Single Module Changing Lives: Living with Justice and Injustice (30 credits)
Part-time
One semester
January 2026
In a nutshell
Please note that this module is currently undergoing updates to its content, structure, or assessment methods. While we aim to keep all information accurate and up to date, some details may be subject to change. Finalised module specifications will be confirmed prior to the start of the academic term.)
Crime and the criminal justice process (CJP) impacts so many people’s lives; from offenders to victims, their families and communities who are impacted by crime, as well as those people who make up the extensive criminal justice workforce (in public, private and third sector organisations). This core module will focus on making sense of the experiences of people enabling and encountering criminal justice in the UK. Through a deep understanding of how the CJP directly and indirectly impacts on people’s lives and how people are ‘processed’ through the system, students will develop a critical appreciation of the challenges the system faces in delivering justice, addressing issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and modernising to deliver 21st century justice.
Through critical engagement with contemporary scholarship, with the narratives of people with direct experience of the system and through case studies of national and international best practice (as well as systemic failures), students will be supported to develop an in-depth appreciation of just how people experience or administer justice and why groups continue to lobby for change.
This is for you if you
Want to work in organisations that administer, support and underpin the criminal justice system (in government, public, third and private sector organisations).
Are currently in an officer, policy or service delivery/advocacy role but are looking to step up your career by developing expertise and leadership in applied research with a criminal justice focus.
Are passionate about criminology and understanding the experiences of people in the criminal justice system and want to explore further postgraduate study and/or research opportunities.
All about the course
This module will support you to:
- Develop an advanced critical understanding of the actors, agencies and people who work in and encounter the criminal justice system and the processes through which criminal justice is enacted and experienced.
- Develop an advanced appreciation of the direct experience of victims and offenders and how they are supported (or not) to navigate the criminal justice process, with a focus on issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Explore UK and international examples of good (innovative) practice as well as developing an advanced awareness of notable failures within the system.
- Develop an advanced critical appreciation of the nature of work in the criminal justice process and how that is experienced in different agencies.
- Reflect on your own potential career interests within and/or in relation to the criminal justice system.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
What about after uni?
This module will allow you to develop a critical appreciation of the experiences of people encountering the criminal justice system either through offending (as an offender, victim or connected individual) or through their work (within the system or in an organization supporting the system). This module will therefore support you to work in a variety of public and non-profit/charity roles in relation to the criminal justice system. It will also support you to develop an understanding of the demands and approaches of applied postgraduate study focused on criminology and criminal justice.
Further Study
This is a core module for the MSc Criminal Justice: People & Processes. For more information, please contact the Programme Leader Dr Toni Wood.
What you need to know
Previous study or experience
Previous experience of undergraduate study in any subject or significant professional engagement with research activities.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to successfully pursue a programme of study in higher education. Students who do not have the traditional entry requirements may be able to apply through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme. Support in preparing for the written assessment is available from the University.
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 |
£1,530 |
| Part-time | 2026/27 | £1,570 |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.