Criminology and Criminal Justice

The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice is a 1 year full-time course which may also be taken part-time over 2 years.

The course is taught by lectures, seminar discussion, workshops and presentations, and in some optional research methods modules there are computer-based practicals. ‘Prisons, Crime and Criminal Justice’ is an innovative module taught within a prison using the Inside-Out dialogical pedagogy that emphasises transformative education. It involves University students learning together with prisoners, completing the same readings and assessments, as well as group work and group projects.

For this module you will need to undertake security clearance and mandatory prison training before being allowed to enter the prison and eligibility to register on this module is dependent on these being successfully undertaken.

The MSc course is research-led at its core. For example, the compulsory module ’Criminology: Theory and Critical Issues' links explicitly with the research activities of the criminology staff. The module ‘Gender Violence and Abuse’ also links with the current research activities of the Department’s research group of the same name. You will subsequently undertake a 60 credit dissertation on a topic of your choice, supervised by staff who are actively researching in a relevant area. While this module is intended to afford an opportunity for a significant piece of independent and original research, it includes up to six hours of regular supervision which takes place typically from the end of term 2. You will also participate in two workshops usually alongside others researching in similar areas.

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)
2. Two academic references (it is the applicant's responsibility to obtain their references from their referees).

English language requirements

Full Time Fees

Part Time Fees

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Our degrees are an excellent foundation for careers in a wide range of sectors, including health and welfare, the Civil Service, local government, the voluntary sector, banking and academia.

We support students in gaining excellent employability skills. As well as pursuing further study, recent graduates have proceeded to careers with a range of high-profile employers.

We are a leading international centre of excellence in applied social research that shapes and informs social policy and practice. We enhance individual, community and social wellbeing, promote social inclusion, and form the foundations of research-led education. We have expanded over time to provide a focus for collaboration across the related academic disciplines of applied sociology, criminology and social work.

For more information see our department pages.

Rankings

• World Top 150 in the QS World University Subject Rankings for Sociology 2022
• 3rd in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2023
• 5th in The Complete University Guide 2023
• 6th in The Guardian University Guide 2023

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Department of Sociology pages.

Research Excellence Framework

• We are 4th in the UK for research impact (REF 2021)

Facilities

Our Departmental buildings are located in the centre of Durham City and we teach, supervise and meet students in these. Our main office building is in 32 Old Elvet and includes 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 is well resourced with books, ebooks and journals supporting all of our areas of study. College libraries also hold copies of some of the main textbooks.

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