Overview

The MA in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology at Swansea University is a postgraduate taught degree that combines theory and practice to help you understand crime, criminal justice systems and responses to offending in contemporary societies. You’ll explore key topics such as criminological theory, crime analysis, policing, courts and sentencing, punishment and rehabilitation, and examine how evidence and policy shape real-world justice strategies. The programme emphasises applied understanding and critical evaluation, encouraging you to analyse how systems work in practice and the social impacts of crime and justice policies.

Why Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology at Swansea? Swansea University is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and research in the field of social sciences. The Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology programme is designed to provide students with a robust understanding of criminological theories and the functioning of the criminal justice system. The university is highly ranked and offers a vibrant academic community, ensuring students benefit from expert teaching and a supportive environment. The curriculum is constantly updated to reflect the latest developments in criminology and criminal justice, preparing graduates for the challenges they will face in their careers.

Syllabus

The programme consists of compulsory and optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests. Key modules include:

• Understanding Criminological Theory
• Critical Perspectives of the Criminal Justice System: Challenges, Policy and Practice
• Case Studies in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology
• Developing Criminological Research and Dissertation Preparation

Students also have the opportunity to select from various optional modules such as:

• Advanced Issues in Drugs, Alcohol and the Criminal Law
• Prisons: Past, Present and Future
• Gendered Violence and Harms: Issues, Research and Policy
• Online Propaganda and Radicalisation
• Countering Violent Extremism Online

The programme culminates in a dissertation that allows students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice.

Careers with Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology

Graduates of the Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology programme are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in various sectors. Potential employment opportunities include roles in the public sector, such as government and civil service positions, as well as in the private sector and non-governmental organisations. Graduates may also find opportunities in research and academia, leveraging their expertise to contribute to the understanding of crime and justice in society.