MSc Forensic Criminology
Attendance
Full-time, Part-time
Full-time – one year
Part-time – typically two years
Starts September
At a glance
About this course
Forensic study is increasingly popular in universities and a forensic approach is often used in the workplace. This course focuses on debating and examining how criminology and law work in practice and how criminology influences forensic study.
It is suitable if you work in criminal justice or are considering a career with agencies such as the police, the probation service and the courts.
You explore
• the historical developments of the agencies involved in criminal justice and how they interact in today’s society
• how agencies work together to detect crime, arrest suspects, and deal with offenders when imprisoned and in the community
• the history behind criminological theories and theories which apply today
• how theory influences research and policy, which informs practice in the criminal justice system, and how practice may inform research
You learn research methods used in forensic criminology and the resulting ethical problems. You also study modules that focus on the institutional framework of criminal litigation.
Our lecturers draw on their professional experience in criminal justice practice to develop your understanding of how academic theories relate to crime. Throughout the course you gain critical analysis skills, which you use to complete a dissertation in an area of your interest.
Our criminology department has an active criminological society run by students, which organises visits to appropriate organisations and guest speakers who give an overview of their speciality.
Speakers from both legal and criminal justice agencies visit to discuss cases they have been involved in or legislation and case law that impacts on the field of litigation.
Facilities include the Hallam Centre for Community Justice and the Community Justice Portal.
Associated careers
The knowledge you gain helps you develop a career in an area of criminal justice such as
• the police force
• the probation service
• the national offender manager service
• the prison service
• the court service
• youth justice
• associated community justice agencies
It also prepares you for further study in criminal justice.
Course content
Modules
Legal methodology
This module provides the necessary grounding to study law effectively. It teaches you the core skills required with emphasis placed on research and legal reasoning. You examine the court system and legal professions and we introduce the Human Rights Act of 1998.
Criminal litigation
Criminal litigation is essentially the steps required to take a criminal case to trial. This module examines the initial stages of an investigation. You examine
• police powers
• criminal procedure rules
• pre-trial hearings
• the general principles of criminal law required to ensure that charges are understood and correctly drafted
• the initial stages of a criminal prosecution with emphasis on how they are significant to expert witnesses
Law of evidence
This follows on from the criminal litigation module and progresses the investigative process from the initial court hearings through to the completion of the trial.
You addresses subjects including
• rules and principles on expert testimony
• the burden of proof
• the significance of disclosure and pre trial hearings for expert witnesses
• the rules governing advocacy and trials
• salient rules of evidence, such as hearsay
You also examine recent miscarriages of justice involving expert witnesses to identify how error arose and how to eliminate repetition.
Forensic criminology 1 – conceptual and methodological issues
You examine the development of forensic criminology in its wider social and political context which will help you develop a critical awareness of how theoretical issues impact on the criminal justice system and the professionals which work within that system.
Forensic criminology 2 – issues in policy and practice
You develop your ability to think critically about the links between theory research and policy. You analyse policy developments in the criminal justice sector and the impact those policies have on a variety of serious offences.
Forensic dissertation
This module allows you to demonstrate researcher skills at masters level. You produce a persuasively argued piece of writing that demonstrates knowledge and skills, researcher competence and the ability to work independently.
Assessment
• coursework • dissertation
Entry requirements
Normally you must have
• an undergraduate degree in a relevant field. If you don’t have a degree we may considered your application if you have at least five years’ professional experience.
• two appropriate references
If English is not your first language you typically need an IELTS 6.5 score with a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing and 5.5 in all other areas. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Places are limited but there is no discrimination against any group or individual on the grounds of ethnic origin, nationality, gender, disability, marital status, sexuality, political or religious belief
We may ask you for an interview before admissions are finalised. International students may be interviewed by phone or e-mail.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
Full-time – typically £5,355
Part-time – typically £1,785 for year one and £3,570 for year two
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,980 for the course
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 for the course
How to apply
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form