Criminology and Criminal Justice

The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice involves a combination of lectures, seminar discussion, workshops and presentations, and some optional research methods modules involve computer-based practicals. To gain the most from your study, significant time is needed for reading, discussing and preparing for classes, assignments and project work. The optional 'Prisons, Crime and Justice' module provides dialogical learning opportunities between 'inside' students with experience of the criminal justice system and 'outside' students from the university.

The MSc culminates in independent research for the dissertation on a topic of your choice, with supervision by staff actively engaged in relevant research. You will also participate in two workshops, usually alongside others researching in similar areas.

Assessment

The majority of the MSc is assessed through coursework, and this takes a variety of forms depending on the modules studied. Assessment methods include written assignments, reports, group and individual presentations, reflective journals and research proposals. In some optional research methods modules there are computer-based practical assessments and other optional modules include creating a portfolio or briefing paper.

The MSc dissertation, carried out under the guidance of a supervisor, makes up one-third of your credits.

Normally an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent.

An undergraduate degree in social sciences is desirable but not compulsory and we welcome students with degrees in arts, humanities and science subjects. You should demonstrate clearly why you are interested in the MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice degree in your personal statement.

We are ALSO keen to consider applications with a professional background in criminal justice.

Additional requirements

When submitting your online application, you will also need to provide:

1. Academic Transcript and Certificate (if possible)

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications 

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.  

English language requirements

Country specific information

Full Time Fees

Part Time Fees

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Teaching and research in sociology develops the skills and knowledge required to carry out further research at a high level.

It also provides an excellent foundation for careers in a wide range of sectors by enhancing skills that are appropriate for the workplace and are highly sought after by employers. These range from interpreting and evaluating information to analysing situations and constructing a persuasive argument.

Previous postgraduates have progressed to stimulating and rewarding roles in health and welfare, local and central government, the Civil Service, the police, the voluntary sector, banking and the media as well as business, with high-profile employers such as M&S, Mencap, Accenture and Unilever.

The Department’s work informs policy and practice that addresses many of the social challenges in the world today. We carry out research into how differing social environments can impact human behaviour and frame our daily lives, family, education, health and work.

The Department of Sociology carries out significant research and teaching that considers the world from a social perspective. We use the knowledge gained from our research into human behaviour to contribute to vital policy and practice that addresses contemporary social challenges.

These ever-present challenges range from social inequality and its implications for social mobility, education and health as well as violence, abuse, and the role of responses from bodies such as governments and agencies.

We offer postgraduate taught masters courses in Sociology, Social Work and Social Research Methods. We also offer masters by research and doctorates by research in the areas of Communities and Social Justice; Higher Education and Social Inequality; Violence and Abuse; Health and Social Theory; Criminal Justice, Social Harm and Inequalities.

Our academic staff have a vast pool of expertise in innovative and socially conscious research in areas ranging from Criminology and Sociology through Social Policy to Social Work and Community and Youth Work.

We are also home to prestigious research centres that are respected for the contribution they make to the field of sociology including the Centre for Social Justice and Community Action and the Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse.

For more information see our department pages.

Facilities

The Department is located in the centre of Durham. Our main building is 32 Old Elvet and is within walking distance of the Students’ Union, University Colleges and the city’s castle and cathedral.

The buildings include a student common space, networked computer access and our main teaching and learning offices.

Our University library is one of the best in northern Britain and offers a wide range of books, ebooks and journals that support all of our areas of study. We also make extensive use of Learn Ultra, the University’s virtual learning environment.

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