MSc

Applied Criminology

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Can you eliminate the impossible to find the truth, however improbable? Whether you’re pursuing a career as a consulting detective or a more conventional route into the world of criminology, Applied Criminology at Winchester equips you with the skills and knowledge to enter your chosen profession. 

Police Bike

Course overview

Explore the fascinating and complex world of crime, deviance, security and insecurity as they relate to careers in crime prevention, detection and security and research. Develop your understanding of criminological concepts and methods and how they’re used in professional contexts, with opportunities to gain direct experience through a work placement or internship. Complete advanced training in criminological research methods relevant to applied settings, in keeping with our ethos of active and engaged learning. 

In core modules including Applied Criminology and Applied Criminological Research you consider and discuss the impact of criminology on a range of professions – which can be as wide-ranging as counter-terrorism, criminal and social justice issues, and global security. Optional modules such as Cybercrime and Cybersecurity, Investigative Leadership and Management in Policing, or Organised Crime, Security and Human Right in a Global World provide you with opportunities to develop your particular specialist interests. You complete a professionally focused extended research project on a relevant topic, which can be informed by your work placement. Part-time students who are employed in a relevant profession can complete a work-based learning module. 

The Applied Criminology MSc equips you to pursue a career in criminology related professions, probation, policing, security, research and Academia.

Find out more about the Department for Applied Social Science, Forensics and Politics

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

On campus, Winchester

Course length

  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time

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Typical offer

Normally a first or second-class Honours degree

Fees

From £9,550 pa

Course features

  • Research cutting-edge methods and techniques
  • The opportunity to gain experience in a work placement
  • Prepare for a career in policing, security or research

Course details

Work placements

The programme offers a work-based learning module for those students employed in a relevant professional sector for which they receive credit, and an internship opportunity for full-time students. All students complete a professionally focused extended research project.

Learning and teaching

Start date: September

Teaching takes place: Afternoon/ evening

The programme is taught through a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, external visits, work-based learning and independent research. Contact with industry experts is a key feature of the course and students meet with regular guest speakers from a number of external organisations concerned with crime, deviance and security. Students have the opportunity to explore these organisations through field visits and work placements.

Location

Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.

Serving and retired police officers and staff

You may be able to receive academic credit towards this course based on your prior experience and learning in the police service. The University of Winchester recommend using the College of Policing’s Credit Estimator to see what credit you could have already achieved.

For more information on recognition of prior learning (RPL) and to estimate your credit, visit the College of Policing professional development platform.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

Feedback

We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.

Further information

For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Applied Criminology

Criminology is both a unique and distinctive social science discipline in that it brings together those social science and humanities disciplines with an interest in issues of crime and criminality. Criminology is also an applied social science and as such makes a contribution not only to the development of theoretical explanations but also to the policy and practice of those agencies and organisations in society charged with the management, control and prevention of crime. As such this module will explore and develop an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of Criminology and the relationship between theoretical perspectives and explanations and the substantive issues of crime and criminality. It will also critically examine the unique contribution of a range of academic disciplines in explaining the phenomenon of crime and criminality. The module will also explore the relationship between theoretical explanations of crime and their application in the realm of policy and practice at both a macro and micro level, i.e. at both the societal and community level as well as at the agency and organisational level of those charged with the responsibility to operationalize such policies. The module will conclude by exploring the changing practices of a range of crime related agencies such as the police, prison and probation services, amongst others, in the management, control and prevention of crime and criminality in a constantly and fast changing social, economic and political environment.

 

Work-Based Learning in Applied Criminology

The module allows students to critically reflect upon a period of professional experience in a context appropriate to the course (the student’s own employment in an appropriate career as well as internship/voluntary work experience). Students will undertake professional tasks and roles and critically reflect on their practice, learning to identify their own professional needs and the resources available to them.

Work placements are negotiated either with students’ own employing organisation, if appropriate to the programme, or with a range of appropriate organisations that the university has connections with, for a minimum of 4 hours per week for the duration of the second semester. Appropriate support is available to both employers and students undertaking ‘Work Based Learning in Applied Criminology’.

The University does not guarantee the access to placement to each students in the programme, the students without a secure placement within the end of Semester 1 will automatically be enrolled in the alternative module CR7961.

Applied Criminological Research

This module will develop the understanding of the research process required at advanced and postgraduate level. The module will through the use of surveys explore the issues relating to the design and analysis of quantitative research. Qualitative research design and analysis will be addressed through exploring the techniques of data collection associated with interviewing, focus group research, life course analysis, ethnography and biographical approaches. Issues of research ethics as well as sampling within both qualitative and quantitative methods will also be explored. The application, organisation and dissemination of research findings will be dealt with through an examination of the writing up and presentational aspects of the research process.

Miscarriage of Justice Placement

This module will explore the issues surrounding wrongful conviction and miscarriages of justice, introducing students to the Winchester Justice Project, making them actively engaged in practice, through examining a real-life case of an individual maintaining wrongful conviction for a serious offence.

After being introduced to the Justice Project protocols, background, ethical and data protection considerations, students will work as a team (supervised by a member of the Criminology teaching team) to conduct research on the case files currently held within the Crime and Justice Research Centre at the University with a view to developing their skills in assessing evidence and understanding the criminal justice process.

Students will develop knowledge regarding theory, concepts and debates surrounding wrongful convictions, miscarriages of justice and continued claims of innocence, becoming aware of at the work of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, and exploring issues such as police investigative procedures and evidence collection.

Students must take either this module or module CR7961 (Work Based Learning in Applied Criminology).

Applied Criminological Knowledge Exchange Project

The module is an opportunity to undertake an extended piece of original research directed towards a specific professional context. The research will tackle an issue of contemporary relevance to an external organisation working broadly within the criminological field. The project will recognise current debates within the academic and professional literatures and will be based on a sophisticated review of salient literatures. It is expected that the project will contain a substantial amount of original data which will be collected, analysed and presented as part of the project. The finding of the project will be applied to a specific professional context and it is expected that it will conclude with a set of recommendations which address an aspect of current practice. Aspects of the project may be negotiated with an external organisation.

Students must take either this module or module CR7962 (Independent Study Project).

Applied Criminology Independent Study Project

The module is an opportunity to undertake an extended piece of original research identifying a specific professional context that can make use of its results. The project will tackle an issue of contemporary relevance, will recognise current debates within the academic and professional literatures and will be based on a sophisticated review of salient literatures. It is expected that the project will contain a substantial amount of data which could be either collected, analysed and presented as part of a primary research, or analysed and assessed as secondary data coming from official reports or other researchers’ studies. The finding of the project will be applied to a specific professional context identified by the student as the ideal recipient, and it is expected that it will conclude with a set of recommendations which address an aspect of current practice. This is an Independent Study module.

Students must take either this module or module CR7960 (Applied Criminology Knowledge Exchange Project).

Optional Modules
  • Investigative Leadership and Management in Policing - 20 Credits
  • Cybercrime and Cybersecurity - 20 Credits
  • Comparative Perspectives on Contemporary Policing - 20 Credits
  • Organised Crime, Security and Human Right in a Global World - 20 Credits
  • Intersectional Perspectives on Violence and Victimisation - 20 Credits

Optional

Applied Criminology

Criminology is both a unique and distinctive social science discipline in that it brings together those social science and humanities disciplines with an interest in issues of crime and criminality. Criminology is also an applied social science and as such makes a contribution not only to the development of theoretical explanations but also to the policy and practice of those agencies and organisations in society charged with the management, control and prevention of crime. As such this module will explore and develop an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of Criminology and the relationship between theoretical perspectives and explanations and the substantive issues of crime and criminality. It will also critically examine the unique contribution of a range of academic disciplines in explaining the phenomenon of crime and criminality. The module will also explore the relationship between theoretical explanations of crime and their application in the realm of policy and practice at both a macro and micro level, i.e. at both the societal and community level as well as at the agency and organisational level of those charged with the responsibility to operationalize such policies. The module will conclude by exploring the changing practices of a range of crime related agencies such as the police, prison and probation services, amongst others, in the management, control and prevention of crime and criminality in a constantly and fast changing social, economic and political environment.

 

Work-Based Learning in Applied Criminology

The module allows students to critically reflect upon a period of professional experience in a context appropriate to the course (the student’s own employment in an appropriate career as well as internship/voluntary work experience). Students will undertake professional tasks and roles and critically reflect on their practice, learning to identify their own professional needs and the resources available to them.

Work placements are negotiated either with students’ own employing organisation, if appropriate to the programme, or with a range of appropriate organisations that the university has connections with, for a minimum of 4 hours per week for the duration of the second semester. Appropriate support is available to both employers and students undertaking ‘Work Based Learning in Applied Criminology’.

The University does not guarantee the access to placement to each students in the programme, the students without a secure placement within the end of Semester 1 will automatically be enrolled in the alternative module CR7961.

Applied Criminological Research

This module will develop the understanding of the research process required at advanced and postgraduate level. The module will through the use of surveys explore the issues relating to the design and analysis of quantitative research. Qualitative research design and analysis will be addressed through exploring the techniques of data collection associated with interviewing, focus group research, life course analysis, ethnography and biographical approaches. Issues of research ethics as well as sampling within both qualitative and quantitative methods will also be explored. The application, organisation and dissemination of research findings will be dealt with through an examination of the writing up and presentational aspects of the research process.

Miscarriage of Justice Placement

This module will explore the issues surrounding wrongful conviction and miscarriages of justice, introducing students to the Winchester Justice Project, making them actively engaged in practice, through examining a real-life case of an individual maintaining wrongful conviction for a serious offence.

After being introduced to the Justice Project protocols, background, ethical and data protection considerations, students will work as a team (supervised by a member of the Criminology teaching team) to conduct research on the case files currently held within the Crime and Justice Research Centre at the University with a view to developing their skills in assessing evidence and understanding the criminal justice process.

Students will develop knowledge regarding theory, concepts and debates surrounding wrongful convictions, miscarriages of justice and continued claims of innocence, becoming aware of at the work of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, and exploring issues such as police investigative procedures and evidence collection.

Students must take either this module or module CR7961 (Work Based Learning in Applied Criminology).

Applied Criminological Knowledge Exchange Project

The module is an opportunity to undertake an extended piece of original research directed towards a specific professional context. The research will tackle an issue of contemporary relevance to an external organisation working broadly within the criminological field. The project will recognise current debates within the academic and professional literatures and will be based on a sophisticated review of salient literatures. It is expected that the project will contain a substantial amount of original data which will be collected, analysed and presented as part of the project. The finding of the project will be applied to a specific professional context and it is expected that it will conclude with a set of recommendations which address an aspect of current practice. Aspects of the project may be negotiated with an external organisation.

Students must take either this module or module CR7962 (Independent Study Project).

Applied Criminology Independent Study Project

The module is an opportunity to undertake an extended piece of original research identifying a specific professional context that can make use of its results. The project will tackle an issue of contemporary relevance, will recognise current debates within the academic and professional literatures and will be based on a sophisticated review of salient literatures. It is expected that the project will contain a substantial amount of data which could be either collected, analysed and presented as part of a primary research, or analysed and assessed as secondary data coming from official reports or other researchers’ studies. The finding of the project will be applied to a specific professional context identified by the student as the ideal recipient, and it is expected that it will conclude with a set of recommendations which address an aspect of current practice. This is an Independent Study module.

Students must take either this module or module CR7960 (Applied Criminology Knowledge Exchange Project).

Optional Modules
  • Investigative Leadership and Management in Policing - 20 Credits
  • Cybercrime and Cybersecurity - 20 Credits
  • Comparative Perspectives on Contemporary Policing - 20 Credits
  • Organised Crime, Security and Human Right in a Global World - 20 Credits
  • Intersectional Perspectives on Violence and Victimisation - 20 Credits

Entry requirements

Normally a first or second-class Honours degree

Normally a first or second-class Honours degree or professional experience in the area of study. A related Honours degree is desirable but not essential, but enrolling students should all possess a basic knowledge of theoretical criminology. Reading suggestions and material considered essential for the programme will be made available prior to the start of the courses.

This course is ideal for those with an interest in pursuing a criminal justice career in policing, probation, prison work or similar.

If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing or equivalent

Course enquiries and applications

Send us a message

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Normally a first or second-class Honours degree or professional experience in the area of study. A related Honours degree is desirable but not essential, but enrolling students should all possess a basic knowledge of theoretical criminology. Reading suggestions and material considered essential for the programme will be made available prior to the start of the courses.

This course is ideal for those with an interest in pursuing a criminal justice career in policing, probation, prison work or similar.

If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing or equivalent

Course enquiries and applications

Send us a message

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk 

Please be aware that restrictions and limitations to the availability of work experiences for international students can happen, as consequence of visas restrictions. To make sure of your personal condition please contact International@winchester.ac.uk

Late applications can be accepted throughout the remainder of the application year, for more information see our How to Apply section.

Visit us

Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Evenings.

2024/2025 Course Tuition Fees 

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland

International

Full-time £9,550 £17,450
Part-time £4,775 £8,725
Total £9,550 £17,450

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in January / September 2024, the first year will cost you £9,550**.

If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:

Optional

Core texts

Multiple copies of core text are held within the library and e-books are identified where possible, however due to limited availability students are recommended to purchase a copy for their own use. It is possible for students to buy second-hand copies. Indicative cost is £40 - £60. 

Mandatory

Travel

Students will incur travel costs on placements to organisations, where primary research will be conducted for their work-based learning module and final dissertation. This will be in the second semester of study. Indicative cost is £100-200 (the Department will provide £50 per student toward these costs).

Printing and Binding

The University is pleased to offer our students a free printing allowance of £20 each academic year. This will print around 500 A4 mono pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing. 

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.

CAREER PROSPECTS

The programme is designed to prepare students for a range of criminological careers, specifically focused policing and security, research and academic careers.

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Student with careers staff member

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