Modules

The programme is constructed of two core modules covering, in turn, contemporary criminological theory, methods, issues and debates and psychological approaches towards the causes and management of offending behaviour. Students then choose two optional modules (selected from the list below) that enable students to focus on areas of special interest including institutions of criminal justice, community safety, drugs, youth and adult offending and comparative perspectives on each of these areas. In addition, all students complete a 15,000 word dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff on a topic they choose drawing on sociological and psychological perspectives.

This programmeis be based at our flagship Hendon campus.

Full-time students attend formal teaching up to two days a week; part-time students one day a week.

Modules are assessed via a range of coursework including essays, a research proposal, seminar presentations, book reviews and a dissertation.

Modules

• Year 1

  Community Safety (30 Credits) - Optional

  For the first time in 1998 local authorities and police forces were charged with the responsibility with other agencies of developing policies to address crime and disorder in their localities in general, and in high crime neighbourhoods in particular: Crime and disorder reduction has become a dominant issue on local and national governments agendas. This module will enable students to understand and analyse developments in crime and disorder reduction in urban localities and their implications. This module therefore aims to examine crime and disorder in its socio-spatial aspects, exploring the variety of ways of understanding urban and neighbourhood dimensions of crime in the contemporary context, local modes of regulation and national-level policies to deal with neighbourhood problems, their problems and merits. Criminology at Middlesex University in its orientation is concerned with issues of crime, deviance and interpersonal violence. The module gives students knowledge designed to acquaint them with core knowledge and skills and some practical experience.

  Contemporary Criminology - Theory and Research (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To acquaint students with major theoretical positions and debates in criminology. To identify key issues that criminologists need to explain and to evaluate the strength of different kinds of explanation. To demonstrate and illustrate the links between criminological theory and research and to explore the relationship between criminological theory and research and criminal justice policy and practice To acquaint students with the principal research methodologies deployed in criminological investigation To equip students with the core skills involved in conducting criminological research.

  Contemporary Issues in Youth and Adult Offending (30 Credits) - Optional

  Criminology at Middlesex University in its orientation is concerned with issues of crime and interpersonal violence. Within this context crimes committed against children illustrates graphically their relative powerlessness. The module critically examines the nature and context of youth offending, victimisation and the systems in place to deal with this. It also covers the changing nature of how the state deals with adult offenders from historical, theoretical and practice perspectives. Probation practice is a key theme of adult offender intervention and the changing nature of offender management is examined since probations inception in 1907.

  Crime, Conflict and Control (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to introduce students to key debates about conflict between groups and the variety of attempts to defuse, manage, repress or govern them. The module gives students specialised knowledge of the complex ways in which sociology and criminology try to understand conflict, change, social movements and political violence. Both institutional and anti-institutional violence are discussed, along with the controversies surrounding the definitions of violence and terrorism in the different epochs. The module examines in detail the contributions of the major schools of thought, along with the most recent sociological-criminological analysis of authorised and unauthorised political violence.

  Criminological Legal Psychology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module is informed by the British Psychological Society s National Occupational Standards Key Roles 5 and 6. It aims to develop students understanding of fundamental, psychological explanations of criminal behaviour, its aetiology and ramifications within the criminal justice system. Students will explore various decision making models pertinent to criminal behaviour, victimisation, and the effects of crime, in conjunction with consideration of the social psychological and psycho-judicial consequences of crime.

  Critical Issues in Criminal Justice (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module deals with policy issues and debates relating to the criminal justice system. The aim is to understand the interrelated role of the various parts of the criminal justice system and the impact of recent social and political changes on the working of the criminal justice institutions. In addition the module aims to enhance your ability to critically evaluate the effectiveness of criminal justice institutions and formulate alternative policies in this area.

  Dissertation in Criminology and Forensic Psychology (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides students with the opportunity to develop a sustained piece of work in the area of criminology and forensic psychology. Students will define their own topic area, conduct a comprehensive review of existing knowledge on the subject, formulate a methodology for conducting their own enquiries and write an in depth report of the findings of their research. Alternatively, students may choose to conduct a theoretically oriented piece of work involving the systematic analysis of an issue or area of policy/practice.

  Drugs, Crime and Criminology Distance Learning (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to develop skills in the application of criminological theories and concepts in relation to drugs, drug use and drugs control and in critically analysing the relationship between drugs and crime. Students will critically evaluate the laws, policies and institutions of drugs control and their social, political and economic contexts and compare and contrast the role of the criminal justice system in responding to drugs in various countries. The module also aims to foster a critical interest in the reform of drugs control policy and institutions.

  International Comparative Criminology (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to engage students in the criminological debate across Europe and the rest of the world. It considers the nature of crime control governance at the international level and explores issues of criminological interest from a transnational perspective. The module aims to allow students to focus in depth on key comparative international studies as well as to question the validity of the comparative research methods used. In its second half, the module seeks to develop a proficiency in academic presentation skills through the use of an assessed oral paper.

Fees

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £6,000
Part-time students: £50 per taught credit 

You would not usually pay more to study part-time than the full-time fee rate. Find out more about how to calculate your part-time course fee.

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600
Part-time students: £93 per taught credit

Entry Requirements

We welcome applications from graduates with a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

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 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 87 (with at least 21 in listening & writing, 22 in speaking and 23 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

Application Procedure

Please apply directly to Middlesex University Code L380.

For further information, contact Dr Robin Fletcher, Programme Leader, MSc Criminology with Forensic Psychology Email r.fletcher@mdx.ac.uk Tel 0044- (0)20-84115504

How to Apply

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

Careers

There are a wide range of career options for graduates of this course. Many have gone on to work for international police agencies (e.g. the FBI), in the probation service and drug agencies. Some have also chosen to continue their studies in criminology to PhD level.