Course Content
Our programme’s interdisciplinary approach explores the intersections of law, criminology, criminal justice, and security studies, equipping you with the analytical skills necessary to tackle complex issues in today's evolving landscape.
Criminal Justice & Security – MSc (180 credits)
During the MSc you will study the following modules:
Crime, Criminals, & Criminal Justice (20 credits) - This module provides you with a sound knowledge and understanding of classical criminological theories, the making of criminal justice policy (within England and Wales), and the workings of the criminal justice system (of England and Wales). The module will provide a framework to scaffold higher level learning, offering you the opportunity to explore, examine and critique core aspects the discipline.
Investigating Global Crimes and Social Harms (20 credits) - The module will look at types of crime not commonly associated with local or national criminal justice issues, specifically international and transnational crimes. International Crimes covered in the module include war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression. Other critical issues that will be discussed include human rights and the criminal justice system, transnational crime such as organised crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, drug production, terrorism, and blue and green crime (maritime and environmental crimes).
Conducting Criminological Research (20 credits) - This module aims to provide you with a sound understanding of research skills which are relevant to the discipline and prepare you to carry out their dissertation research project.
Unravelling Miscarriage of Justice (20 credits) - This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of miscarriages of justice within the criminal justice system of England and Wales and draw upon international comparisons The module will examine factors such as legislative frameworks, the misuse of forensic evidence, cognitive biases, and errors in disclosure procedures, while evaluating potential legal and procedural reforms to enhance fairness and accountability.
Faith, Honour, & Justice (20 credits) - This module will enable you to understand the complexities around child abuse that occurs because of someone's faith or belief. This includes belief in witchcraft, spirit possession and other forms of the supernatural. The module will also explore topics such as so-called honour-based abuse and violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriage. It will also look broadly at the area of violence against women and girls in a global context, specifically gender-based crimes.
Justice Beyond Borders (20 credits) - This module will allow you to critically understand and investigate international peace and security. Specifically, the module will look to topics of international justice such as issues before the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the UN Security Council, and other global organs. This allows the exploration of topics such as the lawful use of force in international law, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, the prosecution of individuals for international crimes, and other contemporary issues in the maintenance of international peace and security.
Dissertation (60 credits) - This module gives you the flexibility to carry out a research project on a topic of your choice. You will be supported with some taught sessions and scheduled meetings with your dissertation supervisor. The module runs across Semester 2 and Semester 3.
Exit Awards
Criminal Justice & Security – PgD (120 credits)
During the Postgraduate Diploma you will study all six 20 credit modules listed above, minus the dissertation.
Criminal Justice – PgC (60 credits)
A Criminal Justice Postgraduate Certificate exit award is also available. During the PgC you will study the first three 20 credit modules (Crime, Criminals and Criminal Justice, Investigating Global Crimes and Social Harms and Conducting Criminological Research).
Learning & Teaching
We use a variety of teaching approaches designed to accommodate a range of learning needs, including workshops, seminars, lectures, and virtual learning environments. Students will also be presented with simulated complex practical problems that they are required to analyse and synthesise an appropriate response for. These simulated exercises are designed to develop problem solving and decision-making skills.
Each 20-credit module has approximately 200 hours of study attached to it. Typically, 24 of these hours will be delivered in taught sessions such as lectures, seminars, and workshops, usually scheduled as 2 hours per week. Approximately 176 hours are independent guided learning where students undertake the reading required for the module and complete their assessment.
Support
Every student is assigned a personal tutor when they begin the course, and this tutor supports them for the entirety of their degree. There are scheduled tutorial meetings that students attend, but tutors also operate an open-door policy which allows students to access them outside the scheduled meetings.
Technology and Facilities
The MSc in Criminal Justice and Security will be taught across both the Cyncoed and Llandaff campuses, where students will benefit from a range of facilities including our Moot Courtroom and Crime House, to take part in our immersive, challenging scenarios designed to put students’ skills into practice.
Staff
Our programme boasts a diverse faculty with rich national and international expertise across their specialisms. Dedicated to fostering a high-quality, supportive learning environment, our staff employ a variety of contemporary teaching methods in each module. Their extensive backgrounds encompass substantial operational and strategic policing, crime scene investigation, and combating cartel and international organized crime. Additionally, our faculty members are actively engaged in cutting-edge research on both national and international levels.
Our staff have established links to organisations and professionals within the criminal justice and related sectors. Therefore, we offer a range of guest speakers who deliver fascinating and thought-provoking talks to students throughout the programme. Additionally, our links to industry enable fantastic opportunities for students to gain real-life experience with various criminal justice agencies, including with the police and prison service.
Assessment
Each module will contain both formative and summative assessments.
Assessments are interesting and varied and are designed to provide authentic experiences for the students to demonstrate the real-world competencies they would be required to use in professional contexts.
The assessments are completed on either an individual or group basis. A diverse range of assessment opportunities are provided throughout, including variations of written, presentation, oral viva, practical, and multi-choice open book tests.
There are two assessment points per module, and these are designed to provide students with the best opportunities to demonstrate their own strengths and educational backgrounds.
Students are given the submission dates for assessments at the start of each module, as well as an assessment overview grid for the whole of the academic year to help them plan and manage their time effectively. Students receive individual feedback on their work that identifies strengths and areas for improvement.
Employability & Careers
The Cardiff Met Criminal Justice and Security Master’s degree will prepare you for a variety of roles within the criminal justice sector and beyond. Traditional destinations might include employment in:
Police Service roles, such as police officer, detective, police staff, etc.
Probation Service
Prison Service
The UK courts, and a variety of other similar roles
Other opportunities could include, but are certainly not limited to, working with:
HM Revenue & Customs
Border Force
The National Crime Agency
Security Services
Social Services
Working as a teacher or lecturer
Central or Local Government roles
Charities
There is also the potential for further study, including:
Research Based Master’s degrees, such as an MRes
Doctoral Study, such as PhD or EdD
Entry Requirements
Recognising the intensive nature of the course, applicants for the MSc Criminal Justice & Security are expected to satisfy the following minimum requirements:
An initial degree (usually a good Honours degree of 2:1 or above) in similarly related discipline such as (Criminal Justice, Forensics, Law, Professional Policing, Criminology, Psychology, Health & Social Care, Social Work, etc.); or
A 2:2 degree in similarly related discipline such as (Criminal Justice, Forensics, Law, Professional Policing, Criminology, Psychology, Health & Social Care, Social Work, etc.); with an interview – considered on a case-by-case basis; or
Students with degrees outside of a similarly related discipline will be considered on a case-by-case basis subject to an admissions interview; or
Hold a suitable professional qualification from an appropriate professional body. In some instances, those with higher level professional qualifications may be exempt from specific taught modules. Such exemptions would be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the Programme Director.
Exceptional entry routes
Exceptional entry routes are available for non-graduates in line with the University criteria for the Admission to Taught Postgraduate Programmes. A student who has successfully completed modules in a similar programme at another institution might gain direct and accelerated entry onto the programme as long as they have satisfied the aforementioned entry requirements and meet the University Criteria for the Admission through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
English Language Requirements
Students whose first language is not English, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no sub-score lower than 5.5 (or equivalent qualification).
Additional Information
Our international faculty and diverse student body bring a global perspective to the classroom, enriching your learning experience with insights into criminal justice systems and security policies worldwide. Engage in cutting-edge research alongside renowned scholars, contributing to significant projects that advance the field and make a real impact. These opportunities, combined with our comprehensive support services and state-of-the-art facilities, prepare you for a successful career in the increasingly globalized field of criminal justice and security.
Partner Employee Discount
There is a fee discount of 25% available to part-time students who are employed in one of Cardiff Metropolitan University’s partnership schools for Initial Teacher Education and Training or partnership employer community. Eligibility criteria and terms apply. For further information please contact Admissions.
Contact Us
For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email
directapplications@cardiffmet.ac.uk.
For course specific enquiries, please contact:
Name: Dr. Nick Louis
Title: Programme Director & Senior Lecturer in Professional Policing and Criminology
Email:
nlouis@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Phone: 029 2041 6044