VICTIMOLOGY MSc at University of Portsmouth

Victimology is about understanding and helping people at one of the lowest points in their life – when they've become the victim of a crime. If you're looking to take your studies or career in a rewarding, socially responsible direction, then this MSc Victimology degree course is the perfect choice for you.

On this course, you'll gain an insight into the challenges faced by victims of crime, study the theoretical perspectives that inform our understanding of victimisation, and the wider historical and political contexts that influence victim-centred policy and legislation.

And because the way society identifies and treats victims has changed so dramatically, you'll also study the way in which these changes have impacted professional cultures and practices, and learn how to identify individuals who are the most vulnerable or at greater risk of victimised.

This distance learning course offers a flexible approach, so you can tailor your studies to meet your preferences and career goals, choosing from other Core Subjects such as Crime Science, Criminal Justice and Criminology.

When you graduate, you'll be able to evaluate criminal justice processes as they relate to victims of crime, and you'll understand how important support services and collaborative partnerships are for achieving the best outcomes for victims. You'll be prepared for work in the police force, social services, or in victim support organisations.

Careers and opportunities

Recent reforms have led to an increase in victim-centred policies and legislation, and there is a shortage of specialists in this area. You'll graduate from this MSc Victimology degree course with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in this important, developing field, within criminal justice agencies and related support services.

Career opportunities include:

• Managerial roles in the police force
• Social Work
• Criminal justice agencies
• Victim support services
• Security
• Government departments
• PhD research

We'll provide you with as much support as possible in finding employment through close industrial contacts, careers events, recruitment fairs and individual advice.