Criminology (Social Statistics)

Entry requirements

A minimum Upper Second Honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in a relevant social science discipline, and must have completed a quantitative research methods course unit and have studied criminological and/or sociological theory.

When assessing your academic record we consider your degree subject, grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MRes in Criminology (Social Statistics) course provides you with a thorough grounding in research methods, as well as the tools to collect and analyse advanced quantitative statistical data, with a focus on criminological research, theory, policy and practice.

Combining criminology and social statistics teaching from research-active staff in the School, this course encourages you to critically examine the theoretical foundations that underpin applied criminological and sociological research and give you an advanced understanding of social statistics.

You will develop a critical understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods and their application, as well as specialist knowledge of the issues within contemporary criminological and criminal justice debates.

Aims

• To meet national and regional demands for new research and policy-oriented competencies in criminology or socio-legal studies with a focus on advanced quantitative data analysis.
• Contribute to the national need for skilled social science researchers in criminological, socio-legal and related matters.
• Ensure the necessary grounding both to understand and to contribute to the future development of quantitative methods in these research areas.
• To provide advanced, systematic and critical knowledge of research methods and theoretical arguments in criminology or socio-legal studies which are at the forefront of the subject area in a vibrant research context.
• Offer a course integrating a grounding in research methodology with understanding of the implications for policy.
• Offer you the opportunity to develop your understanding of the key theoretical and epistemological debates within the subject area and to assist you to engage in theoretical debates at an advanced postgraduate level.
• Provide formal, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary training for you in research methodology and transferable employment related skills.
• Prepare you for PhD level research careers in academic life or as professionals in government and voluntary agencies.
• Train you to appreciate the relationship between research and the application and operation of policy and practice in the implementation of justice.
• Provide you with the tools for further research or study in criminology and/or socio-legal studies.