Criminology and Psychopathology - MSc

Why study this course?

On our Criminology and Psychopathology MSc course you will develop your understanding of a range of key psychological and criminological theories, practices and perspectives involved in crime and mental health.

More about this course

The aim of this course is to provide you with an up-to-date multidisciplinary scientific and academic knowledge of criminal behaviour within a mental health context, which is particularly useful if you wish to pursue a career in crime prevention and rehabilitation.

You will consider theoretical and practical issues relating to the main factors influencing crime from biological, social, cultural and psychological perspectives. The course aims to contribute to the training needs of all those that have a role to play in providing services within criminal justice and across the areas of health, social welfare, education and youth justice services. It also provides an opportunity for a career change.

You will explore a range of specialist topics such as:

the sociological approach to crime, criminology and criminological theory
the status of the victim throughout the criminal process
the relationship between psychology and crime
the impact of mental health issues within health and criminal justice systems

Assessment

You will be assessed through a range of methods, of which the exact nature will be determined by the options you take in the spring semester.

A range of methods will allow for the demonstration of academic learning through mechanisms that support employability skills. You will be assessed through essays, case studies, oral presentations, critical and systematic reviews, as well as qualitative and quantitative research reports. You will be required to write research reports that include data analysis, which will also be reflected in the 60-credit dissertation.

After the course

Our Criminology and Psychopathology MSc will provide you with opportunities to enter and/or progress within a diverse range of occupations including but not restricted to:

psychology (and related disciplines eg criminology, sociology)
health practitioners (eg nurses, key workers or GPs)
social workers
probation, prison and police services

The course also provides additional benefit if you wish to pursue further study in
clinical psychology and/or forensic psychology.