1-Semester Pathway - Pre-Masters in Criminology and Law - Continue to Master of Arts - Criminology

A postgraduate pathway is a single course comprising two stages of study; Pre-Master’s and Master’s. When students successfully complete the full pathway they will be awarded a Master’s degree from ARU. The Pre-Master’s pathway will prepare learners for future postgraduate studies by giving them confidence and expertise in areas relevant to their taught Master’s degree.

The Pre-Master’s course is Stage 1 of the postgraduate pathway, and is one semester in duration. It has been designed to prepare students who have not qualified for direct entry to ARU’s Master’s degrees, for postgraduate level studies. Undertaking a Pre-Master’s course will provide students with the time to adjust to the rigorous research and independent study requirements of postgraduate studies and prepare them to get the most out of their postgraduate study at ARU. The Master’s (Stage 2) offers students the chance to build on what they have learned during the Pre-Master’s and extend their professional understanding about their relevant area of study.

The postgraduate degrees let students explore their interests, boost knowledge and expand horizons. In social sciences, that means students will be supported by research-active staff and leading practitioners from the fields of history, sociology and international relations. Law students will master the theory and practice of international, business or commercial law. They will be trained to become a solicitor, or explore emerging legal questions and policy issues in the digital economy. With advanced legal knowledge and hands-on experience, students will be perfectly placed to embark on a career in law.

Students can examine real-life case studies to piece together the inner workings of serious crime, and the methods used to police it. They will gain the skills and knowledge needed for many careers in criminal justice, such as the Police, youth justice, the Home Office or border agencies.