Criminology MA

Kingston University

Reasons to choose Kingston – Kingston is well placed for visits to crown courts, the central criminal court and the many nongovernment organisations and charities connected to crime prevention and justice. – Opportunities to access first-hand experiences of imprisonment, the transition from prison and the desistance process. – In addition to learning the substantive elements of criminological theory, research and practice, the course examines an array of social harms and perspectives which have traditionally been neglected by criminologists and the legal system.

About this course This course offers a critical study of the connections between criminological theory, criminal justice policy and social control. You will examine the social, economic and political contexts that give rise to crime and victimisation.

You will explore and challenge formal responses to offending behaviour, including policing, punishment and rehabilitation, and wider strategies of social control.

You will study the criminalisation process and engage critically with ‘what works’ to reduce crime. You will develop your research skills, qualitative and quantitative, and conduct your own criminological inquiry into a specialist area.

Example modules – Understanding Crime and Criminal Careers – Punishment: History and Meanings – Critical Criminology – Criminological Research in Practice

Career opportunities Recent graduates work in policing, victim and witnesses services, prisons/prison offender management and security.