150 Point Master of Criminology

The Master of Criminology offers a curriculum that reflects cutting edge theory while providing specialist training for enhanced professional purposes, usually to graduates working in the fields of criminology, the criminal justice system and social policy and research relating to these areas, but may also be taken for general interest. This course does not necessarily lead to higher degree study, however high achieving students may qualify for entry to a masters by research or PhD.

Students will study contemporary global and local problems such as drug use, international crime, transitional justice, white-collar crime and Indigenous politics, with an emphasis both on the latest criminological knowledge and on new law and policy responses to them. They will understand criminal justice as a contested area of social practice, and the ways in which a public criminology can rethink ways of responding to crime.

Students who complete the Master of Criminology should:

• develop a comprehensive knowledge of theories of crime, deviance and social control;
• acquire advanced skills in research including ability to summarise and critically assess relevant theory and to collect and analyse relevant data;
• exhibit a capacity to plan and execute original research, and to present sophisticated arguments and ideas in systematic and coherent ways;
• emerge with a thorough understanding of relevant policy and political issues; and
• have the capacity to engage in further higher degree research.

150 Point Program

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

Coursework Only Option:

• four compulsory subjects (50 points)
• elective subjects (100 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option:

• four compulsory subjects (50 points)
• POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar (12.5 points)
• CRIM90005 Minor Thesis – Criminology (37.5 points)
• elective subjects (50 points)

Capstone Requirement:

All students are required to complete the Capstone Requirement for the program (at least 25 points). Students must complete one capstone option -

Capstone Stream 1: CRIM90006 Criminology and Sociology Internship (25 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and skills to solve problems that arise in professional contexts and develop an integrated understanding of theory and practice.

Capstone Stream 2: CRIM90005 Minor Thesis – Criminology (37.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to integrate knowledge and research skills to address a specific criminology research question.

Capstone Stream 3: CRIM90019 Advances in Criminological Research (12.5 points) and CRIM90011 Criminal Justice Governance (12.5 points)

Purpose: an opportunity to develop an understanding of the development of evidence-based practice and to apply evidence-based methods in practical settings.

For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework. Students also should also refer to information in the Student Policy Directory.

Compulsory Subjects

4 compulsory subjects (50 points)

Minor Thesis Subjects

Minor Thesis Option:

• POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar (12.5 points)
• CRIM90005 Minor Thesis – Criminology (37.5 points)

Please note the following prior to enrolling in CRIM90005 Minor Thesis – Criminology:

• students admitted into the 200 point and 150 point program must have completed 37.5 points of compulsory and / or core subjects within the program, with an average of H1 (80%); and
• to be eligible to enrol in the thesis, students must submit a 300 word thesis proposal for approval by the course coordinator prior to the semester of enrolment in the thesis; and
• students enrolling in the minor thesis must also complete POLS40013 Social Sciences Research Seminar; and
• the minor thesis must be completed over two consecutive semesters.

Elective Subjects

Coursework Only Option:

• elective subjects (100 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option:

• elective subjects (50 points)