MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers an MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology program, a multidisciplinary Master's degree designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of crime from both social and psychological perspectives. The program delves into the key theoretical and empirical dimensions central to understanding the individual, group, and societal nature of crime, balancing individualistic psychological perspectives with social-contextual insights from disciplines like sociology, political science, and anthropology. This course goes beyond intellectual understanding, aiming to equip students for professional careers across the state, private, and 'third' sectors by providing innovative modules and a dissertation that allows for specialized study. It systematically applies theories and concepts from criminology and psychology to analyze historical and contemporary debates relating to criminal activity, emphasizing an empirical evidence-base for understanding how crime is researched and theorized, all underpinned by a nuanced appreciation of justice in its varied manifestations—criminal, social, political, and environmental.

Curriculum: The MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology curriculum is structured around six taught modules and a substantial dissertation, designed to facilitate a deep and informed understanding of the "science of crime." Full-time students typically undertake three modules in the first trimester (September to December), including "Understanding Criminality and Offending Behaviour," "Conceptualising Justice," and "Research Methods." The second trimester (January to May) focuses on three further modules: "Criminal Justice and the Investigative Process," "Contemporary Criminological and Sociological Controversies," and "Human Rights." The program culminates in trimester three (May to August) with a dissertation on a chosen course-related topic. The curriculum balances formal lectures on key themes such with interactive, seminar-based discussions, encouraging critical analysis and the development of transferable skills through diverse assessment forms such as essays, book reviews, portfolios, oral presentations, and simulations. The emphasis on practical application prepares students for real-world scenarios.

Research Focus: The MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by specialist academic staff from the School of Law, Policing and Social Sciences, many of whom are actively engaged in research. The program strongly emphasizes the development of research skills, with core modules like "Research Methods" that equip students with the ability to utilize an empirical evidence-base to understand how crime is researched and theorized. The culmination of the program, a 12,000-word dissertation, provides a significant opportunity for students to apply their knowledge to a specific topic of their choice under individual supervision. This strong focus on research ensures that students not only critically evaluate existing theories but also develop the capacity to contribute original scholarly work, exploring ethical, intersectional, cultural, global, and economic dimensions of contemporary social and criminological issues.

Industry Engagement: The MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology program is designed to prepare students for professional career paths in various sectors related to criminal justice. The curriculum includes contributions from guest lecturers and key professional speakers, providing students with current insights into research developments and real-world settings, while also facilitating valuable networking opportunities. The multidisciplinary nature of the degree means students study alongside peers specializing in both criminological and psychological subjects, as well as those from other social science disciplines, fostering multidisciplinary thinking and increasing networking avenues. Although direct placements are not a standard component, the course aims to equip students for careers in state (e.g., policing, probation, victim support), private, and 'third' sectors, providing them with the conceptual, theoretical, and empirical understanding necessary to gain a foothold in these professional pathways.

Global Perspective: The MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology program incorporates a global perspective by examining how crime, justice, and human rights are understood and addressed at both national and international levels. Modules like "Conceptualising Justice" explore the broad dimensions of justice, including criminal, social, political, and environmental, considering harm, inequality, and justice in diverse contexts. The course also touches upon contemporary criminological and sociological controversies which often have global dimensions, allowing students to analyze issues from a worldwide viewpoint. Furthermore, studying alongside a diverse cohort of students from various backgrounds enriches discussions and provides multiple perspectives on the complexities of crime and justice across different cultures and legal systems, preparing graduates for roles in an increasingly interconnected global society.