MSc Criminology

Probe public perceptions, unpack theories and prepare to fight injustice with a degree designed to go beyond what you might expect from a criminology course.

Challenging current systems and viewing the world through a critical lens are at the heart of this course. You’ll learn from researchers looking at policing, youth justice, radicalisation, and more. This expertise fuels our teaching and means we can offer a diverse range of optional modules.

You might have already studied criminology and want to take your knowledge up a notch. Perhaps you work in criminal justice and want to extend your skills. Even if you’ve never studied the subject before, this course is perfect for people curious about crime and uncovering creative solutions to making the world safer.

With employability at the heart of the course, it draws on well-established links with organisations including Thames Valley Police, the Probation Service, victim support and young offenders charities. Thanks to our connections, you’ll be able to forge links for future opportunities with these organisations.

Students will normally be required to have (or to be expecting) a good honours degree, or an equivalent degree awarded by a university outside the United Kingdom. The degree should be a relevant social sciences or humanities undergraduate, but other degrees will be considered so long as they relate to Criminology in the personal statement. We welcome applications from both non-Criminology graduates and work experience-based candidates.

Students new to the academic study of criminology will be advised to read a number of recommended texts by way of induction before they begin the course. Students are also encouraged to attend the induction sessions provided in the week prior to the beginning of the course.

Applicants with career-based experience in criminal justice or related fields will also be considered, without an undergraduate degree.