Course overview
Deepen your understanding of the criminal justice process, research methods and contemporary issues in the field. Examine theoretical approaches alongside applied research to prepare you for a variety of careers in law enforcement, prisons, rehabilitation and other public services. This course can also act as the foundation for law school and is beneficial if you are interested in developing your skills as a forensic scientist, social worker or teacher.
This course is concentrated on criminal justice, and you can progress to roles within the criminal justice system, or to further academic study as a researcher or academic within the sector.
This master’s degree prepares you to be a leader in the public or private sector, equipping you with critical, analytical and evaluative skills to deepen your understanding of the criminal justice environment. Our academics are internationally published experts in their fields who provide a high level of support to develop your ability as a researcher, writer and critic.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
You explore the modern criminal justice system’s structure, including the police, courts, prison estate and probation service. Developing your understanding of modern approaches to criminal justice, you examine contemporary policing and court reform, and external factors influencing these systems. Some of these include austerity measures, pandemic lockdowns and victim’s rights campaigns.
Criminal Justice into Practice
Combine theoretical knowledge and real-world application in the criminal justice system. You develop reflective practice to prepare you for a diverse and evolving career.
You conduct an independent research project on a topic of your choosing, in collaboration with your academic supervisor who guides you through the process.
Foundations of Research Design
Explore key debates about research design and analysis while developing your skills in conceptualising and planning social research. You consider sampling strategy and error, and their impact on research findings. Throughout the module, you develop your understanding of the ethical, political and risk considerations in social research and the balance between theory and practice.
Theory into Practice in Criminal Justice
Explore your professional practice in the criminal justice sector by applying your individual experiences to wider research context. The concept of the reflective practitioner is central, as you are encouraged to develop a critical, reflective and ethical stance toward your practice.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
This course is delivered completely online. You learn through lectures, seminars, guided discussion and assigned reading.
How you are assessed
You receive continuous feedback from tutors and peers through discussion forums. Formal assessment includes a dissertation project, case studies, presentations, critical commentaries and essays.
Entry requirements
You should have an undergraduate degree of 2.2 or above in criminology or similar, or other relevant experience or qualifications.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
Employability
Career opportunities
There are three key employment areas in the criminal justice sector: support roles, investigation, intelligence, enforcement and custodial roles, and forensics. This course lets you explore both theory and practical research, ensuring that you are prepared for careers across the sector.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
