Investigating the Complexities of Crime in its Socio-legal Context

The Centre of Criminology and Centre for Law & Society jointly provide the academic home for the Faculty's Master's in Criminology Law and Society. This postgraduate progamme - convened by Centre of Criminology Director, Assoc Professor Kelley Moult  - seeks to develop interdisciplinary skills in theory and research methods and offers a range of speciality courses, including theories of crime and social order; policing; sexual offences; law and society in Africa; and forensics and the law.

With the prevention and management of crime and its impacts consuming ever more resources in society, globally, the study of crime and understanding the complexity of the legal and social contexts - in which crime occurs and is understood - is becoming increasingly more important. A key focus of this Master's programme is on equipping students with the methodological skills necessary to understand and deal with "law in action", linking students to two of the Faculty's most innovative and exciting research centres.

Programme structure

The programme is structured as a coursework & dissertation Master’s that can be undertaken as a LLM or MPhil degree. The curriculum comprises two compulsory courses, two elective courses and a compulsory minor dissertation of not more than 25 000 words on a related topic approved by the programme convener.

The two compulsory courses can be identified from the three listed below:

  • Law in Action Research Methods
  • Theories of Crime and Social Order
  • Law and Society in Africa

Electives can be chosen from amongst the following:

  • Sexual Offences and the Law
  • Punishment and Human Rights
  • Punishment and Human Rights
  • Forensics and the Law
  • Victims and Victimology
  • Criminal Process & Human Rights

Check the Law Faculty Handbook here for details.

Type of degree options

LLM and MPhil

Number of credits

240 credits, comprising 4 courses @ 30 credits per course, and a dissertation @ 120 credits.

The Dissertation

A Master of Laws (LLM) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) student must write a minor dissertation on a subject of legal interest related to one of their courses. The subject of the dissertation must also satisfy the rules applicable to the particular programme. The minor dissertation may not exceed 25 000 words in length. Although an original contribution to knowledge is always desirable in a minor dissertation, it is not an essential requirement. However, candidates must show that they have:

  • a thorough knowledge of the subject chosen
  • mastered techniques required for competent research in law
  • the capacity for independent thought and sound reasoning
  • satisfactorily presented the results of the research.

Programme code

LM003PBL11/ LM002PBL11