MSc Criminal Justice: People and Processes

University of Salford

This dynamic course will support you to develop a critical understanding of contemporary and global criminological issues, with a specific focus on 'people and processes'. This course adopts a holistic approach, examining crime, justice, and penal policies to explore their impact on those involved in administering and receiving criminal justice. You will critically analyse how we might develop processes to improve outcomes for those who encounter the criminal justice system.

In addition to exploring key contemporary criminological issues, you will also receive advanced research training, exploring contemporary, innovative, cutting-edge research methodologies, including visual and online methods.

You will be taught by internationally renowned criminological experts alongside engagement with our professional partners (criminal justice practitioners, policymakers, voluntary sector professionals) and those who are experts by experience (including victims, offenders, and their families). Combined with classroom discussions and debates, you will develop the skills and knowledge to design, analyse, and evaluate criminal justice processes and policies. Supported by our team of experts, you will have the opportunity to implement appropriate analytical and research skills within a final dissertation or applied project focusing on an aspect of criminal justice of your choice guided by an academic supervisor.

You will:

• Be taught by leading academics involved in cutting-edge criminological research.
• Benefit from direct engagement with our professional partners (practitioners, policymakers, and those who are experts by experience, such as victims and offenders).
• Develop a critical understanding of the lived experiences of those involved in administering and receiving criminal justice.
• Gain a critical understanding of the context in which crime, justice, and penal policies are developed and implemented.
• Develop strong, cutting-edge, analytical research skills.
• Gain relevant experience, skills, and expertise to enable you to embark on or progress a career in the area of criminal justice.

This course is for you if...

1. You are passionate about criminology and understanding the experiences of people in the criminal justice system.
2. You are driven by curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration and want to develop problem-solving, project management, and research leadership skills.
3. You want to work in organisations that administer, support, and underpin the criminal justice system (in government, public, third and private sector organisations).
4. You are currently in an officer, policy, or service delivery/advocacy role but are looking to step up your career by developing expertise and leadership in applied research with a criminal justice focus.
5. You have recently completed an undergraduate degree and are committed to understanding a particular criminology/criminal justice issue - this course will give you the tools to really explore that topic.
6. You want to prepare for a PhD in a social science discipline, where you can conduct original and independent research that advances the knowledge and understanding of your field.