A unique programme, based in Ireland's only Institute of Criminology, for non- lawyers who wish to work in the criminal justice system. To understand and think critically about the intersections between law, politics and social policy that come to the fore in the study of Criminology and Criminal Justice;
-To apply knowledge and understanding of Criminology and Criminal Justice to real and hypothetical factual situations;
-To conduct independent research and write coherent, well-structured papers.
Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No
Applications are invited from graduates holding an excellent degree in sociology, politics, psychology, history or another subject relevant to criminology (at least 2.1). In exceptional circumstances, substantial professional experience within the field of criminal justice may be regarded by the selection panel as compensating for a lack of an undergraduate degree to the required standard. Such applicants should state clearly in their application why they feel their other qualifications/experience are appropriate for admission onto the programme.
Course Description
The Institute of Criminology offers a wide range of modules for the Masters programmes. Modules of especial interest to those undertaking this programme include:
Advanced Criminological Theory explores key theories of crime both classic and recent, including biological, psychological and sociological explanations of criminal behaviour and their potential application in the Irish context.
International and Transnational Crime focuses on the emergence of international criminal law has emerged as a distinct body of law responding to genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, before considering the impact of globalisation on crime.
Punishment, Prisons and Public Policy The response to crime since the mid-1990s has been characterised in many developed countries by an emphasis on prison expansion. This module explores some of the dilemmas that confront prison systems everywhere (e.g. violence, drug misuse, effective risk assessment and recidivism). The extent to which these problems have characteristics that reflect peculiarly local conditions is a recurrent theme. What, if anything, is distinctive about the 'society of captives' in Irish prisons?
Please note that the Part Time programme has the same timetable as the full time programme but is held over 2 years rather than 1 year.
There will be dissertation seminars in weeks 1-4 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11-1pm (Jan-May term)
Programme outcomes:
-demonstrate a detailed awareness of current controversies in criminology and criminal justice and knowledge of areas where the discipline is currently enjoying theoretical elaboration.
-appreciate the strengths and limitations of key research methodologies.
-use knowledge of debates within the discipline and different methodological approaches to interpret empirical research findings and to critique research designs.
-integrate source material from a variety of disciplinary areas to reach reasoned decisions about the relative status of competing claims to knowledge.
-unpack complex theoretical arguments and to render intelligible to a non-specialist audience, key disciplinary insights.
-have the intellectual toolkit required to research and write a major dissertation.