Human Trafficking, Migration and Organised Crime
MA, PGCert, PGDip

Modules

• Advanced Research Methods 

Advanced Research Methods

Module convenor: Dr Carole Murphy

This module will develop students’ skills in the planning, execution and writing of a substantial piece of independent research on a topic chosen by them in consultation with members of the programme team. Teaching staff will present case studies based on their specific areas of expertise such as human trafficking, migration, organised crime and media representations. The module aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge of research methods, how they relate to the PG research process and the design and execution of an empirical research project. The module will also consider the impact of the big data phenomenon in relation to the future of research. The students will experiment with and evaluate a number of online research tools and data visualization software.    

Assessment: Critical analysis 2500 words: 50%; Research proposal 2500 words: 50%

20 Credits

• Dissertation or Work-Based Research Project 

Dissertation or Work-Based Research Project

Dissertation – All staff

This is an independent study module, supported by regular supervision by one of the course team, in which the student writes up a substantial piece of independent research on a topic chosen by them in consultation with members of the programme team. The module has the aim of developing students’ independent research skills and critical analysis through the planning, execution and writing of a substantial piece of independent research on a topic chosen by them in consultation with members of the programme team. The Advanced Research Methods module would have given students many of the skills they will need to apply in this module.

Work-Based Research Project – All Staff

This core module, which can be taken as an alternative to the Dissertation, provides an opportunity for students to develop critical awareness skills, knowledge and understanding about the relationship between theory and research to practice in the workplace setting. This is an independent study module, supported by regular supervision from one of the course team, in which the student writes up a substantial piece of independent research on a topic relevant to the professional setting, in consultation with members of the programme team. The Advanced Research Methods module would have given students many of the skills they will need to apply in this module. Students will use their experience in the workplace, in a paid or unpaid capacity, to conduct work-based research towards completing their MA (instead of researching and writing a more conventional dissertation). It gives students an opportunity to undertake a research task in which they can relate the theoretical knowledge of their subject area to the evaluation of these practices in a work setting.

Assessment: Dissertation option - dissertation 13,000 words: 70%; Viva Voce 30 minutes. Work based research project option - written report or other material output and reflective e-portfolio 13,000 words: 70%; Viva Voce 30 minutes: 30%

60 Credits

• Human Rights and Migration in Europe 

Human Rights and Migration in Europe

Module convenor: Neena Samota

Justice systems at a national, international and transnational level exist to mediate rights for individuals and groups. In an age of migration, border control, trafficking and governance of migration are emerging themes in criminology. What are the limitations of the sovereign state? What are the limitations of international legal instruments to protect human rights? How can security be achieved for all? Building on these questions, students will critically examine the governance of migration and how European states deal with problems of law, order and inclusion. The study of human rights institutions, processes and practices will enable students to address current dilemmas associated with migration such as state sovereignty, security, inclusion, inequality and citizenship.

Assessment: Essay 3000 words: 60%; Case review 2000 words: 40%

20 Credits

• Mediating Trafficking Migration and Diaspora 

Mediating Trafficking Migration and Diaspora

Module convenor: Dr Jon Hackett

This module considers the mediation of issues of migration, diaspora and human trafficking in the media, with particular attention to film and television examples. It will familiarise students with some of the formal elements of moving image as well as theoretical frameworks with which to analyse on-screen representations. One module theme will be the nature of both the social and cultural issues represented, and cinema and television as institutions and industries, as transnational phenomena par excellence. Ideas from postcolonialism and cultural studies on diaspora, hybridity and Orientalism, as well as ideas from cinema studies on national, postcolonial and transnational cinemas, and gendered representation will inform the delineation of this field of cultural production.

Assessment: Critical presentation - screening extract up to 5 minutes, presentation 15 minutes: 25%; Essay 4000 words: 75%

20 Credits

• Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking: Policing, Policy and Practice 

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking: Policing, Policy and Practice

Module convenor: Dr Carole Murphy

Beginning with a broad overview of forms of slavery from historical perspectives up to more recent accounts of modern slavery and human trafficking, this module will familiarise students with multi-disciplinary approaches to the study of trafficking and slavery, from sociology, criminology, law, economics, media and politics. Students will examine a range of sources including academic research, policy documents, media representations and statistical information to engage critically with received ideas, popular and policy discourses about modern slavery and human trafficking. Current research from the Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery (CSMS) will contribute to developing a critical and up-to-date knowledge base on this topic. Students will be encouraged to attend seminars and conferences organised by the Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery throughout the year.

Assessment: Portfolio 3500 words: 75%; Policy, policing and practice review and presentation 15 minutes: 25%

20 Credits

• Organised Crime in Insecure Environments 

Organised Crime in Insecure Environments

Organised crime networks are notorious for their adaptability and flexibility; their ability to exploit opportunities that become available. Rather than eradicate criminal activity, effective responses merely shift it elsewhere. This balloon effect was well documented in relation to drug trafficking, which shifted from using the Caribbean as a transit hub, to direct shipments to Europe, to transhipment via West Africa and the Sahel. The involvement of fragile and conflict-affected states raised concerns regarding the intersection of crime and conflict and now many UN Peace Operations include reference to organised crime in their mandates. As conflict evolves, with violent extremist groups now the most prominent (and violent) conflict actor, concerns have shifted to the crime-terror nexus. This module will engage with the changing nature of organised crime, with a focus on West Africa and the Sahel. Concerns around both the crime-conflict nexus and the crime-terror nexus will be probed, exploring key case studies. Finally the implications for the response to organised crime will be considered.

Assessment: Essay 4000 words: 60%; Case study report and presentation 1500 words/ 15 minutes

20 Credits

• Work-Based Learning in Practice 

Work-Based Learning in Practice

Module convenor: Dr Kathryn Hodges

This module provides an opportunity for students to learn from work placement/volunteering or professional practice activities on a part- or full-time basis. It gives students an opportunity to undertake a small-scale project relevant to the workplace, such as a programme evaluation, development of new initiative, or restructuring of current activity. They will be expected to make a formal presentation to peers and tutors in St Mary’s to which the workplace mentor will also be invited. Students will have the opportunity to critically reflect on the professional environment and to articulate their thoughts in regular reflective logs.

Assessment: Coursework Portfolio (includes reflexive log) 3500-4000 words 1-6 70% Oral Presentation 15 minutes plus questions 2-5 30%