MSc in Criminology

Why study this course?

Our Criminology MSc degree will allow you to develop an advanced knowledge of crime and offenders, as well as assess contemporary trends and concepts in criminal justice policy and community safety. You'll explore approaches to crime control within the community and penal institutions to gain the skills required to conduct research within the field of crime and criminal justice. This level of knowledge can prepare you for doctoral study or research posts within the criminal justice arena, but it's also ideal for consolidating your professional experience.

The course looks at criminology from both a theoretical and an applied perspective, covering areas including criminal justice, prisons, crime prevention, and crime and offender patterns.

You’ll apply research methods and techniques such as assessing patterns in specific forms of crimes and offending behaviour and considering the prevalence, characteristics and typologies of specific types of offence. You’ll also critically assess recent and current policies and practices regarding crime control and community safety. Option modules will allow you to develop a specialism in a field that interests you, such as intelligence analysis, psychology and crime, sexual violence, terrorism and counter-terrorism, and urban patterns.

London Met invites visiting professors and experts in criminal justice and criminal areas to the University to share their expertise. These guest visits complement the knowledge of our academics who are actively engaged in areas of research including street crime, gangs and police body cameras. Their expertise will support you when undertaking your dissertation in criminology and criminal justice.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, making sound judgements in the absence of complete data and communicating your conclusions clearly.

Based in one of the world's most exciting capital cities, London Met is home to a welcoming community of inspiring and determined learners, teachers and innovative thinkers.

We offer a wide range of courses, from undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to short courses and professional qualifications, many of which are available to study full-time or part-time to best suit your needs and lifestyle.

Our History

London Metropolitan University has a rich history with strong educational roots dating back to 1848.

The University as it is today was created in 2002 with the merging of London Guildhall University and the University of North London, the first merger between two universities in the UK. Its roots, however, lie firmly in the nineteenth century with the establishment of the Metropolitan Evening Classes for Young Men in 1848.

In 1848 the then Bishop of London called upon the clergy to set up evening classes to improve the "moral, intellectual and spiritual condition of young men in the metropolis". The Metropolitan Evening Classes for Young Men was thus born and later became the City of London College and then the City of London Polytechnic. In 1992, it was awarded university status and adopted the name London Guildhall University.

Holloway campus

Over the past 100 years, our north London campus has developed into a modern, progressive centre with a strong reputation for widening access to education.

This campus began life in 1896 as the Northern Polytechnic Institute. By 1900, student numbers had doubled and later the Institute's evening degrees were recognised by the University of London. In 1992 the Polytechnic of North London won the right to the title of University and the ability to award its own degrees.

Our academic structure

The University's academic structure is made up of five schools, with each of our courses taught within one of these schools. If you're looking to study with us, you can find out which school your course is managed under by checking the relevant course page.

Students studying in any of our academic schools have access to all our communal facilities (such as libraries, social spaces, cafés and eateries). Many of our schools also have areas of expertise that mean you use specialist facilities and resources as part of your course. Our schools have links to relevant businesses in sectors related to their specialist subject areas, and academics and PhD students within each of our schools also undertake important research that's making a difference in communities locally, nationally and beyond.

• The School of Art, Architecture and Design: Internationally recognised for high-quality teaching, excellent facilities and unique opportunities.
• Guildhall School of Business and Law: Offering a dynamic and relevant portfolio of business and law courses.
• School of Computing and Digital Media: Offering qualifications in subjects from creative technologies to electronics.
• School of Human Sciences: Offering a wide range of courses in subjects including science, dietetics, and sport.
• School of Social Sciences and Professions: Demonstrating the relevance of the social sciences and professions as a tool for effecting societal change.