About the course
Criminal offending and the state’s response to it are constantly evolving. This course explores the latest thinking and research into the subject, including explanations of why crime occurs. You are taught by a highly experienced academic team, all of whom are involved in cutting-edge research in the field.
This Master’s develops your in-depth critical knowledge and understanding of criminology including the social, political and cultural contexts that have such a strong influence on crime and criminal justice in an increasingly globalised world. You also acquire the ability to apply your advanced knowledge with originality to address problems across a range of relevant settings.
The School’s expertise is deep and wide ranging, covering youth crime and justice; substance abuse; gang-related crime; corporate crime; and forensic mental health. You are taught by leading researchers from the Institute of Applied Social Research, whose studies on sexual exploitation, trafficking and disability are internationally renowned and at the interface between research, knowledge, policy and practice.
Why choose this course?
- Challenge yourself by taking part in critical discussions; undertaking systematic reviews; and analysing complex, unfamiliar or unpredictable criminological problems
- Learn to reflect critically on theory while drawing on a depth of practical knowledge and professional expertise from the teaching team
- Our subject experts are also members of the Vauxhall Centre for the Study of Crime under the direction of Professor John Pitts, a key member of the Home Office gang strategy’s expert advisory group
- Explore and research a particular topic of interest, sharpening your independent study skills and becoming highly specialised in a particular area
- Gain a wide range of transferable skills and qualities relevant to the workplace, which will be valuable when seeking employment at a senior level
- Benefit from a team invested in your personal development, offering a range of seminars and personal tutorials designed to foster a shared commitment to the subject
Units
- Dissertation In Criminology (ASS065-6) Compulsory
- Research Methods 1 : Setting Deep Foundations (ASS129-6) Compulsory
- Research Methods 2 : Design, Data Collection And Ethics (ASS130-6) Compulsory
- Theories And Perspectives In Crime And Criminal Justice (ASS058-6) Compulsory
- Youth Justice: Current Issues And Critical Perspectives (ASS015-6) Compulsory
- Complexities Of Forced Migration, Human Displacement, Trafficking And Refuge (ASS064-6) Optional
- Evidence Based Policing: Targeting, Testing And Tracking (ASS142-6) Optional
- Financial Crime And Financial Offending (ASS062-6) Optional
- Offenders And Offending: The Experience Of End To End Management (ASS061-6) Optional
- The Mentally Disordered Offender (ASS063-6) Optional
- Young People Group Offending And Violent Crime (ASS016-6) Optional
Assessment aims to enhance the learning experience rather than simply provide academic hurdles to be surmounted. Nonetheless it must offer a reliable test of the student's level of academic attainment. To achieve this, the assessment methods used must relate closely to the intended unit learning outcomes as evidenced in the UIFs, whilst allowing the student maximum scope for creativity in fulfilling them. The assessment strategy is intended to enable students to: Show originality in the application of knowledge and understand how the boundaries are advanced through research, Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively and show originality in tackling and solving problems, and, Have the qualities needed for employment in circumstances requiring sound judgement, personal responsibility and initiative in complex and unpredictable professional environments. The range of assessment methods to be used will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their competence in a variety of ways reflective of different learning styles and will ensure the focus upon a critical awareness of the literature and knowledge of the current social and political frameworks. The assessment strategy is integrated with teaching to allow for a level of reflection and allow students to acquire knowledge that can be demonstrated in the assessments. Throughout the course, feedback on assessments taken in the first two semesters, and the reflections gained through the learning journey, will enable students to critically assess their learning and develop where necessary.
Why Study in the School of Applied Social Sciences?
- Courses developed in partnership with practice agencies
- Our research involving robots, shows that they can improve mental health and loneliness in the elderly
- Part of the SASS change makers initiative
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent.
To apply for a place on a postgraduate course (MA/MSc/MBA) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good first degree and the required English language qualification
Find out more about specific entry requirements for your country
To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.
We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.
You also need to have the required English language qualification
Contact your country’s International Admissions Team for more information.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent.
To apply for a place on a postgraduate course (MA/MSc/MBA) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good first degree and the required English language qualification
Find out more about specific entry requirements for your country
To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.
We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.
You also need to have the required English language qualification
Contact your country’s International Admissions Team for more information.
For applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements an interview and evidence of suitability will be required prior to entry.
How will this course improve my career prospects?
As a Master’s student at the University of Bedfordshire, you will develop a range of skills highly regarded in the employment market. The ability to research complex areas and provide in-depth analysis and critical appraisal are all skills that will enable you to compete successfully for employment at higher levels and within management.
Typical career paths include criminal justice; police; prison or probation services; youth justice; local and central government; charitable organisations; or research posts in the private and public sectors. Some students may wish to take up further study at Professional Doctorate or PhD level.
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £8,500 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is available at www.beds.ac.uk/intfees
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,350 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £14,600
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £8,500 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is available at www.beds.ac.uk/intfees
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,350 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £14,600
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Extra Costs
Luton Campus Centre
The Campus Centre brings together all our student services under one roof including the Students’ Union and spaces to eat, drink, relax and learn.
There's a large central lecture theatre as well as a range of study rooms & breakout spaces on the upper floors.
Luton Campus Library
The library is a modern 9-storey building dedicated to study and learning.
As well as traditional library provisions it offers individual and group study spaces, a cafeteria on the ground floor and a ‘Study Hub’ offering guidance and workshops on academic writing and research skills to ensure all Bedfordshire students get the help they need to succeed in their studies.
Beds SU
When you join the University of Bedfordshire, you don't just join the university - you also become a member of Bedfordshire Students' Union (Beds SU)!
Beds SU is led by four Student Officers - a President and three Vice Presidents - who are elected annually by University of Bedfordshire students to lead the Students' Union.
We are here to help every student at the University of Bedfordshire get the most out of their university experience. We campaign on issues that you care about, as well as provide lots of opportunities for you to meet new people, develop your skills, campaign for change and try something new.
Aspire Gym
The Aspire Gym has state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smart phone compatibility. There is also an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area.
Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.
Luton Campus Accommodation
The University guarantees accommodation to all new students. Fitzroy Court and Wenlock Court, the two main halls of residence, are located on campus so getting to lectures, shopping in town and participating in events and activities is easy.
STEM building
The STEM building is home to courses in the subject areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Opened in Autumn 2019, its cutting edge facilities provides four computer laboratories; workshops for subjects such as automotive engineering, cyber-security and robotics, along with three large teaching labs, and four specialist containment labs.
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
