Criminology (Professional Placement) - MA

The course has three formal stages:

• The Certificate stage consist of three taught modules
• The Diploma stage consists of six taught modules
• Those proceeding to the Master's stage will be required to complete an extended research project to be determined individually
• It is possible to complete your studies at any of the Certificate, Diploma or Master's stages

If you study full-time you will complete all these stages in one year.

For our MA Criminology degree, you will have the opportunity to take the Professional Placement version of the course, which is offered as an alternative to the standard version of the course.

This will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability and transferable skills. The placement experience will allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.

You will be responsible for finding and securing your own placement. The University, however, will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study, with support from our Careers+ team as well as advice and guidance from your School.

Please note that placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process, therefore the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the ‘with Professional Placement’ course.

Enhancing employability

The teaching team draws on the combined with the expertise of members of the Centre for Applied Criminology, who will give you cutting-edge criminological knowledge from their impactful and high-profile research, as well as giving you excellent access to experienced practitioners and Criminal Justice System organisations.

The Reflective Practice module centres on work or volunteering experience to further develop your professional skillset.

The access provided to professionals, the presence of practitioners among fellow students and the capacity to reflect upon relevant volunteering or work experience within the structure of the course means that the course provides excellent opportunities for building contacts and networking, as well as developing opportunities for employment.

Applicants are normally expected to have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in any subject.

Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis should a student possess enough relevant professional experience.