Program Overview

Criminology, the major component of this programme, involves study of crime as particular aspect of all societies. What is crime, who commits it, who are the victims, how do societies deal with crime, its perpetrators, and its victims?

Our particular approach to Criminology is critical and involves asking important questions about who gets to define the criminal, who gets to determine the measures implemented to address crime as an aspect of society, as well questions about the unequal experience of offending, victimisation, and justice within and between societies.

Social Policy, the minor component of this programme, involves study of the ways in which different societies understand and meet the needs of their members to ensure their wellbeing. How do societies organise the care of older people, or tackle underemployment among particular groups for instance? Again, our particular approach to Social Policy is critical and involves asking important questions about who decides which needs are met, what shape social support might take, and the effectiveness of social policies.

The programme involves critical engagement with relevant theories, concepts, and ideas, as well as the development of a wide range of critical thinking, research, and communication skills. You will be taught and supervised by world leading experts in the subject areas and experience a range of research engaged teaching, learning and assessment methods, including opportunities for applied and practice based learning. You will also be provided with opportunities to tailor your learning to suit your own particular interests and aspirations as you progress.

If you are interested in developing a critical understanding of crime as an aspect of all societies, as something that must be explored in relation to the broader inequalities and injustices that exist within and between societies, then this is the programme for you.

This three year programme of study involves students undertaking a combination of mandatory and selected modules throughout. Modules represent discrete units of teaching, learning, and assessment, with each module focussing on a different topic area, a particular set of debates or ideas, or a particular set of skills. All modules are led by academic staff who are experts in their field.