Criminology

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 H3 (65%) must be attained to qualify for the award of the masters degree.

Students who complete the Master of Arts (Thesis only) in this area of specialisation should:

• 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.

Duration: 1.5 years full-time / 3 years part-time

The Master of Arts (Thesis only) in this area of specialisation requires:

• thesis 30,000 words