Programme Outline

The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice course aims to:

• develop and refine your detailed knowledge and understanding of explanations of crime and the criminal justice system.
• provide a wide-ranging examination of the extent, effects and explanations of crime.
• examine the criminal justice process including the role of agencies such as the police, courts, prisons and probation service. 
• analyse methods of crime prevention and control.
• offer you the opportunity to undertake supervised research in an area of direct professional relevance.

The MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice should appeal to postgraduates who wish to expand their knowledge of criminology, and to persons with professional responsibilities in policing, probation and prisons, local government, the voluntary sector, and individuals in the private security industry.

Course Structure and Assessment

The MSc programme is studied over two years. The course consists of three core and three option modules, all of which must be successfully completed to qualify for the Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Justice. To progress to the MSc degree the dissertation must also be successfully completed.

The programme is based on continuous assessment, with each of the six study modules comprising a written paper of not more than 4,000 words. Each module lasts around 12 weeks, three weeks of which are intended for you to write your assignment. You will have approximately five months to complete your dissertation of between 15,000 and 20,000 words. Upon passing the dissertation, you will be awarded the MSc degree.

Next step: Find out more about the different modules available

Entry Requirements

The course is open to people with a first or second class honours degree or an equivalent professional qualification. Special consideration will be given to applicants without an undergraduate degree who can demonstrate significant work experience and knowledge.

Next step: Request an information pack and prospectus