Introduction
The MSc Criminology, Criminal Justice and
Social Research at the University of Surrey combines modules on academic criminology and the criminal justice system with training in the full range of qualitative and quantitative research methods. This combination of analytic criminological knowledge and applied research skills ensures that students have a sophisticated understanding of the key issues, problems and perspectives in contemporary criminology, enabling them to pursue successful careers in academia, policy research and as practitioners in the criminal justice system. The unique emphasis on research methodology means that our students are able to think logically and in an informed manner about criminological problems, and are able to design, conduct and manage effective research on such issues.
The overall aim of the MSc Criminology, Criminal Justice and
Social Research is to provide students with a thorough grounding in substantive (theoretical and applied) criminology and criminal justice together with research methods, online and other IT-based support for research.
This degree can also be taken part-time over two years. Please contact the Course Director (Professor Roger Tarling ) or Course Administrator for further information.
Students completing the course at the Masters' exit point will have achieved a number of learning objectives. They can expect to have:
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developed and demonstrated a breadth and depth of knowledge about the core theoretical debates in criminology and key practical issues in the criminal justice system |
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understood how the concerns of criminology and the criminal justice system connect to and interact with wider social issues |
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gained experience in conducting an extended piece of research of a high calibre, relevant to the concerns of criminology and/or the criminal justice system |
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developed the analytic skills and substantive knowledge to enable them to successfully pursue a career in criminological research in academe, research institutes, relevant government departments and other social institutions in the field |
Students who do not wish to study for a Masters can choose instead to complete the course at the Diploma exit point. They will have achieved a number of learning objectives. They can expect to have:
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developed and demonstrated knowledge about the core debates in academic criminology and the central issues in criminal justice policy |
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understood how the concerns of criminology and the criminal justice system connect to and interact with wider social issues |
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shown that they are equipped with the technical and substantive knowledge necessary to successfully pursue a career in criminal justice practice having requirements for research awareness, and upon which they can build by embarking at a later point on an extended piece of research to enable them to pursue a career in criminological research should they so desire |
Who Should Take the Course?
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Graduates with a first degree in the social sciences, humanities or law, who are interested in gaining advanced levels of knowledge about issues connected with crime, deviance and control.
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Graduates and practitioners who are conducting research on the criminal justice system or who are considering studying for a PhD in this area.
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Practitioners in the criminal justice system and related government and voluntary agencies who wish to develop and expand their knowledge of the wider issues connected to crime and its control. |
Content of the Degree
The modules on the degree combine teaching on subjects of criminological interest with instruction in research methods. This combination ensures students will be fully skilled to conduct research on issues connected to crime, deviance and control. Figure 1 provides an outline of the structure of the course.
SEMESTER ONE |
SEMESTER TWO |
SUMMER |
Criminology Theory |
Crime and Offending |
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The Criminal Justice System |
Law, Society and Social Control |
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Contemporary Issues |
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Group Research Project |
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Research Design |
Evaluation Research |
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Data Analysis |
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Field Methods |
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Dissertation Workshops |
Managing Research |
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Computing and SPSS |
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Dissertation (60 Credits) |
[Conference] [Day Conference ]
Key
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Core modules assessed |
Text |
Existing modules shared with SRM degree |
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Half module assessed |
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Optional module not assessed |
Fees
Fees are under continuous review and may change from year to year, further details are obtainable from the postgraduate website.
Standard Entrance Requirements
Applications are welcomed from those who have
- A first degree in criminology, social and behavioural sciences, law or a related discipline
OR
- A professional qualification or experience relevant to the MSc degree.
How to Apply
Applications are considered from January onwards for admission starting in September. Applicants are invited for interview. Application forms and further information can be obtained from either from the postgraduate website or by writing to:
The Admissions Secretary
Criminology, Criminal Justice and Social Research Course
Department of Sociology
University of Surrey
Guildford GU2 7XH
Tel: +44 (0)1483 689453
Fax: +44 (0)1483 689551
email: pgsoc@surrey.ac.uk
Or for information enquiries please contact:
Professor Roger Tarling
Location
The University is a ten minute walk from Guildford station which is a 35 minute rail journey from London's Waterloo station. It is adjacent to the A3 trunk road and ten minutes from the M25 motorway.
