PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title: MSc in Crime Science
Final award (BSc, MA etc): MSc
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme From 2008 onwards
specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body: University College London
Teaching institution: University College London
Faculty: Engineering Sciences
Parent Department: UCL Department of Security and Crime Science
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address: www.ucl.ac.uk/scs
(if applicable)
Method of study: The programme can be taken either full time, part time or on a
Full-time/Part-time/Other flexible basis
Criteria for admission to the Admission is open to graduates who possess a 2:1 honours
programme: degree (or equivalent) or better in a relevant discipline (eg
criminology, psychology, sociology, law) or individuals with 5 or
more years relevant professional experience (eg in the police
service, crime prevention worker).
Length of the programme: One calendar year full time, two calendar years part time and
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such upto 5 years (flexible)
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher M
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the Students must take 5 compulsory core courses assessed by
programme and its assessment either an unseen written examination or coursework, and
methods: optional courses equivalent to 45 credits, and submit a 10,000
(see guidance notes) word dissertation (60 credits).
Board of Examiners: i) Name of Board of Examiners:
MSc in Crime Science
Professional body accreditation Date of next scheduled
(if applicable): accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The MSc in Crime Science aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of how science and scientifically
based techniques can deliver immediate and sustainable reductions in crime. The course will focus on how to apply
science to understand better crime problems, and develop strategies for reducing such problems by (a) stopping
them from happening in the first place and (b) increasing the probability of detecting and arresting offenders. The
course will outline the philosophical and theoretical bases for this approach and explore its application to a range of
crime problems. Implementation issues will be examined, including ethical, policy, political and contextual issues,
and the role of the media. It is a multi-disciplinary subject, drawing on expertise in psychology, statistics,
mathematics, architecture, forensic sciences, design, geography and computing.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of: Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
(a) The principles of scientific method and These learning outcomes will be achieved through two-
progress and how these can help to hour lectures and seminars and the reading of core
reduce crime and detect offenders texts, articles, and private reading. The compulsory
modules will emphasis the principles of crime science (ie
(b) The relevance of the immediate a-d), which are then explored in more depth and detail in
situation as a cause of crime and the the optional modules.
principles of situational crime prevention
Students will have the opportunity to input to discussions
(c) How different disciplines can help both in seminars. They will be required to attend all classes,
reduce crime and detect offenders study extensively on their own, and prepare non-
assessed work regularly.
(d) the complexity of implementation,
including the relevance and impact of
ethical and political context issues
Assessment:
Students will be assessed by a variety of methods:
essays, unseen examinations, short projects and a
report (dissertation).
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills: - able to: Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
(a) understand the value of empirical These intellectual skills will be fostered and acquired
data in developing effective crime through discussions in seminars which will examine and
reduction practice debate the value, relevance and application of science to
the reduction of crime, including the detection of
(b) think through problems in a more offenders. Students will be encouraged to challenge
rational, systematic and evidence-led conventional practices and wisdoms and apply the
way principles and approaches being taught to real-life
problems.
(c) think critically about ways in which
crime is currently approached
(d) translate academic research and
evaluation work into practical action
(e) Critically evaluate the quality of
research
(f) Appreciate the range of research
methods appropriate to the study of
crime and appreciate their strengths
and weaknesses
Assessment:
Through essays, unseen exams and practical exercises
including a report (dissertation)
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills - able to: Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
a) communicate effectively in writing and Through regular seminars and practical work. Students
orally will be required to attend all seminars and to present and
b) communicate effectively with different participate fully in them. Practical work will involve the
professionals analysis and interpretation of real and simulated data
c) understand and make use of sets, and development of new ideas for solving
research literature problems. Lectures will provide instruction in research
d) develop and test hypotheses and design and methodology, and practical exercises, in
adapt hypotheses in the light of particular the report (dissertation), will enable students to
emerging evidence apply and develop these skills.
e) undertake literature searches and
reviews, understand and analyse data
sets
f) design crime prevention programmes
g) listen and discuss ideas
(g) Confidently undertake a range of
different types of quantitative and
qualitative crime analysis using
computer software
Assessment:
Through long essays, unseen exams and the
assessment of practical exercises, particularly the report
(dissertation)
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills - able to: Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
a) effective communication Through participation in regular seminars and practical
b) numeracy exercises associated with the lecture programme.
c) computer skills Participation is required for all seminars, where new
d) presentational skills ideas will be examined and debated and prepared work
e) work in groups presented. The report (dissertation) gives students an
f) listen and respond to new ideas opportunity in particular to develop and demonstrate the
g) taking initiative managing change acquisition of these skills
Assessment:
Through long essays, assessment of practical tasks
including the report (dissertation) and unseen exams
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/default.asp;
the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/FHEQ/default.asp);
the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
UCL teaching and learning policies;
staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by
UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s) Dr Shane Johnson
Name(s):
Date of Production: 18 June 2008
Date of Review: 3 September 2009
Date approved by Head of
Department:
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee