Criminology and Criminal Justice | MA

Dr Chloe Wilson - Lecturer in Law

Dr Wilson’s subject specialisms include; human trafficking & modern slavery, sexual violence and victimisation. She is a Lecturer teaching on the LLB Criminal Law module and is the Law School Student Engagement Lead at the University of Lincoln. Externally, Dr Wilson has worked as a Special Constable, with a range of law firms, and within the UK Government Home Office.

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Welcome to MA Criminology and Criminal Justice

The MA Criminology and Criminal Justice challenges students to engage with contemporary issues faced by the criminal justice system from both a criminological and legal perspective.

In the 21st Century, the means by which we respond as a society to crime and victimisation is under greater scrutiny than ever before. How we respond to cases of historic sexual abuse, the use of imprisonment as a just and effective means of punishing or rehabilitating criminals, and the challenges posed by organised crime and international terrorism, mean criminological and legal scholarship are being brought to the forefront.

This course is designed to equip students with the conceptual tools needed to engage with such issues, imparting a broad range of cognitive, analytical, and general transferable skills including judging and evaluating evidence, interpreting data, generating and synthesising information, and formulating reasoned arguments.

How You Study

Students can engage with criminological knowledge and learn to approach the legal questions raised by this knowledge in a reflective and critical way. Drawing on staff expertise across both social science and legal disciplines, students are able to study and engage in research on criminological theory, penology and penal policy, terrorism, policing, environmental crime, international criminal justice systems, and criminological research methods among many other issues of contemporary relevance to both criminologists and criminal lawyers.

Combining both a social science and legal education, the degree offers a rigorous programme enriched by research, scholarship, and knowledge exchange to prepare students for study and research at postgraduate level, and for the workplace.

Students on this programme are expected to complete six core modules, two optional modules, and a dissertation. During the course, students can take part in lecture and seminar sessions which can include group discussions and some group presentations.

Core Modules

- Critiquing Criminological Theory
- Comparative Penology and Penal Policy
- Researching Social and Political Sciences 1 and 2
- Introduction to Criminal Justice 1 and 2
- Dissertation (Criminology and Criminal Justice)

Optional Modules

- Dangerousness, Offenders and Public Protection
- International Criminal Justice
- Gender, Deviance, Crime and Society
- Police Powers: National and International Perspectives
- Transnational and Organised Crime
- Terrorism

Contact and Independent Study

Weekly contact hours on this programme vary depending on the module being delivered and the stage of study. Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Comparative Penology and Penal Policy 2023-24LAW9024MLevel 72023-24This module looks in depth at the various outcomes of the criminal justice process to question what criminal justice systems achieve and how they do it. Drawing on a comparative methodology, the module seeks to compare the approaches of different jurisdictions aaround the world to the question of how we respond to crime. The module will examine various rationales for 'punishing' offenders on the one hand and 'rehabilitating' them on the other. Taking an international perspective, the module will compare and contrast the penal estate of several jurisdictions to critically assess the present state of prisons, restorative justice and other disposal options. In particular, the module will examine the widespread privatisation of prisons (and other aspects of the penal estate) and it will examine the evidence we have for the system relying increasingly on alternatives to custody.CoreCritiquing Criminological Theory 2023-24CRI9008MLevel 72023-24This module deconstructs criminological theoretical explanations of crime and deviance. It will address competing theories while exploring the socio-historical and ideological contexts. Theories challenged in this module include positivist, feminist, socio-cultural, socio-political, interpretative and interactionist accounts. Adopting such approaches allows for a thorough critical exploration of relevant debates and expands the application of such theories as a means to understand, critique and explore both contemporary and historical issues. By addressing challenges to these theories, alongside practical application to specific themes, students will be encouraged to deconstruct myths and establish a broader understanding. This core module aims to enhance and embed students critical thinking, application and grasp of core theoretical perspectives.CoreDissertation (Criminology and Criminal Justice) 2023-24LAW9022MLevel 72023-24The dissertation provides students with an opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of investigative academic work on a chosen area of criminology/criminal justice. Students may develop ideas encountered in the taught modules or with other issues relevant to the degree. The completed dissertation will be an original and independent piece of work. It should, in the context of existing knowledge, demonstrate in-depth understanding, critical analysis and original thinking, as well as general academic and communication skills. Undertaking the necessary research and writing the dissertation will provide academic opportunities to apply the research skills and presentation techniques developed during the programme.CoreIntroduction to Criminal Justice 1 2023-24LAW9025MLevel 72023-24To develop students' understanding of the broad scope of the criminal justice system, this module will focus on the pre-trial stage (e.g. the investigation of crime and law enforcement/policing);trial stage, (e.g. the prosecution of crime and the adjudication of criminal proceedings in courts and other tribunals); and the post-trial stage, (e.g. penal policies including sentencing, rehabilitation and restorative justice).CoreIntroduction to Criminal Justice 2 2023-24LAW9027MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to complement Introduction to Criminal Justice 1, which explores the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales, with a particular emphasis on how a case progresses through the criminal courts. This module delves into a number of substantive issues with the majority of the modules divided into three distinct sections: offences, victims, and offenders. Students will be able to consider how public and media attitudes affect the criminal justice system and how we treat victims, witnesses, offenders and the often-forgotten families of offenders.CoreResearching Social and Political Sciences for Criminology 1 2023-24LAW9028MLevel 72023-24This module will introduce students to researching in social and political sciences. The aim of the module is to provide a crucial foundation for all students (regardless of disciplinary background) to understand debates around research methods/methodologies in social science; to enable familiarity with a variety of research methods and to equip students to be able to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of applying specific methodologies/methods to different research projects in social and political sciences. Although students will be encouraged to reflect on methodological issues in relation to their own disciplines/areas of research interest, the aim is to provide a broader interdisciplinary overview of methods in the social and political sciences rather than a discipline-specific approach. The module will ask students to critically engage with questions around the nature of social scientific knowledge including interrogating assumptions underpinning qualitative research and quantitative research and debating whether differences in orientation between qualitative and quantitative research can be simplistically analysed. Students will also be given the opportunity to develop/refine practical qualitative and quantitative research skills through applied research projects. Important issues common to all research projects such as research ethics and data protection will also be addressed. Finally, students will be asked to consider the implications of their studies for constructing research projects in their own areas of interest/disciplines. Overall, the module will prepare students for their dissertations later in their degree and equip them with transferable research skills.CoreResearching Social and Political Sciences for Criminology 2 2023-24LAW9029MLevel 72023-24This module will introduce students to researching in social and political sciences. The aim of the module is to provide a crucial foundation for all students (regardless of disciplinary background) to understand debates around research methods/methodologies in social science; to enable familiarity with a variety of research methods and to equip students to be able to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of applying specific methodologies/methods to different research projects in social and political sciences. Although students will be encouraged to reflect on methodological issues in relation to their own disciplines/areas of research interest, the aim is to provide a broader interdisciplinary overview of methods in the social and political sciences rather than a discipline-specific approach. The module will ask students to critically engage with questions around the nature of social scientific knowledge including interrogating assumptions underpinning qualitative research and quantitative research and debating whether differences in orientation between qualitative and quantitative research can be simplistically analysed. Students will also be given the opportunity to develop/refine practical qualitative and quantitative research skills through applied research projects. Important issues common to all research projects such as research ethics and data protection will also be addressed. Finally, students will be asked to consider the implications of their studies for constructing research projects in their own areas of interest/disciplines. Overall, the module will prepare students for Independent Studies later in their degree and equip them with transferable research skills.CoreDangerousness, Offenders and Public Protection 2023-24LAW9180MLevel 72023-24This module aims to provide a detailed knowledge and understanding of the concept of dangerousness and the ways in which those who are defined as dangerous are managed and treated by the criminal justice system. A distinctive feature will be to understand how those working in criminal justice agencies assess offenders as well as to ask broader questions about matters of justice, equality and human rights in the operation and implementation of public protection policies and practices.OptionalGender, Deviance, Crime and Society 2023-24CRI9002MLevel 72023-24This module deconstructs the interrelationships between gender, crime, deviance and society. It will explore gender through a criminological lens and aims to introduce students to gendered explanations of crime and deviance. The significance of gender in the various agencies of the criminal justice system will also be explored, as will its presence a range of discourses around victimhood and offending. The ways in which justice can be gendered will be identified and critiqued. The module will also aim to critically engage with notions of harm, dangerousness and risk, and unpick the arguments found within feminist criminologies.OptionalGreen Criminology 2023-24LAW9023MLevel 72023-24OptionalInternational Criminal Justice 2023-24LAW9015MLevel 72023-24This module provides the opportunity for students to develop a critical understanding of the idea of international criminal justice. The module aims to address the key issues and concepts in and policies underlying the enforcement of international criminal law considering the legal and political environment in which international criminal courts and tribunals operate. The principle focus will be the international crimes which come within the jurisdiction of the current international courts and tribunals that is war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and torture and analysing whether these institutions are effective for the pursuit of justice and peace within the international system.OptionalPolice Powers: National and International Perspectives 2023-24LAW9026MLevel 72023-24This module explores the powers of the police in England and Wales and further afield. It looks at the ways in which the police forces are organised and the different national agencies that operate in the area (such as the Serious Fraud Office, and the Serious Organised Crime Agency). Students are then taken through the various stages of policing from stop and search to charge. The various procedures that can be used to obtain evidence, including questioning, search of premises, DNA analysis, are examined. The effect of terrorism threats on police powers is discussed. The module concludes with a consideration of the ways in which police powers can be challenged, including complaints, civil action and exclusion of evidence.OptionalState Crime & Atrocity 2023-24IST9005MLevel 72023-24OptionalTerrorism 2023-24SOP9189Level 72023-24The label terrorism is applied erratically with little clear precision or exclusivity to its use and failing to clearly differentiate those labelled 'terrorists'. The long and contested histories of diverse political and ideological struggles in respect of securing the legitimacy of this label, and/or the resistance to it, are often made unclear by the cultural significance the label itself. The aim of this module is to provide a critical understanding of these heated debates focusing on past and current management strategies, their relative strengths and weaknesses, the problems with conceptualisation and their various proponents from the worlds of academia/counter insurgency studies, political and criminal justice/military experts.OptionalTransnational and Organised Crime 2023-24SOP9190Level 72023-24Optional

How you are assessed

The way students will be assessed on this course will vary for each module. It could include coursework, such as a dissertation or essay, written and practical exams, portfolio development, group work or presentations, and production of a research proposal.

Assessment Feedback

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

Research Areas, Projects and Topics

Research within the School spans a broad array of doctrinal, empirical, and theoretical work, as well as exploring the role of law in broader social science. Specialisms include youth justice, policing, penology, terrorism, social research methods, violence, modern slavery and trafficking, and dangerous offenders. These and other areas would be suitable for students to focus their dissertation research on.

Students are encouraged to get involved in research events undertaken by the centres and groups attached to Lincoln Law School. Research centres include Lincoln Centre for Environmental Law and Justice, Law in a Global Context, and Conflict and Disasters Research Group. Find out more about our research.

Career and Personal Development

Criminology graduates can pursue work in a variety of different areas including the civil service, police, academia, and the National Probation Service, although the combination of both criminological and legal analysis covered by the course offers graduates a wide array of different career choices.

The University Careers and Employability team can provide tailored, individual support and careers advice. The service can include one-to-one coaching, CV advice, and interview preparation. Alumni can continue to access support and advice for up 15 months after graduating. The service works closely with local, national and international employers, acting as a gateway to the business world.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject such as Criminology, Law, Social Policy, Politics, Sociology, and Psychology.

We are also happy to consider applications based on work or personal experience .

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally be required to pay your own transport, accommodation and general living costs.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

Find out More

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Key Information

MA Criminology and Criminal Justice