Course structure
You can study the MSc Leadership in Criminal Justice and Policing course either full-time or part-time. Classes are interactive and designed to be inclusive of students with different levels of academic knowledge and practical experience.
Full-time route
The full-time route is studied over one year from October to September. Modules are taught on one evening per week with modules in two-hour blocks to accommodate students who work. For full-time students and those in their second year of part-time study, there are also ten mandatory dissertation classes on alternate Wednesday evenings during term time.
Additional online tasks and materials will be provided for students to complete independently. You are expected to read widely to supplement the material taught and to help you get the most out of your studies.
The course will typically be taught as the following:
Semester one (two core modules)
Classes are in the evening between 5-7pm for the first core module and 7-9pm for the second core module, with a short break in between.
Semester two (two optional modules)
Classes are in the evening between 5-7pm and 7-9pm. Optional modules may be subject to change and in the event of low numbers of students, some options may not be available.
Semester three (core dissertation module over the year)
The dissertation module is an independent research project undertaken over the year. You'll be matched with a supervisor with expertise in your chosen area of research who'll guide you through completing your dissertation. You'll meet regularly with your supervisor, either in person or on Teams.
In addition, there are ten mandatory taught sessions on the dissertation module. These take place on alternate Wednesday evenings during term time – five in the first semester and five in the second semester. You'll be provided with an academic calendar with the exact dates when you enrol.
Part-time route
The part-time version of this master's in criminal justice is studied over two years and follows the same day and time slots as full-time students. However, in your first year, you'll study one core module in semester one and one optional module in semester two. In your second year, you will complete your second core module in semester one, an optional module in semester two, and your dissertation module over the year.
Other commitments
We encourage you to attend other voluntary training courses and opportunities that fall on other days where possible. These are circulated by email throughout the course.
You'll also have one-to-one support from an allocated Personal Academic Tutor who will meet with you regularly.
Enrichment weeks
During both semesters where there are local half-term holidays, teaching doesn't take place during these weeks. Instead, we offer all students ‘enrichment weeks’ of optional and additional activities. These have ranged from guest lectures, training sessions, theatre trips, visits to museums, and more. We encourage everyone studying on this criminal justice degree to come along to enrichment weeks in both semesters.
Course assessment
The MSc Leadership in Criminal Justice and Policing course assessment methods consist of a mixture of essays, reports, case studies, and presentations, to help you develop a wide range of knowledge and skills. Assessments have been uniquely designed to offer experience of real-life tasks that you may be expected to undertake within a criminal justice workplace. Academic staff will use constructive and detailed feedback to support your learning.
