What will I learn on this module?
You will understand contemporary perspectives on crime, harm, policing, and security in their global context and how these are related to wider process of globalisation and economic, social, cultural, and political developments that operate at transnational levels. You will develop foundational knowledge of governance, risk and security and how criminology operates beyond the nation state. Critical debates about the architecture of international policing, global crime investigation and the pluralisation of international policing and security are explored. These are related to challenges including transnational organised crime, cybercrime, state crime and strategies to countering these threats. You will learn how cases of global crime and harm provide an alternative perspective on the globalisation thesis and underline the links between local, regional, national, and global dimensions of policing and security.
How will I learn on this module?
Each teaching session will include some formal input from the module tutors, with references to extra reading for those less familiar with the topic and the opportunity to discuss that reading with the tutors. You will be expected to engage in debate, group discussion and presentation and to have prepared for each session through independent study following the electronic reading lists that accompany the module.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your learning on this module will be developed through a combination of formal input from academic staff and exercises that develop further the intellectual/professional skills and abilities that are needed to complete an MA and to prepare you for doctoral study or a job which requires you to undertake research at a high level. There will be opportunities to ask questions and seek guidance from academic staff both within and outside the timetabled teaching sessions. All academic staff advertise times when they are available to students and there is also the opportunity to book appointments. Your learning will also be supported by an extensive electronic reading list and the provision of lecture notes and other materials on our eLearning platform.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Evidence critical assessment of global crime and harm problems.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of global developments in policing and security and how these relate both to emerging forms of crime and harm and to the globalisation of governance.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Demonstrate understanding of and critical engagement with the module’s key themes and key literature in the field.
4. Research and present a coherent and effective academic discussion around a chosen topic relevant to the module and present academically rigorous arguments.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate critical curiosity about the political and ethical impact of crime, policing, security, and regulation in the global context.
How will I be assessed?
The summative assessment task for this module is a 5000-word essay. A set of essay prompts will be made available to students in advance. The essay should have a clearly identifiable topic of focus relevant to the module’s key themes and present a coherent and rigorous academic discussion incorporating current research, theory, concepts, and key literature in the field. This will address all the MLOs and is worth 100% of the final mark.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
Credits 30
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
1 other options available
Department Social Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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