13 Best Criminology Master's Degree Programs in United Kingdom for 2024

If you are in a career that addresses crime-related harm, or you want to get into this important arena, our MSc in Criminology, Risk and Safeguarding could be an ideal option for you.

Can you eliminate the impossible to find the truth, however improbable? Whether you’re pursuing a career as a consulting detective or a more conventional route into the world of criminology, Applied Criminology at Winchester equips you with the skills and knowledge to enter your chosen profession. Explore the fascinating and complex world of crime, deviance, security and insecurity as they relate to careers in crime prevention, detection and security and research. Develop your understanding of criminological concepts and methods and how they’re used in professional contexts, with opportunities to gain direct experience through a work placement or internship. Complete advanced training in criminological research methods relevant to applied settings, in keeping with our ethos of active and engaged learning.

Our Master's in International Criminology is ideal if you're already working in criminal justice, crime prevention, youth offending, child protection, victim support, or forensics. The course is well-suited to anyone looking to extend their knowledge of criminology and broaden their understanding in an international context.

Our Masters highlights international perspectives on criminology and criminal justice. We're ranked 1st in Scotland and Top 5 in the UK for Criminology (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023).

Earn a Masters in Criminological Research from Scotland’s top-ranked university for Criminology (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023). Gain expert training in the latest methods and approaches.

The MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice challenges students to engage with contemporary issues faced by the criminal justice system from both a criminological and legal perspective. This course is designed to equip students with the conceptual tools needed to engage with such issues, imparting a broad range of cognitive, analytical, and general transferable skills including judging and evaluating evidence, interpreting data, generating and synthesising information, and formulating reasoned arguments. Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. This qualification must have been obtained prior to submitting your application. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page. If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

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.

UCLan’s MA Criminology programme offers you a flexible approach to developing your skills and knowledge to enhance your employability in this fascinating and growing area of study. Our course covers a wide range of current issues that are the subject of public and policy concern, both in the domestic UK system or globally.

The MA Criminology: Crime and Victimisation address contemporary issues within the study of crime, community safety and criminal justice. It will enable you to develop specialist knowledge of the current trends and historical debates surrounding crime causation, crime control and regulation in the UK and internationally.

The Master of Arts in Criminology and Social Policy is aiming to enable students to develop an advanced understanding of cutting-edge developments in the fields of criminology and social policy, with a particular focus upon their intersection through the processes of criminalization and the workings of institutions of (in)justice; enable students to develop a critical awareness of the theoretical and empirical relationships between power and social divisions as they relate to the fields of criminology and social policy; help students develop a critical understanding of the social, political and historical processes that affect the ways in which crimes and harms are perpetrated and responded to locally, nationally and internationally; prepare students to develop critical discussion and analysis of complex concepts and to work independently and with some originality; present students with the opportunity to engage in a sustained piece of in-depth research work which demonstrates an advanced understanding and application of the methodology, method and analysis; enhance the critical, analytic, research and employability skills of students working within or aspiring to work within Criminology and Social Policy related professions.

This unique MA Serious and Violent Crime will impart essential practical leadership skills for understanding, investigating, and responding to serious and violent crimes. The full flexibility of the course has been specifically designed to help you fit your career progression around your professional life. Using case studies, you will critically analyse a wide range of criminological topics within the remit of serious and violent crime, such as terrorism, sexual offences, and the dark web.

Our MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology Masters offers an advanced qualification that’s designed to equip graduates with a thorough understanding of cutting-edge and important topics within criminology and criminal psychology. Throughout the course you will improve your skills in critical reasoning, communication and leadership, all of which will enhance your potential in future roles related to criminology. Shorter PG Cert and PG Dip options are also available.

Learn more about the criminal mind and critical issues in the criminal justice system, with this 100% online, part-time course. Throughout this course, you’ll explore thought-provoking topics such as developmental science, offender profiling and forensic psychology. There’s also a strong emphasis on the importance of evidence-based practice, along with integrating psychological theory to understand, reduce and prevent offending behaviour. Shorter CertHE option is also available.