MSc Criminology

The blended learning approach means students will be provided online learning materials such as podcasts, vodcasts and online discussion forums, offering a flexible approach to learning. This is supplemented by on-campus learning opportunities through personal tutoring, dissertation supervision and tri-annual symposium events attended by world-leading experts and practitioners in the field.

You will engage with real world problems and issues. You will be inspired by renowned external speakers, student presenters and core lectures at our bespoke symposiums. You’ll also participate in contemporary and relevant applied criminological research through our strategic partnerships with regional, national or international criminal justice agencies and rights organisations. You will find career opportunities in a diverse range of settings.

Key features

• Engage with real world problems and issues - the MSc Criminology adopts a problem-based approach to learning.
• Enjoy flexible learning afforded by online delivery of core materials through podcasts, vodcasts and discussion forums.
• Be inspired by renowned criminological researchers and practitioners at our bespoke symposium events.
• Learn from internationally recognised, research-active staff who ensure the programme is at the cutting edge of developments in criminological theory and criminal justice policy and practice.
• Experience criminology’s interdisciplinary approach which draws upon sociology, psychology, politics, international relations, geography, law and many other subjects.
• Participate in contemporary and relevant applied criminological research through our strategic partnerships with regional (police, youth justice, probation), national (Howard League for Penal Reform, Children’s Rights Alliance, Prison Reform Trust) or international (Amnesty International, United Nations High Commission on Human Rights) criminal justice agencies and rights organisations.
• Choose a career in the private, public or third sector – highly transferable skills mean you will find career opportunities in a diverse range of settings.

Graduates may find this qualification useful in developing their existing career or helping them embark on a new career. Relevant careers can include law enforcement or criminal justice practice, research positions and policy development, roles within third sector and victim support agencies, or positions in local or national government, further study and careers in education. Our MSc Criminology programme also has a strong track record of graduates going on to doctoral research at a number of institutions.

During this year you will study core modules in criminological theory and research design, covering the advanced study of critical and theoretical perspectives within criminology and criminal justice and preparing you for writing a dissertation. In the two bespoke modules 'Global Inequality, Vulnerability and Justice' and 'Crime, Culture and Control' you will have the opportunity to study a wide range of criminological issues, each of which is taught by an active researcher in that field. Gain a relevant, advanced and sophisticated understanding of contemporary criminology and the skills necessary to strengthen your competencies as both a learner and practitioner.