MSc in
MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology University of Essex Online
Introduction
Wherever there are people, crime will follow, which makes criminology and criminal psychology an exciting interdisciplinary field to study. The specialist criminological knowledge and skills you gain through this 100% online and part-time Masters could open up a variety of careers within offender support, security services, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, plus many more.
This online MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology will provide you with a sociological introduction to crime, causation and criminological theory. You will disseminate research undertaken at the University of Essex’s Centre for Criminology which informs both academia and public policy. This includes research strands in crime and the media, green criminology as well as terrorism, security and surveillance.
You will explore the challenges that arise when investigating complex crime and how these challenges can sometimes derail an investigation. And you will learn how to critically evaluate the application of investigative strategies and assess a range of scientific, forensic and techniques that are available to complex crime investigators.
You will gain an overview of the links between mental disorder, personality disorder and crime and develop a thorough understanding of forensic psychology and its role in the assessment, treatment and management of mentally disordered offenders. You will also develop a critical understanding of the historic relationship between psychology and police practice, including where psychology has had the greatest impact on policing.
Teaching methods
We’re a 100% online education provider, so we use a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE) to deliver our teaching, resources and assessments. Our system tracks and manages the learning process in real-time and provides you with immediate access to your learning materials. The VLE is accessible 24/7 and allows both students and tutors to actively take part in real-time conversations and live Q&As.
We believe you get the most out of your time spent studying when you are kept informed of your performance, and we achieve this by:
- assessing you throughout modules rather than waiting for the end of year assessments
- showing your marks in your grade book which can be viewed whenever you log onto the virtual learning environment (VLE)
- rapid turnaround on work assessed to ensure your grade book is always up to date
- ensuring you have regular contact with your Student Support team
Assessment methods
All assessments are delivered through our virtual learning environment (VLE). There is no requirement to travel to external test centres or to sit exams! Instead, you will submit assignments through the VLE, such as written reports, discussion forum participation or reflective journal entries.
We also have a policy of ensuring that the work submitted by students is authentic – we use a well-established electronic monitoring system to check for plagiarism.
Why Essex Online?
Study online. Graduate on campus.
You will complete your studies and assessments 100% online and your qualification will be awarded by the University of Essex, an award-winning university with a 50-year heritage of teaching and research excellence and one of the top 25 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide 2022). Upon completing your course, you will graduate with the same certificate as campus-based students – your mode of study is only mentioned on your academic transcript.
Quality assured experience
The UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework rated us Gold for delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for students (TEF 2018). We are also the highest-rated online-only provider in the National Student Survey (NSS 2020).
We stand behind the academic quality of our online courses and that’s why we offer a money-back guarantee. If you decide your course isn’t for you within 21 days, we’ll give you a full refund.*
*Terms and Conditions apply. To find out more please contact our Admissions team.
World-class academic and mentoring support
Our online tutors are leading authorities and specialists in their respective fields. They are passionate about what they teach and combine their knowledge of industry practice with high-quality academic delivery, offering you an unparalleled learning experience.
We also have a dedicated team of Student Advisers and Study Skills Advisers that will support you from your first day to graduation. They will be on hand to help and guide you as you progress through your studies. Whatever the question or issue, they will work with you to find a solution.
Career Opportunities
Many of our graduates go on to work in senior roles within criminal justice. This could be as analytical police staff or police officers, or within offender support, prison, probation or victim services. You will also be well equipped for positions within alcohol and drug rehabilitation services, security services, youth support services and legal services, as well as roles in related sectors, such as counselling, education and social work.
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Curriculum
You can study the following modules on the MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology:
- Applied Forensic Psychology
- Crime, Causation and Criminological Theory
- Complex Criminal investigation
- Practical Psychology for Policing
- Advanced Research Methods*
- Criminology and Criminal Psychology Thesis*
- Criminal Victimisation
- Policing: Leadership, Policy & Partnerships
*These modules are core and must be passed in order to achieve the award.
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
- Designated for postgraduate student loans in England.
- Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies.
- Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront.
- Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries.
- Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.
- 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us.
Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships.