Criminology
Student Testimonials
Caitlin Gormley, MRes Criminology, graduated 2012
The University of Glasgow was the obvious choice for me when it came to deciding where I should continue my academic career and research training. I had completed my honours degree in the sociology subject area and I was confident about the academic rigour and development opportunities available to me as a research student. Teaching and administrative staff provided excellent support throughout the department during the application process for my postgraduate degree while completing my undergraduate degree. The new postgraduate study space in the University Library and the Gilchrist Postgraduate Club really accentuated the University’s focus on delivering appropriate research and social environments for postgraduate students on campus.
The broad research areas of the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR) broadened my understanding of the possibility of working within the criminal justice academic field. Members of this research cluster were extremely approachable and helped me to develop my own research interests. As criminology students, we were invited to crime and criminal justice events, conferences and even to visit some Scottish prisons to speak to prisoners and staff. I had a great opportunity to form my dissertation by working alongside an SCCJR Research Assistant on a Government-funded project exploring community security and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The extensive research training offered by the Graduate School has prepared me for my PhD – I would recommend undertaking an MRes in the College of Social Sciences to anyone preparing for future or doctoral research in this area.
The following testimonials come from students on the closely related MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The subject-specific teaching is shared between these programmes.
Elvinas Blazevicius, Lithuania, MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice, graduated 2011
The programme offered a good combination of fundamental criminology and contemporary challenges in crime control. Since I see myself working in international organisations such as Europol, United Nations or European Union institutions, I found the programme’s focus on the issues of crime and globalisation particularly useful.
Being a student in Glasgow was a truly enjoyable experience for me. The friendliness and kindness of Glaswegians, as well as the attention and willingness to help of the teaching staff, made me feel at home. Considering the current economic climate, I am convinced that my Masters degree will put me ahead of my competitors and will definitely open many doors.
Orla Clohessy, Ireland on MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice, graduated 2011
The MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice provides a challenging and comprehensive course. It has provided me with an advanced knowledge and understanding of the wide range of empirical and theoretical issues in criminology. A key feature of the course is the opportunity to select from the range of interesting and diverse modules available. All seminars are planned to take into account what is going on in the world today making each module up-to-date and relevant. This often involved guest speakers taking part in seminars.
The support and guidance from the teaching staff is exceptional, with the contact time between the lectures and students being particularly impressive. The fact that the department and teaching staff are at the heart of the SCCJR meant that I got the opportunity to attend and take part in several criminology conferences and training courses which the Centre provided funding for.
On a practical level I obtained an in-depth understanding of the complex problems that crime can pose within criminal justice and criminal law fields. Through this course I developed excellent data and research skills and an extensive knowledge of the methods and data used in criminal justice settings. This has proved invaluable in my employment in the criminal justice field. This course will provide you with an advanced knowledge and a range of the necessary research and analytical skills which are vital for a career within a criminal justice setting.
Student from Mexico, MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice, graduated 2011
What reinforced my theoretical understanding of criminology while studying the MSc was to learn and interact with practitioners and researchers from different disciplines in criminology. From gender violence, youth gangs to organized crime, there is a leading expert for each area at the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research. Today the Centre is my second home. Thanks to the support and guidelines of the professional academic staff, I was able to secure funding as an international student at Glasgow University and continue my studies with a PhD program.