MA Criminology and Serious Crime Investigation

Overview & facilities

This course is designed for experienced practitioners who work within the criminal justice system of their given country. Delivered in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Crime Academy, it is a unique opportunity to gain both advanced skills in leading a serious crime investigation and also a comprehensive understanding of criminological theory.

As MA Criminology and Serious Crime Investigation is aimed at practitioners, we have devised a hybrid approach to learning that requires minimal classroom attendance.  A four-week residential course will feature direct teaching and workshops, whilst distance learning exercises, E-learning and formative assignments will complete the year’s programme and lead you to a masters level qualification.

Special features

• The Criminology of Organised Crime (1st-14th August 2011)
  This two week residential section is based at the Hendon Campus in Middlesex University. You will be acquainted with the major theoretical positions and debates in the academic field of criminology, and you will identify the key issues that criminologists use to explain and evaluate organised crime.
• Advanced CID Training (14th – 31st August 2011)
  Delivered by the Metropolitan Police Crime Academy at Hendon, this two week residential programme includes the key parts of the Advanced CID course for Detective Inspectors. You will be immersed in a recreated crime investigation based on a real life scenario, taking turns as Senior Investigator.
• Distance and prior-accredited learning
  The remainder of your course will include a module in research methods, delivered by distance learning with three summative assignments, and a dissertation.
  

MA Criminology and Serious Crime Investigation runs from August 2011 until September 2012. Due to the highly competitive nature of the course, there are only 12 spaces. Apply now.

Content & modules

Advanced CID Training, August 2011
The element of the course being delivered by the Metropolitan Police , at the New Scotland Yard Crime Academy in week 3,  includes the key parts of the Advanced CID course for Detective Inspectors, which includes classroom input on Managing Critical Incidents, Investigative Decision Making and Forensic and Crime Scene Management.  These presentations are delivered by people working in the field and also include the Management of Family Liaison Officers, Missing Persons, Dealing with the Media in Serious Crime Investigation and Major Incident Room Procedures. These lessons will both inform and develop your Management of Serious Crime skills as well as prepare you for week 4. 
Week 4 will consist of an Immersive and interactive Serious Crime Investigation exercise using the Hi-Tech HYDRA system. You will be working in syndicate groups, each taking turns as Senior Investigator and put through a recreated Crime Investigation based on a real life scenario. This is always a unique and enjoyable skills and knowledge  enhancing experience for all of those who have attended this training.

Criminology and Organised Crime Theory, August 2011
This module provides a critical understanding of contemporary criminological theories and their impact on the development of policy and practice. The module will define serious and organised crime within the social context, exploring how this can change through time and geographical location as various influences are brought to bear. It will also provide explanations of the crimogenic being by examining theories developed by various economic, social, political and biological influences.

Disrupting Organised Crime, August 2011
This module will provide a critical understanding of policies designed to prevent and reduce the impact of organised and serious crime on a national and global scale. It will examine international organisations (Interpol; Europol; UN etc) and determine their ability to impact the spread of serious and organised crime. It will consider the impact of deregulation of state borders; the expansion of the internet; impact of money laundering regulations and need for a trans-national criminal justice system.

Research Methods, January 2012
This module provides a critical understanding of research methodology and theoretical approaches to understanding both qualitative and quantitative data. It will explain the techniques of data collection and debate the question of ethics of workplace and work based research. The module will also develop a critical understanding of policy analysis and contextualisation. It will also develop skills in designing, conducting and justifying work based research.

Dissertation, September 2012
This will provide you with the opportunity to develop a sustained piece of work in the area of criminology and management.

Entry & applying

Candidates will need to provide a portfolio of serious crime investigations to establish their professional experience.

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL (paper based) 575 or TOEFL (internet based) 90 with specified minimum scores for each component. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements

Applying

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. You will need to fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application. Apply now

Fees & funding

Careers & placements

Various agencies within the criminal justice system, in particular the Police, Probation and Prison Services, are seeking to raise the skills of their staff by ‘professionalising’ their roles through academic study. Within the Police Service it has been acknowledged that candidates seeking promotion will be required to provide evidence of self development and the award of a postgraduate qualification is a preferred choice. Furthermore, potential students recognise a post degree indicates a level of managerial expertise that could be beneficial, should they seek another career outside the service, or internal promotion.

This course will provide investigators with the same learning experience as the senior detectives of the London Metropolitan Police.