Criminology with Forensic Psychology MSc

This degree combines core modules in criminology and forensic psychology with optional modules on topics including drugs, transnational crime and conflict, policing, terrorism and the major institutions of criminal justice. The programme is delivered within the Criminology and Sociology Department in the School of Law, with the forensic psychology component taught by colleagues with specialisms in criminological psychology.

Why study MSc Criminology with Forensic Psychology at Middlesex University?

The course is of special interest to those without a first degree in psychology but with a particular interest in psychological perspectives on crime and criminal justice. All staff delivering modules on the course are engaged in research that informs their teaching on the programme.

Students have the opportunity to study modules on criminology programmes with our European partner universities supported by Erasmus funding.

Students studying this master's degree at Middlesex will benefit from expert guest lectures. In past years observational visits to the criminal courts have assisted with developing knowledge of psycho-legal courtroom decision-making and a visit to an adult prison has built an understanding of imprisoned populations and the psycho-social intervention programmes operating within prisons. In 2020-21 such field visits will not be possible, but module teaching will incorporate specialist guest lectures delivered by experts working in these fields, together with the areas such as offender management, gangs, policing, prisoner care and welfare, and forensic psychology.

Students on the MSc are encouraged to participate in the Common Studies Programme in Critical Criminology, to be held either online or face-to-face.  This is an opportunity to build links with postgraduate criminologists studying in universities across Europe including Athens, Barcelona, Ghent, Hamburg, Rotterdam, and also at John Jay College in New York.

You will be taught by experts from both Psychology and Criminology who have a wealth of specialist knowledge and research experience between them, including Dr Elena Martellozzo, who offers regular expert advice about online child safety to the Metropolitan Police.

Other research interests within the team include the criminal courts and justice administration; the treatment of mentally disordered offenders; drug policy and practice; violence towards sex workers; collective protest and social movements; organised crime and corruption; and penal abolitionism.

Course highlights

• Learn from experts working in fields such as offender management, gangs and policing
• A focus on the operation of criminal courts and prisons
• Opportunities to exchange ideas with students from other countries via the Common Studies Programme in Critical Criminology.
• The course assists you to gain a critical appreciation of criminal offending, socio-legal decision-making frameworks, and the range of psycho-social interventions and punishments directed at different offender groups to provide you with an appreciation and knowledge of the wide range of careers available upon successful completion of the course.

• We normally require a second-class honours degree 2:2 or above or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject

• IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all components).

  
  

The MSc Criminology with Forensic Psychology course equips students with the skills to excel in various careers, including employment with offenders, rehabilitation plans, community-based projects, and offender rehabilitation and therapeutic projects. Students also gain experience in research, data analysis, and program evaluation in various organizations, such as the National Offender Monitoring Service, policing organizations, and the National Crime Agency.
Students have gone on to work for various organizations, including the National Crime Agency, prison drug service programs, probation service, domestic violence victims, mentors for young men, housing and support services, local government organizations, and youth offending organizations. Master's-level studies can facilitate career progression within organizations, and some students have pursued PhDs in criminology and psychology. The employability office works alongside the department to facilitate future career decisions.