The MA Criminology and Criminal Justice challenge students to engage with contemporary issues faced by the criminal justice system from both a criminological and legal perspective.
In the 21st Century, the means by which we respond as a society to crime and victimisation is under greater scrutiny than ever before. How we respond to cases of historic sexual abuse, the use of imprisonment as a just and effective means of punishing or rehabilitating criminals, and the challenges posed by organised crime and international terrorism, mean criminological and legal scholarship are being brought to the forefront.
This course is designed to equip students with the conceptual tools needed to engage with such issues, imparting a broad range of cognitive, analytical, and general transferable skills including judging and evaluating evidence, interpreting data, generating and synthesising information, and formulating reasoned arguments.
How You Study
Students can engage with criminological knowledge and learn to approach the legal questions raised by this knowledge in a reflective and critical way. Drawing on staff expertise across both social science and legal disciplines, students are able to study and engage in research on criminological theory, penology and penal policy, terrorism, policing environmental crime, international criminal justice systems, and criminological research methods among many other issues of contemporary relevance to both criminologists and criminal lawyers.
Combining both a social science and legal education, the degree offers a rigorous programme enriched by research, scholarship, and knowledge exchange to prepare students for study and research at postgraduate level, and for the workplace.
Students on this programme are expected to complete four core modules, two optional modules, and a dissertation. During the course, there are lectures and students take part in two-hour seminar sessions which can include group discussions and some group presentations. A typical teaching week may include eight hours of contact time across two or three days for full-time students, and four hours for those studying part-time.
Core Modules
Critiquing Criminological Theory
Comparative Penology and Penal Policy
Researching Social and Political Sciences 1 and 2
Introduction to Criminal Justice 1 and 2
Dissertation (Criminology and Criminal Justice)
Optional Modules
Green Criminology
International Criminal Justice
Gender, Deviance, Crime and Society
State Crime & Atrocity
Transnational and Organised Crime
Terrorism
Contact and Independent Study
Weekly contact hours on this programme vary depending on the module being delivered and the stage of the study. The postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in an independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.
Contact Hours
Owing to the nature of postgraduate programmes, a significant proportion of your time will be spent in independent study and research. Research students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however, the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of the programme. For taught programmes, weekly contact hours may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study.
Methods of Assessment
The way you will be assessed on your course will vary depending on the subject and the type of postgraduate programme you select. A taught programme could include a written dissertation, exams, presentations, and projects. A research programme could include a thesis, oral examination, and presentation to a group of research academics. You may be expected to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Please see the individual course pages to find out more.
Modules
Comparative Penology and Penal Policy (Core)
Critiquing Criminological Theory (Core)
Dissertation (Criminology and Criminal Justice) (Core)
Introduction to Criminal Justice 1 (Core)
Introduction to Criminal Justice 2 (Core)
Researching Social and Political Sciences for Criminology 1 (Core)
Researching Social and Political Sciences for Criminology 2 (Core)
Gender, Deviance, Crime and Society (Option)†
Green Criminology (Option)†
International Criminal Justice (Option)†
Police Powers: National and International Perspectives (Option)†
Terrorism (Option)†
How You Are Assessed
The way students will be assessed on this course will vary for each module. It could include coursework, such as a dissertation or essay, written and practical exams, portfolio development, group work or presentations, and production of a research proposal.
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly – usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Scholarships
There are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, you can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
For each course, you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake fieldwork or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally be required to pay your own transport, accommodation and general living costs.
With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Entry Requirements 2021-22
First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. This qualification must have been obtained prior to submitting your application.
For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Research Areas, Projects and Topics
Research within the School includes a broad array of doctrinal, empirical, and theoretical work, as well as exploring Law’s role in broader social science complexities, particularly at the European and global level. Areas of specialism focus on critical issues affecting the modern world and in which law has a central role, including global environmental change, human rights (including gender equality), dispute resolution, and corporate governance.
Students are encouraged to get involved in research events undertaken by the centres and groups attached to Lincoln Law School. Research centres include Lincoln Centre for Environmental Law and Justice, Law in a Global Context, and Conflict and Disasters Research Group. Find out more about our research.
Career and Personal Development
Criminology graduates can pursue work in a variety of different areas including the civil service, police, academia, and the National Probation Service, although the combination of both criminological and legal analysis covered by the course offers graduates a wide array of different career choices.
The University Careers and Employability team can provide tailored, individual support and careers advice. The service can include one-to-one coaching, CV advice, and interview preparation. Alumni can continue to access support and advice for up 15 months after graduating. The service works closely with local, national and international employers, acting as a gateway to the business world.
