The module is separated into six subject blocks and builds gradually from conceptualisation in the earlier sections toward critical analysis and knowledge application in the latter blocks. This module presents criminological knowledge as a contested field. Further, it presents criminological inquiry as somewhat narrow by nature and enables you to call this into question. You'll be guided in considering the significance of power, social structure, and economic and social inequalities within the context of crime, harm, and global justice. Using a conceptual framework, you'll develop the ability to independently engage with relevant ‘real world' topics and social problems. Some of these topics are:
The module content is split between taught components and the project/dissertation component.
As the specialist module in the MA in Crime and Justice (F75), this supports you in building your ‘expert’ voice and being able to critically appraise discourses and narratives of ‘crime’, ‘offending’, and ‘justice’ as you explore new perspectives and ways of thinking about crime, harm, and justice in an increasingly global world.
This module provides skills that are highly desirable in professional contexts where social and criminological research is continually influencing the terms of reference. This ranges from how to commission new research on crime and global justice, critically appraising the existing evidence base, and communicating to diverse audiences. You'll cultivate valuable investigative, evaluative, and analytic skills for your professional progression and development.
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material, give feedback and mark your written work. Your tutor will provide advice and guidance by email, via the module forum and through online tutorials.
Course work includes:
Assessment on this module has been designed to give you the opportunity to develop, practice and deepen skills in critical thinking, time management, interrogation, evaluation, and (by the end of the module) independent library and desk-based research.
The first tutor-marked assignment eases you into studying crime and global justice by supporting you in articulating your module and qualification objectives in dialogue with your tutor. The next three assessments develop skills in professional communication, writing, selecting sources, composing an academic argument supported by reliable evidence, working with data, as well as in how to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different perspectives and how to defend the logic of your chosen arguments.
Assessments five and six help you develop the core tools for your dissertation/project. In the final two end-of-module assessments, you will develop your academic analysis on a topic of your choice. These will also support you to strengthen your writing skills for both an academic and a non-academic audience to make sure that you are fully equipped to communicate with clarity, confidence, and efficiency in a variety of professional contexts.
The module is delivered entirely online. Comprehensive guidance and support are available via a module website which includes:
You can only study this module as part of specific Open University qualifications.
DD804 is a compulsory module in our:
Sometimes you cannot count a module towards a qualification if you have already counted another module with similar content. To verify any excluded combinations with this module, check with an adviser before registering.
Crime and global justice starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2027.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
You will need to have successfully completed Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801).
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
You will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the module website up to two weeks in advance of the start of the module. A bank of materials (such as key readings and study skill activities) will also be made available within your qualification website to support you throughout your learning journey.
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader (and, where applicable, scientific and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way). Other alternative formats of the module materials may be available in the future.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| 03 Oct 2026 | 31 Oct 2027 | 17 Sep 2026 | Not yet available* |
| *This start date is open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed. We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information in late March 2026. |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate tuition fee loans in Northern Ireland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Scotland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Wales.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
