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Master of Criminology

(Not offered in 2008)

If you are interested in enrolling in this course please contact;

First we did the market research then we designed the degree. Consequently we know that criminal justice practitioners and those who work in allied areas need to adopt a whole of government, whole of criminal justice approach to many workplace issues. We also know that while students are seeking to enhance their analytical skills through post graduate studies, they also want a Masters course to have practical relevance. This 1.5 year Master of Criminal Justice has been designed to respond to those needs. Classes are open and participatory and assessment tasks designed to be interactive and project focused.

The Masters degree aims to:

Course Structure

The course consists of 72-points of study conducted over three semesters and normally takes only 18 months to complete. It is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.

Semester 1

CJM4020 Researching Criminal Justice (12 points)
CJM4030 Criminal Justice Practice and Reform (12 points)

Semester 2

CJM4010 Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice (12 points)
CJM4040 Managing Criminal Justice (12 points) (or an approved 12 point elective)

Semester 3

CJM5050 Criminal Justice Dissertation (18,000 words - 24 points)
or
CJM5000 Criminal Justice Research project (9,000 words - 12 points) plus
a 12-point elective unit from a range of offerings.

CJM5060 Criminal Justice reading unit (9,000 words - 12 points)

Where will it be offered?

The course will be taught on the Caulfield Campus that is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The Campus is only 11 km from the city and is well serviced by public transport. The Caulfield train station adjoins the Campus and there is also a well-serviced tram network.

What time are classes held?

To respond to the needs of post graduate professionals, units will be taught in the evening and with some intensive classes being held at weekends. Depending on demand, it may be possible to offer a unit in intensive mode over a summer semester.

Admission requirements

Students wishing to undertake the Master of Criminal Justice degree will normally have a Bachelor's degree with a credit average in the final year, or a Bachelor's degree with a pass average in the final year plus demonstrable professional experience at senior level in a relevant area. Those applying on the basis of a pass degree will need to supply a CV, a 1000 word statement of aptitude and the name of two professional referees.

Can I apply for admission if I do not have an Undergraduate Degree?

It may be possible for students who do not have a Bachelor's degree to enter through the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma pathway. Applicants wishing to be considered for entry via this pathway will need to supply a CV, a 1000 word statement, name three professional referees and have at least 10 years professional experience at a senior managerial level in a relevant area.

Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma pathway

The Graduate Certificate is made up of the following units:

If a non-degree student passes the Graduate Certificate with a distinction average they will be eligible to advance to the Graduate Diploma.

The Graduate Diploma is made up of the two units in the Graduate Certificate (Researching Criminal Justice and Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice) plus

Students who do not have an undergraduate degree and who pass the Graduate Diploma with a distinction average will be eligible to advance to the Master of Criminal Justice.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing (or credit for previous studies at another University) may be given on a case-by-case basis, and at the discretion of the course coordinator, in the following ways:

Overview of core units

CJM4020 Researching Criminal Justice
This unit analyses and evaluates contemporary approaches to criminal justice research and equips students with the skills needed to undertake qualitative and quantitative criminal justice research and to interpret criminal justice data. It also enhances students' understanding of the political and socio-legal implications of conducting research within and between criminal justice institutions.
CJM4010 Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
The unit engages students in key debates in contemporary criminal justice theory and practice and provides them with an advanced understanding of the arguments informing the current debate across and between local, state, and national jurisdictions. Issues of international concern such as transnational policing, peace-keeping, international courts, comparative notions of justice, privatisation of criminal justice institutions and regional instabilities will also be examined.
CJM4030 Criminal Justice Practice and Reform
This unit examines perennial issues in changing criminal justice practice and reform. It critically analyses catalysts for reform, the role and influence of key players in the reform process and why some reform programs work while others fail. These issues are examined across a range of areas and assist the reflective practitioner analyse and evaluate reform issues at the local, state, national and international levels.
CJM4040 Managing Criminal Justice
Managing Criminal Justice engages students in the critical study of initiatives and directions currently shaping and reshaping criminal justice agencies. Issues covered include the intra and inter agency environment, alternative dispute resolution and new frameworks and directions in criminal justice management.
CJM5000 Criminal Justice Research Project
The unit requires students to complete a 9,000-word research project, which in consultation with their academic supervisor, can be on a topic of their choosing. An assigned research project supervisor, who is a member of the Criminology academic staff, will guide students throughout the project. Enrolment in this unit is subject to course coordinator approval.
CJM5050 Criminal Justice Dissertation
This unit requires students to complete an 18,000-word dissertation, which in consultation with their academic supervisor, can be on a topic of their choosing. Many students select topics that directly relate to their employment or future employment. An assigned research project supervisor, who is a member of the Criminology academic staff, will supervise students throughout the dissertation. Enrolment in this unit is subject to course coordinator approval.

For further information

Ms Sue Stevenson
Postgraduate Administrator
School of Political and Social Inquiry
Faculty of Arts
Monash University VIC 3800, Australia
Telephone: 61 3 9905-2991
Email: sue.stevenson@arts.monash.edu.au

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