CRIMINOLOGY(MA)

ABOUT THE COURSE

Crime, justice, policy, surveillance, and law and order are key issues in the 21st Century. The Masters degree in Criminology is designed specifically to let you explore these and related topics in depth. You will be encouraged to challenge established wisdom while studying the intellectual canon of the discipline.

At Liverpool Hope we are driven by a desire to not just be passive observers of criminological, social and criminal justice issues but to be active participants in it. This means that we pay special attention to the interests and goals of our postgraduate students who wish to pursue their studies here.

Drawing on our vibrant and developing research culture we offer an inter-disciplinary, contemporary and relevant degree programme, drawing expertise from our interest in current criminological trends in Britain, Europe and globally. Studying for an MA in Criminology is guaranteed to be an intellectually interesting experience, challenging assumptions on contemporary questions around globalisation, environmental and green crime, state crime and the policing of protest to a critical analysis of the impact of gender, race and ethnicity, poverty and social exclusion on crime and criminal justice matters.

The Criminology Masters at Liverpool Hope is a way of becoming a participant in criminological debate and analysis, whilst being supported in gaining an in-depth and critical understanding of the traditions and latest developments of the discipline.

Why choose Liverpool Hope?

• Ability to shape own studies – You will have the possibility to develop your own ideas and research interests, collect and analyse original data and participate in small group work and presentations. This work culminates in the opportunity to produce a final original dissertation project.
• Expert teaching and learning - Liverpool Hope University’s academic faculty has considerable teaching and research experience both in the UK and internationally. You will benefit from the knowledge of academics, professionals and practitioners within the discipline.
• Focused learning in small class settings - Students will have the benefit of focused teaching from dedicated specialists in a small group setting.
• Exciting new programme based on latest developments in the discipline - Liverpool Hope University’s MA Criminology has been written with a contemporary curriculum in mind ensuring that you gain the most up-to-date knowledge. This is a vibrant and exciting new post-graduate development in an up-and-coming research-focused department.
• Career development - Liverpool Hope University is renowned for its first class student support and career development. You will have a dedicated tutor available for one-to-one guidance on learning, academic writing and career planning.

Curriculum Overview

The programme consists of four modules and a dissertation (final research project) totalling 180 credits. Assessment methods will vary and may include academic essays, reports, presentations and examinations, a research proposal and research dissertation.

Courses:

• Advanced Social Theory (30 credits) – You will engage with, evaluate and critically analyse a range of social theories ranging in scope from classical to post-modern approaches.
• Advanced Studies in Social Research (30 credits) – You will understand the methodological principles and practices that underpin independent research at Masters level; and examine the research process, including design, data collection and analysis, interpretation and presentation.
• Contemporary Inequalities in Crime and Justice (30 credits) – You will focus on how the gender, class and ethnic background of those who come into contact with the criminal justice systems affects the manner in which they are treated.
• Critical Criminology in the 21st Century (30 credits) – You will examine growing and emerging areas of interest in criminology. This module will take a critical and global look at contemporary debates around areas such as green criminology, state crime, protest, trafficking and sex work.
• Dissertation/Research Project (60 credits) – The focus of the research project will be on an issue of relevance to your own sociological interests. It can involve the collection of primary data or a literature-based dissertation with an emphasis on theory development.

Entry Requirements

Normally a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in any relevant discipline.

Applications from students who do not hold a 1st or 2:1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) may be asked to demonstrate potential to achieve a Masters award via a sample of academic writing and interview before an offer is made.

International Entry Requirements

For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall (reading 6, writing 6), TOEFL ibt 87, or other equivalent recognised English language qualification.

For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages. 

Teaching and Research

All classes are held at Liverpool Hope University’s main campus, Hope Park. The campus is situated just four miles from the city centre and offers superb academic and support facilities, including on-campus library, free computer and wi-fi access, and a careers service for advice on part-time work opportunities and post-study careers.

The Department of Social Science is an exciting new development at Hope. Disciplines like Criminology and Sociology have been taught here for some years, but they have now been brought together into a single department.

We are a growing department with a diverse and enthusiastic staff team who are active researchers and are published widely in a number of areas. Areas of interest include: critical social theory, community penalties, criminal justice policy, crime and the media, legal and investigative psychology, resettlement of female prisoners, social movements and protest, political sociology.

UK/EU TUITION FEES

Tuitition fees for Home/EU students for 2018/19 are:

£5,200

FUNDING

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

INTERNATIONAL TUITION FEES

£11,400

If you are an international student, visit our international scholarships pages.

CAREERS

The MA Criminology will enhance the career development and prospects of entering occupations such as social work, public sector welfare work, probation service, teaching, journalism, local and national government, social research, charity/voluntary sector, campaigning and non-governmental organisations.

Graduates will also have developed the skills in research and communication and in critical and flexible thinking that are sought after by a wide range of employers. This postgraduate qualification will enable graduates to embark on a research degree or PhD programme.