Criminology (Distance learning)

This innovative, online Master's in Criminology is delivered as a distance-learning programme, and allows you to develop specialist knowledge of the current themes and policy debates surrounding crime, criminal justice, crime control, policing, penology and offender management. It equips you with the intellectual, analytical and research skills needed for understanding and applying criminological theories and concepts in practice.

The programme also provides an in-depth understanding of the interactions between politics, criminology and criminal justice, and the impact of public policy in these areas. You'll be taught by experts from criminological, sociological and legal backgrounds with professional criminal justice experience. You'll also benefit from research-led teaching, as well as strong links to wider criminal justice professions and industry.

Recognising your evolving needs as a student and professional, as well as the pressures of the modern workplace, this MSc uniquely allows you to not only choose between studying full-time or part-time, but gives you the opportunity to transfer to a campus-based version of the programme, should this better suit your changed circumstances.

MSc Criminology is split into three trimesters, taught across either one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

You’ll begin by looking at advanced theory and contemporary issues in crime and justice, before progressing to the research and evaluation-based modules of the course.

In your final trimester, you’ll complete your dissertation.

This course includes or offers the following modules. Please check the programme document for more information on which modules are core, required or optional.

• Advanced Criminological Theory
• Contemporary Issues in Crime and Justice
• Global Crime and Criminal Justice
• Criminological Research Design: Evaluation and Evidence-based Practice
• Dissertation.

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways, including essays, practical projects and presentations.

You’ll also complete a 15,000 word dissertation on a topic that you’ll choose in consultation with a supervisor. Your dissertation topic might be an area of interest that has emerged through your studies, or it could be linked to your current professional role and career aspirations.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

This MSc in Criminology is offered as an online, distance-learning curriculum. The modules will be delivered through a series of weekly interactive online tasks, as well as online content.

Our aim is to equip you with the advanced criminological knowledge and practical skills you’ll need to pursue or develop your career in fields such as policing, crime prevention and reduction, security, offender management, prisons, probation, youth justice, social work and community development. You could also choose to build on the skills in research you’ve gained during this course with further study.

You’ll hone your abilities in critical thinking and creative problem-solving, and develop your capacity to work and learn independently. You’ll also develop your research and evaluation skills – which are crucial, given that the sector is turning to evidence-based methods of working.

You’ll also develop a range of transferable skills which you can take into a career in a number of others sectors such as health and social care, marketing, HR, teaching and the media.

The distance learning version of this course is delivered via Bath Spa University's virtual learning environment, Minerva.