Master of Arts in Criminology (Thesis)

The masters degree is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research in criminology. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research. Candidates may advance to the Doctor of Philosophy degree after successful completion of the masters or may apply to convert to the PhD at an earlier stage. An honours grade of at least H2B (70%) must be attained to qualify for the award of the masters degree.

Course coordinator:
Professor Alison Young
School of Political science, Criminology and Sociology
Email: ayoung@unimelb.edu.au

Students who complete the masters will:

• develop advanced understanding of theories of crime, deviance and social control;
• acquire specialised skills in research including ability to summarise and critically assess and develop sophisticated theory and to collect and analyse large amounts of quantitative and/or qualitative data;
• independently plan and execute a major original research project, and the ability to present sophisticated and complex arguments and ideas in systematic and coherent ways;
• emerge with an advanced understanding of relevant cultural, policy and political issues;
• confidence in their capacity to undertake PhD and other advanced research.

A four-year BA (Honours) degree with a research component or equivalent in the appropriate area of study or closely related area. The grade for the honours thesis component must be at least equivalent to an H2A (75%) at The University of Melbourne and the overall honours result must be at least equivalent to an H2B (70%).

Applicants must include a thesis proposal of 600 words with their application. The primary basis for selection is academic merit, however, consideration will also be given to the quality of the thesis proposal, research potential, and the availability of an appropriate supervisor. Academic references may be required to assess the applicant's eligibility.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Candidates must also give a formal presentation in one of the following ways:

• a twenty-minute paper on their topic at a Departmental seminar;
• thesis-related material as part of a formal lecture for criminology or a related subject;
• a paper at an academic conference.