MSc Crime, Justice and Psychology

This is for you if... you want to examine the relationship between crime, mental health and the law; in particular the relationship between mental disorder and offending. The MSc in Crime, Justice and Psychology provides you with an in-depth understanding of the relationship between psychology, mental disorder, crime and law, enabling you to analyse its implications for the treatment and management of offenders. You will consider the application of psychological theories to the investigation of crime and pursuit of justice, and subsequently to the management and rehabilitation of offenders. You will also critically explore debates regarding mental disorder and responsibility for crime. The course has been prepared by lecturers who are at the forefront of research in this field. You will gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of crime and its consequences, both theoretical and applied, with a particular focus on the psychology of offending. You will be able to pursue in-depth study in areas that interest you by choosing option modules such as Psychology of Evil; Power, Crime and Criminal Justice; and Domestic and Sexual Violence. This degree will develop your capacity for imaginative, rigorous and critical thinking. As well as gaining specific knowledge of the social processes of crime, criminalisation and the criminal justice system, you will strengthen your ability to understand and use different types of evidence. You will develop transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers, including the ability to present and develop a cohesive argument, communicate information to academic and non-academic audiences, conduct research and identify solutions to theoretical and research problems.

Assessment method

You will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars where you will have the opportunity to discuss and clarify ideas with lecturers and fellow students. Some modules will also involve practical skills workshops or online tasks and interaction. Our assessment strategy is coursework-based and provides students with opportunities to both consolidate and strengthen academic skills through assessments such as short written pieces, annotated bibliographies, essays and research exercises; whilst also completing tasks which develop the skills required in future employment. These more ‘authentic’ modes of assessment may take the form of oral presentations, practitioner briefing papers, reports and letters to government ministers. You will also complete a dissertation of up to 15,000 words in which you will conduct research on a topic of your choice.