critical knowledge and understanding of the intersectionality of power in relation to criminal justice, social policy, ethical approaches, and governance
B1 An intellectual and critically evaluative engagement with core concepts and theories of criminal justice
B2 An understanding of the research process in fields relevant to crime and justice
B3 An ability to identify appropriate methodologies for dealing with complex problems and ability to design and complete a substantial research project, informed by wide, current understandings in the broad subjects of crime and justice
B4 An ability to develop critical discussion and analysis of complex concepts and work independently with some originality.
C1 The capacity to analyse complex incomplete or contradictory areas of knowledge and take appropriate action in order that the task may be completed
C2 The capacity to synthesise information or ideas and create responses to problems and/or gaps in knowledge
C3 Knowledge and critically evaluative understanding of the links between theoretical ideas of criminal justice and how these can be applied to policy and practice
C4 Actively engage in critical debate with stakeholders to demonstrate autonomy, knowledge, and transferrable skills.

Course Structure

Level 7 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
CM4S05 MOD009359 Drug Interventions Running 20 specified
CM4S09 MOD009355 Violence and Homicide Running 20 specified
CM4S101 MOD013423 Criminological Theory Running 20 specified
CM4S150 MOD013274 Globalisation and Crime Running 20 specified
CM4S151 MOD013275 Comparative Crime and Punishment Running 20 specified
CM4T150 MOD013273 Research Project Running 60 core
PC4S029 MOD010985 Governing and Securing Cyber Space Running 20 specified

Teaching and Assessment


Learning and Teaching Methods


Employer Engagement


Means of Assessment


Learning Support

Advice Zone

Students will be signposted to the advice zone during induction, meetings/emails with the course teams, signposting on Blackboard

Disability

The course team will liaise with the advice zone, students in relation to individual support required.

IT/Library

Students will be introduced to the criminology librarian in the induction with regular signposting via email, Blackboard, and guest speaker sessions to promote engagement and support for this resource.

Students will be signposted to the contact detail and resources available with the IT team – links available on Blackboard and USW Unilife.

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 Exit
Master of Science 180 credits of which at least 150 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 Final
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education 60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 Exit

Progression Route

PhD


Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

A minimum 2:2 Honours degree.

Applications are not limited to academic experience in criminology or related disciplines as the multidisciplinary nature of criminology, crime and justice is not limited.

Applicants with established professional experience but no formal academic qualifications (level 4 or above) will be considered on an individual basis and will be required to submit a detailed application, interview with course leader to outline and discuss prior knowledge, ambitions and motivations relating to the course.

If deemed necessary, an academic bridging exercise can be utilised to ensure academic capability for a level 7 qualification.

International entry requirements:

We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements:

In general, international applicants will need to have achieved and overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.


Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/


Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A


Methods Of Quality Standards

N/A


Quality Of Standards Indicators

N/A