MRes Criminology

Summary 2012/13

• Develop in-depth knowledge of a chosen area of criminology or criminal justice and produce a substantive piece of legal research;
• Cultivate the writing, analytical and research skills necessary to engage in research at Masters level;
• Become part of a vibrant research community and receive support and supervision from research-active experts in criminology and criminal justice.

The MRes Criminology is a highly flexible Masters degree that involves writing a 30,000 word dissertation in an area of criminology or criminal justice of your choosing (subject to the supervisory expertise being available). You will be prepared for the dissertation through the study of research methods and the completion of a detailed research proposal. A personal tutor will be on hand to offer advice and guidance at all stages of the programme.

2012 Entry Requirements

To join this programme you should have a first or second class honours degree. The course is open to graduates of all disciplines but will particularly appeal to those whose first degree is criminology or has substantial criminological content.

A sufficient command of the English language is required to complete the programme satisfactorily and to prepare and defend your thesis. Applicants whose first language is not English, or who originate from countries whose national language is not English, are required to demonstrate English language proficiency to a minimum standard of IELTS 7.0 or equivalent.

You will need to submit an outline research proposal of up to 1,000 words. This will be used to assess whether your proposed project is viable for research at MRes level and whether the Department of Law and Criminology has the necessary expertise to supervise the project.

An interview is normally required as part of the selection process to ensure you have the necessary qualities to undertake and complete the proposed project.

Summary 2013/14

• Develop in-depth knowledge of a chosen area of criminology or criminal justice and produce a substantive piece of legal research;
• Cultivate the writing, analytical and research skills necessary to engage in research at Masters level;
• Become part of a vibrant research community and receive support and supervision from research-active experts in criminology and criminal justice.

The MRes Criminology is a highly flexible Masters degree that involves writing a 30,000 word dissertation in an area of criminology or criminal justice of your choosing (subject to the supervisory expertise being available). You will be prepared for the dissertation through the study of research methods and the completion of a detailed research proposal. A personal tutor will be on hand to offer advice and guidance at all stages of the programme.

2013 Entry Requirements

To join this programme you should have a first or second class honours degree. The course is open to graduates of all disciplines but will particularly appeal to those whose first degree is criminology or has substantial criminological content.

A sufficient command of the English language is required to complete the programme satisfactorily and to prepare and defend your thesis. Applicants whose first language is not English, or who originate from countries whose national language is not English, are required to demonstrate English language proficiency to a minimum standard of IELTS 7.0 or equivalent.

You will need to submit an outline research proposal of up to 1,000 words. This will be used to assess whether your proposed project is viable for research at MRes level and whether the Department of Law and Criminology has the necessary expertise to supervise the project.

An interview is normally required as part of the selection process to ensure you have the necessary qualities to undertake and complete the proposed project.

Details

Who is this course for?

If you wish to enhance your employment prospects by developing specialist and in-depth knowledge of a chosen area of criminology or criminal justice, then this MRes Criminology is for you. Successful completion of the programme will demonstrate your ability to work independently at an advanced level.

The flexibility inherent in undertaking an MRes award means that the programme will be attractive to those who are in employment and wish to obtain a Masters level qualification. It will also provide useful training and experience should you wish to progress onto a higher research degree such as an MPhil or PhD.

What will I gain from this programme?

You will be given the time and intellectual space to work independently to produce a substantive piece of criminological research. You will be supported in cultivating the writing, analytical and legal skills necessary to engage in research at Masters level and be furnished with an appropriate understanding of research methods and methodologies.

How we will support you

You will be allocated a personal tutor who will monitor your progress and offer support and guidance throughout the course.

At the start of the programme you will be given a two week induction to become familiarised with the department and University. This will include information about the various learning resources available to you at the Ormskirk Campus and remotely.

What will I study?

The modules studied will introduce you to different research methods and methodologies and instil an appreciation of ethical considerations. In addition, you will be supervised through the various stages of planning, writing and completing a dissertation.

How will I study?

The programme is largely research-based and as such will mostly be delivered via one-to-one meetings with your supervisor, arranged at mutually convenient times. You will, however, be taught research methods in a classroom setting via lectures and small group work.

Who will be teaching me?

Supervision on the programme will be provided by experienced, research-active academics with recognised expertise in their fields.

You will become a member of a department that prides itself on being home to a vibrant research community and provided with various opportunities to engage with a number of speakers, both internal and external to the University.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed in three stages on this programme. Firstly, you will be required to write an essay examining the methodological options and methods which you might use to pursue your research. You will then be required to write a full research proposal detailing your research aims and a full literature review. Finally, your dissertation itself will be assessed and you will be required to field questions during an oral examination.

What are my career prospects?

You will acquire an in-depth knowledge of a chosen area of criminology or criminal justice and develop a range of skills highly valued by employers. These will include the ability to work independently and manage your work; the ability to produce a substantial, intellectually coherent and critical piece of work; and high standards of both written and oral communication.

The course will therefore be appropriate for those wishing to specialise in a particular area of the criminal justice system or those who wish to pursue a career as an academic or researcher.

Related Programmes

• LLM Research
• LLM International Business and Commercial Law
• LLM International Justice and Human Rights Law

A Great Study Environment

Edge Hill University’s stunning £8m Business and Law building provides state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities for students in the Department of Law and Criminology and Business School. The three-storey building offers a dedicated law library, modern seminar and meeting rooms and social learning areas which encourage an informal and interactive style of learning. A roof garden and atrium are other attractive features along with a 100-seater lecture theatre that doubles as a moot room, a mock-up of a courtroom.

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment.

How do I apply?

Apply online at www.ukpass.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyukpass for more information on the application process.

Fees and Finance

Tuition fees are £4,320pa for full-time study on this programme in academic year 2012/13. Part-time postgraduate students in academic year 2012/13 will pay £250 per 10 credit module, £500 per 20 credit module and £1,500 per 60 credit module. Information for UK and EU students only. Full-time fees for international postgraduate students are £11,500pa for academic year 2012/13.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2012/13 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you're a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradopendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many postgraduate study fairs taking place across the UK and Ireland.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Dr John McGarry, Department of Law and Criminology, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657623
• Email: mcgarryj@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should contact the Centre of International Education by calling +44 1695 584489 or emailing international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries.

Modules

CRI4001 Research Methods and Methodologies (20 credits) consists of a number of taught classes to acquaint you with the research skills, methods and methodologies appropriate for research at Masters level. The module will also provide you with a suitable awareness of research ethics and ethical considerations.

CRI4002 Dissertation Proposal (20 credits) will be delivered via one-to-one supervision. You will receive research guidance including advice on research design, appropriate content, level of engagement, research methods and methodologies, ethical considerations and how to compile a literature review.

CRI4003 Dissertation (140 credits) is the culmination of the MRes Criminology programme and will be an in-depth, critical examination of an area of criminology or criminal justice of your choosing (subject to the supervisory expertise being available).