This course consists of core modules and seminars on topics in key areas. The core modules are compulsory and familiarise students with current criminological thinking and research. The other seminars cover a range of topics which include criminal justice, comparative criminology, mental health and crime, sociology of punishment, Developmental Criminology, sociology of prison life, policing, social contexts of crime and crime prevention. In this course students must take a compulsory core seminar course "Criminological Theories"; a compulsory core seminar course "Criminological Research Methods”; Three further courses selected from approximately twelve optional seminar courses offered each year and a short thesis (not exceeding 18,000 words) on an approved criminological topic chosen by the student.