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Postgraduate Programme Specification

LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Laws
Programme Code LAW-LLM-JC UCAS Code HECoS Code 100484 - Criminology - 50
100685 - Criminal law - 50

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

--

Mode of Study Part Time or Full Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Part Time - 2 Academic Years
Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Total Credits for Programme 180
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Law

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Law (2015)

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

Students may only re-sit failed or deferred modules totalling 60 CATS points in the Supplementary examination period (ie August). Other fails must be re-taken in the following academic year.
Students who have failed or deferred taught modules totalling 40 CATS points or less by June of any year may proceed with the dissertation submission in September of that year, taking the re-sits for the outstanding taught modules in the Supplementary examination period (ie August).
Students who have failed or deferred taught modules totalling more than 40 CATS points by June of any year will be advised that the dissertation will not be accepted in September of that year. Students may re-sit modules totalling 60 CATS points in that Supplementary examination period (ie August) – students will be asked to clear semester one outstanding modules first – and take the remaining outstanding modules and dissertation in the following academic year.

Students must have successfully completed all the taught elements of the programme (120 CAT Points) before submission of the Dissertation is possible. Students may only be permitted one resit attempt at the Dissertation module.

Students with protected characteristics

no

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

This programme is designed for graduate students with an academic or professional interest in criminology and criminal justice. It will enable the learner to master the major theories concerning crime, criminality, and criminal justice systems.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Deal with complex issues in a systematic and coherent manner.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Instruction in the use of the university Library and the QUB Online information system are core elements of the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take a module in research methods which equips them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the Internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations will comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes will be aimed at assessing students understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter.

Presentation of independent research both orally and in writing to both a specialist and non-specialist audience.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Instruction in the use of the university Library and the QUB Online information system are core elements of the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take a module in research methods which equips them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the Internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations will comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes will be aimed at assessing students understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter.

Apply key research skills and methodology to a range of sources including not only legal ones but also media and other discussions of law such as NGO position papers.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Instruction in the use of the university Library and the QUB Online information system are core elements of the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take a module in research methods which equips them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the Internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations will comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes will be aimed at assessing students understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter.

Critically present information and ideas in a coherent and accurate manner.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Instruction in the use of the university Library and the QUB Online information system are core elements of the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take a module in research methods which equips them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the Internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations will comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes will be aimed at assessing students understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter.

The capacity to undertake independent research via a dissertation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Instruction in the use of the university Library and the QUB Online information system are core elements of the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take a module in research methods which equips them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the Internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations will comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes will be aimed at assessing students understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

An ability to be self-directed and exercise initiative

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing; the compulsory dissertation module provides an opportunity to further develop this skill. These methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays and dissertations, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework and compulsory dissertation. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules.

The independent learning skills required for workplace training or further professional training

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing; the compulsory dissertation module provides an opportunity to further develop this skill. These methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays and dissertations, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework and compulsory dissertation. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules.

Independent and critical thinking

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing; the compulsory dissertation module provides an opportunity to further develop this skill. These methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays and dissertations, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework and compulsory dissertation. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules.

Decision-making skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing; the compulsory dissertation module provides an opportunity to further develop this skill. These methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays and dissertations, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework and compulsory dissertation. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules.

Ability to apply existing knowledge to new situations

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing; the compulsory dissertation module provides an opportunity to further develop this skill. These methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays and dissertations, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework and compulsory dissertation. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules.

The ability to absorb new techniques in areas such as information technology

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing; the compulsory dissertation module provides an opportunity to further develop this skill. These methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays and dissertations, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework and compulsory dissertation. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Detailed knowledge and critical understanding of theory and practice related to criminology and criminal justice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study, systematically supported by lectures, seminars and the provision of online information.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (essays, dissertation), class presentations and case reports.

Detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the methods employed in social science research, to facilitate proficiency in research design and to encourage methodological appraisal and critique.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study, systematically supported by lectures, seminars and the provision of online information.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (essays, dissertation), class presentations and case reports.

The ability to demonstrate detailed knowledge and critical appraisal of a wide range of factors which impact on understandings of crime, criminality, and criminal justice policy and practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study, systematically supported by lectures, seminars and the provision of online information.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (essays, dissertation), class presentations and case reports.

Critical understanding of the wider legal, political, economic and social contexts in which crime occurs and criminal justice systems operate, and an ability to locate the experiential realities of individuals and communities within their historical and structural contexts.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study, systematically supported by lectures, seminars and the provision of online information.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (essays, dissertation), class presentations and case reports.

Comparative and interdisciplinary understanding of criminological issues.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study, systematically supported by lectures, seminars and the provision of online information.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (essays, dissertation), class presentations and case reports.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Ability to identify issues in the field of criminal justice and analyse them from theoretical and legal points of view.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. The basic information is covered in seminars and smaller group contact time. Students build on this basis by using their generic research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online.

Methods of Assessment

Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic criminological or legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations, short papers and dissertation. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment.

Ability to critically evaluate proposed solutions to issues relating to criminology and criminal justice systems and their theoretical and methodological bases.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. The basic information is covered in seminars and smaller group contact time. Students build on this basis by using their generic research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online.

Methods of Assessment

Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic criminological or legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations, short papers and dissertation. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment.

Synthesising information from extra-legal sources in order to place information relating to issues in the fields of criminology and criminal justice in their social, political and economic context.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. The basic information is covered in seminars and smaller group contact time. Students build on this basis by using their generic research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online.

Methods of Assessment

Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic criminological or legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations, short papers and dissertation. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment.

Ability to critically evaluate current research in the fields of criminology and criminal justice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. The basic information is covered in seminars and smaller group contact time. Students build on this basis by using their generic research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online.

Methods of Assessment

Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic criminological or legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations, short papers and dissertation. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment.

Using arguments derived from the analysis of current research to present new hypotheses.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. The basic information is covered in seminars and smaller group contact time. Students build on this basis by using their generic research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online.

Methods of Assessment

Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic criminological or legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations, short papers and dissertation. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment.

Ability to demonstrate linkages between different bodies of knowledge relating to criminology and criminal justice by recognising the presence of underpinning theoretical concepts.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. The basic information is covered in seminars and smaller group contact time. Students build on this basis by using their generic research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online.

Methods of Assessment

Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic criminological or legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations, short papers and dissertation. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Restorative Justice: Principles, Issues and Debates LAW7857 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Dissertation (Criminal Justice) LAW7833 7 60 -- YES 24 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Crimes of the Powerful LAW7866 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Policing and Crime Prevention LAW7841 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Dissertation in Practice LAW7836 7 60 -- YES 24 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Social Injustice PHL7057 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Controlling Crime LAW7822 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Criminology and Criminal Justice Methods 2 LAW7805 7 5 -- YES 2 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Approaches to Legal Research LAW7817 7 10 -- YES 4 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Criminology and Criminal Justice Methods 1 LAW7804 7 5 YES -- 2 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Criminal Justice Processes LAW7801 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Theoretical Criminology LAW7810 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Youth Justice: Theory, Law and Practice SOC9045 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%

Notes

No notes found.