Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education

MA in Incarceration Studies

Postgraduate - Taught MA

Open for admission in 2021/22

	Full time	Part time
MA	1 year	2 years

About the course

This innovative new programme combines teaching, research and practical experiences that are linked by four ideas – Culture, Criminology, Creativity, and Community.

Graduates will display intellectual confidence and flexibility in several different academic disciplines.

Though incarceration is often associated with imprisonment in jail or prison, the word has a host of contexts including historical slavery, pandemic lockdowns, wartime camps, modern-day trafficking and even situations of domestic abuse. On this programme, you'll explore incarceration in a range of forms in the UK, US and other situations globally, far beyond the traditional prison context.

This course combines traditional seminar-style classes with unique environments outside of the classroom, whether working with ex-prisoners locally or organising an academic conference on campus. One of the key modules takes place in its entirety at HMP Hull, whereby university students will learn together with prison learners.

Students on the MA in Incarceration Studies will be affiliated with the Cultures of Incarceration Centre at the University of Hull, which provides opportunities to attend talks, present at seminars, and network.

What you'll study

Compulsory modules

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

Competing and Comparative Justice: Values and Ethics in the Criminal Justice Process

This module introduces the complexity of ethical problems that arise in the criminal justice arena, challenging preconceptions of what is “right” and “wrong” in a range of situations in the UK and abroad. You will critically analyse some of the key debates about values underpinning law-making and criminal justice.
Learning Together at HMP Hull – UK & US Prison Cultures; Redemption and Resistance

This module will take place at HMP Hull where MA students will take classes alongside prison learners. The course will analyse a range of cultural responses to the prison experience, from film to poetry to music, to understand and explain the US and UK prison systems as well as US/UK history and society more widely.

Attendance on this module will be subject to security clearance - please contact the MA convenor if any queries about these checks. Should this module not take place in person because of COVID, a digital/distanced learning version will be provided.
Writing from Life; Creative Non-Fiction

On this module, students will be introduced to a wide range of non-fiction prose, including travel writing, true crime, narrative history and biography. You will produce a portfolio of non-fiction and reflective writings related to 'incarceration'. You'll also expand your writing's horizons by taking part in and leading off-campus workshops with community groups.
Research Methods and Theory in Interdisciplinary Studies: Incarceration Culture in Context

On this module, you will examine and scrutinise a broad range of texts that address incarceration. This may include poetry by African political prisoners, Orange is the New Black (TV), artwork from Guantanamo Bay, Caribbean memorials to slave rebellions, Native American captivity stories, modern slavery documentaries and photography documenting Northern Ireland.
Dissertation (Culture, Criminology, Creativity, and Community)

You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up a project on a topic of your choice, supported by your dissertation supervisor. The topic must relate to the broad theme of incarceration and demonstrate the MA’s four key ideas - Culture, Criminology, Creativity, and Community. The dissertation will be 15,000 words.

Apply: full time Apply: part time

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Where you'll study

The location below may not be the exact location of all modules on your timetable. The buildings you'll be taught in can vary each year and depend on the modules you study.

Hull Campus

Click to view directions on Google Maps

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Our teaching staff

Fees and funding

Home: £7,850

Home (part-time):
£870 (20 credits), £2,615 (60 credits), £3,925 (90 credits)

UK students can take out a Master’s Loan to help with tuition fees and living costs. For 2021 entry, they provide up to £11,570 for full-time and part-time taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Find out more about Postgraduate Loans.

EU/International: £7,850

International applicants may need to pay a tuition fee deposit before the start of the course. Visit our tuition fee deposit page for more information.

Graduate PGT Scholarship

The University of Hull is pleased to offer graduates progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate taught study a £1,000 scholarship towards the cost of their tuition fees.

Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the University of Hull Graduate PGT Scholarship page.

International Scholarships and Bursaries

For a list of all scholarships and bursaries for international students, please visit the International Scholarships and Bursaries page.

We also offer an International Studentship Scheme Discount of up to £3,500.

UK and EU Scholarships and Bursaries

The University offers a range of scholarships to help you with your studies.

For more information, please visit the UK and EU Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Study under experts across American Studies, Criminology and Creative Writing.

Spend time studying in unique learning environments, such as HMP Hull alongside prisoners.

Superb facilities include the Brynmor Jones Library which is open 24/7 and boasts cutting edge technology and more than a million books.

Entry requirements

Normally a Bachelor Honours degree (typically 2:2 or above, or international equivalent) in American Studies, English, History, Criminology or other Arts & Humanities / Social Science equivalent.

If you hold a degree in another area, or if you have been out of education for a significant period of time, we would still encourage you to apply. Indeed, we are looking for applicants with a genuine interest in Incarceration (broadly defined) and would be happy to consider your application even with a different academic background, or with professional experience.

International students

If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Future prospects

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this degree, you'll develop a range of knowledge and skills to help you stand out in the job market.

As well as mastering new disciplines, you'll develop your skills in research, team-work, project management, writing and presentation skills. The development of your research and analytical skills will give you a firm grounding if you wish to progress to PhD study.