PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Please view the disclaimer. /
AWARD and ROUTE TITLE / MSc in Forensic Criminology
INTERMEDIATE AWARD TITLES / PgDip in Forensic Criminology
PgCert in Forensic Criminology
Name of the Teaching Institution / SheffieldHallamUniversity
Mode(s) of Attendance / FT/PT
UCAS CODE
Professional/Statutory/Regulatory Body Recognising this Programme / N/A
QAA Subject Benchmark Statement or other relevant external reference point
Date of Validation / 04/06/2008

1PROGRAMME AIMS

  • To provide a broad grounding in the legal aspects of the law of England and Wales relevant to forensic enquiry.
  • To develop a problem-solving approach to issues within forensic criminology and law, such as investigative approach, ethics, philosophical assumptions and arguments.
  • To provide a vocationally relevant MSc award for students in criminology, who can draw on this award in their professional work and for the benefit of their future careers.
  • To enable students to think critically, evaluate evidence and come to reasoned conclusions with reference to specific areas of forensic criminology.
  • To facilitate independent learning.

2PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

2.1Knowledge and understanding covered within the Programme. By the end of the programme you will be able to

  • LO1. Identify and explore present and past paradigms, theories and ethical dilemmas involved in forensic criminology; and engage critically with key relevant conceptual debates within law.
  • LO2. Identify, explore and interpret new methodological insights and dimensions.
  • LO3. Critically discuss implications of current research and theory in forensic criminology.
  • LO4. Locate forensic criminology within a legal context that is both theoretically and practically sound.
  • LO5. Explore competing perspectives on the construction of 'fact' within forensic criminology and be aware of the implications of these for the legal system and further research.
  • LO6. Apply knowledge and insights from the above to their own research project.
  • LO7. Attain proficiency in the understanding and use of quantitative and qualitative research methodology utilised within forensic criminology.

2.2 Intellectual/Subject/Professional/Key skills covered within the Programme: by the end of the programme you will be able to

  • LO8. Make informed judgements relating to the evaluation, design and conduct of forensic criminology.
  • LO9. Synthesise information/theory and previous research findings, to establish a critical understanding of forensic criminology.
  • LO10. Critically analyse theories, concepts and methodologies from a forensic criminologyperspective.
  • LO11. Make informed and independent judgements.
  • LO12. Critically evaluate legal perspectives/theory relevant to forensic criminology and investigation.
  • LO13. Identify good practice for research designs and approaches to forensic criminology.
  • LO14. Conceptualise and design a forensic criminology research project; carry out research enquiry using appropriate data collection strategies, with particular regard for issues of ethics.
  • LO15. Critically evaluate analytic material, methods and data presented and utilised during the programme.
  • LO16. Analyse the impact of the tools derived from forensic inquiry to tackle the causes of and reduce crime.
  • LO17. Understand the ethical issues raised through the activities of researchers in the field of forensic investigation.
  • LO18. Discuss relevant health and safety issues and effective working practices.
  • LO19. Evaluate/critique methods of inquiry within forensic criminology with reference to thecriminal justice system: discuss ways in which critiqued methods could be enhanced in light of any weakness identified.

3LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

3.1The approach to Learning and Teaching within the Programme

The coursework material is provided on-line and in hard copy with an invitation to meet with tutors on a regular basis on a two hour weekly drop-in session (these are not compulsory). There are also two one-week periods (one in each semester) when it is hoped that all students can attend to take part in a case conference with all other students undertaking the Forensic Masters Programme. The teaching includes, clear objectives; planning and organisation, use of activities and focussed and competent coverage of material. Students embark on a student-directed case study project that emphasises independent and reflective study.

Encouraging the development of cognitive skills, particularly critical analysis and reflection is integrated into the curriculum (criminological aspects) together with increased responsibility for learning. Students will be encouraged to build on existing skills from their degree. Modules are designed to encourage more independent application of the skills analysis, criticism and reflective thinking with seminar, tutorial, practical work, coursework and assessment. Through such encouragement; there is an expectation that students should be able to demonstrate all cognitive skills by the end of the programme.

All modules within the course (with the exception of the Law modules) encourage the development of Forensic criminology skills, as the course will draw heavily on the research literature in delivery and assessment, requiring students to be cognisant with theory, research and appropriate interpretation. The dissertation will be an opportunity for the students to bring these skills into tight focus within their own research. Throughout the course on-line lectures, seminars and web-based discussions are used to aid students' development of theoretical, empirical, evaluative and analytical skills.

3.2The approach to Assessment and Feedback within the Programme

The assessment strategy provides opportunities for both formative and summative assessment to promote learning. A range of assessment approaches will be incorporated to suit the module learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Indicative approaches may include: exams, presentations, coursework, written assignments and case studies.

There is an expectation that all student work should demonstrate evidence of these aspects of cognitive skills and thought. Cognitive skills are assessed in all forms of assessment. These criteria and expectations are explicitly printed in student handbooks to help focus students with completing their assessment

The research and analysis skills are explicitly assessed via the dissertation, where students will have to show critical insight into the research process, from theoretical and practical perspectives. These skills are also assessed within the module Forensic Criminology 1 and 2, as the coursework requires students to critique theoretical perspectives within Forensic criminology. It should be noted that application of forensic criminological theory is an integral part of all modules assessment, but is brought into focus within the dissertation

4PROGRAMME DESIGN AND STRUCTURE

The student will study 3 mandatory law modules to a total value of 60M credits. This is followed by 2 mandatory forensic criminology modules. These 2 modules add up to a further 60M credits. To complete the MSc in Forensic Criminology the student will complete a dissertation, worth 60M credits.

MSc Forensic Criminology

Mandatory Law modules - 60 credits / Subject-specific -
60 credits / Dissertation -
60 Credits
Criminal Litigation
(15 credits)
Legal Methodology
(15 Credits)
Law of Evidence
(30 credits) / Forensic Criminology I – Conceptual and Methodological Issues (30 Credits)
Forensic Criminology 2 – Issues in Policy and Practice
(30 credits) / Dissertation

Interim awards are:

PG Cert Forensic Criminology

Subject-specific - 60
Forensic Criminology I – Conceptual and Methodological Issues
(30 Credits)
Forensic Criminology 2 – Issues in Policy and Practice
(30 credits)

PG Dip Forensic Criminology

Mandatory Law modules -
60 credits / Subject-specific 60 credits of Electives from:
Criminal Litigation
(15 credits)
Legal Methodology
(15 Credits)
Law of Evidence
(30 credits) / Forensic Criminology I – Conceptual and Methodological Issues
(30 Credits)
Forensic Criminology 2 – Issues in Policy and Practice
(30 credits)

5PROGRESSION

Full Time Students: In semester 1 full time students will take Criminal Litigation, Legal Methodology and Forensic Criminology 1. In semester 2 students will take Law of Evidence and Forensic Criminology 2.

Part Time Students: Year 1: In semester 1 students will take Criminal Litigation and Legal Methodology. In semester 2 they will take Law of Evidence2. Year 2: In the semester 1 they will take Forensic Criminology 1. In semester 2 they will take Forensic Criminology 2.

CAREER ROUTES

Possible progression or career routes after you have completed this programme include

  • To be in a position to seek more senior positions in criminology generally and in forensic criminology in particular.
  • To move into the subject area of forensic criminology.
  • Have a sound base for further research

6ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND ENTRY PROFILE

6.1Specific Entry Requirements for entry to the initial stage of this programme are

Academic Qualifications (including A / AS level grades and subjects, where applicable) / A Second or First Class Honours Degree in a Criminology or Law subject from a UK university or equivalent.
Level of English language capability / The University's policy on English language admissions is that applicants must be able to demonstrate their competence in the English language to the admissions tutor. This can include completion of a degree taught in the language of English. Instead of a formal entry qualification there are four examples of tests which reach suitable levels:
British Council International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) overall band 6.5.
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) Pass.
Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA)/Northern Examinations and Assessment Board (NEAB) University Entrance test in English for Speakers of Other languages (UETESOL) Pass.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score 550 (paper based) or 213+ (computer based).
Any other specific, formally certified qualifications / International qualifications are also considered suitable if equivalence with UK qualifications above can be established.
Previous relevant work or work-related experience / Not Applicable
Any specific articulation arrangements recognised for this programme / Not Applicable
Professional qualifications / Not Applicable
Any other specific entry requirements / Not Applicable

Normally students will hold an undergraduate degree in Criminology, Law or cognate subject. In rare cases a candidate with considerable professional experience (at least five years) will be considered without an undergraduate degree.

Applicants may be admitted without, or with minimal, formal or traditional qualifications where they can demonstrate a commitment to succeed at SheffieldHallamUniversity combined with sufficient and relevant skills and experience. These may have been acquired, for example, through employment, caring, voluntary activity or private study. Such applications will be considered individually on their merits, taking account of the skills, experience and commitment required to study successfully on a particular course.

Two appropriate references will be required.

Access to places on a route must be limited by the number of places available. Within this restriction there is no discrimination against any group or individual on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, origin or nationality, colour, gender, disability, marital status, age, sexuality, political or religious belief.

International applicants and applicants with disabilities are particularly welcomed onto the programme. For all applicants a good level of English is essential and it is important that international applicants have the level of English required to cope with the demands of the course. Where there are concerns about the competence, attendance at the TESOL Centre's pre-session induction course may be a recommendation or requirement.

Students are interviewed before admissions are finalised.

(Note that for international students the interview may be conducted by telephone or though a number of emails etc.)

6.4Use of Prior Credit (APCL/APEL): prior certificated credit or prior experiential credit may be used within the Programme in the following ways

Any student who wishes to make a claim under the University APEL/APCL rules will be counselled by the course leader in the first instance and provided with appropriate guidance.

If the students wishes to pursue the claim this will be done using the regulations in force at the time of the claim

Disclaimer

Programme Specification produced by Tanya Miles-Berry
Faculty / DS
Division/Programme Area / Criminology