Study with us this course will provide you with a critical and nuanced understanding of criminology, criminal justice and social policy, and of the wider political, economic and social context within which criminological research takes placeyou'll be taught social science research methods, alongside key issues, theories and debates in criminology, social and penal policy and practice, schooling you in cutting-edge knowledge across these arenasyou'll become equipped to evaluate, design, and deliver research projects across justice related, and social science disciplines and develop an understanding of the impact that such research has on policy and practice, and vice versa Why this course Designed and delivered by a dynamic team of international scholars with globally-recognised expertise in Criminology, this course fosters an inclusive learning environment to provide you with a critical understanding of contemporary theories, issues, and debates in criminology, criminal justice, and social and penal policy. You'll gain a cutting-edge understanding of the individual, relational, cultural, and structural factors that intersect with, and underpin, offending and related social issues, locally and globally, drawing on critical arguments, theories, and debates at the forefront of criminology and criminal justice, social and penal policy, and practice. It'll also equip you with an understanding of social science research methods and skills which will enhance your research skills and enable you to undertake an independent research project on a topic of your choice. As a key partner in the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research, you'll benefit from the opportunities afforded to our thriving cross-institutional postgraduate community, including but not limited to additional training, participation in and access to knowledge-exchange and public engagement opportunities, alongside the development of national and international academic, policy and professional networks. The Law School is also home to Strathclyde’s Criminal and Social Justice Research cluster – a vibrant, enthusiastic, and collaborative team that produces world-leading, international, and multi-disciplinary scholarship, applied research, and consultancy on issues of criminal and social justice, social and penal policy and social work theory and practice.