MSc

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Key Facts

Course Code M983

  • Qualification

    MSc

  • Course duration

    1 year

Available for September start 2025

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The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice at Aberystwyth University provides you with the opportunity to develop advanced analytical knowledge of criminological theory and criminal justice processes and outcomes. Building on learning at undergraduate level in criminology or a related subject area, it promotes and enhances a critical awareness of social science research methods and skills used to undertake real world research on crime, disorder and deviations from social norms. You will be equipped with a broad range of learning opportunities in research design and methodology, enabling you to conduct an independent piece of critical research in a related area of your choosing. With a wide range of exciting contemporary optional modules, you will obtain an applied insight in to how criminology intercedes a number of other disciplines and helps to inform criminal justice policy and practice. This is a stimulating and demanding programme, involving intensive learning in small groups, overseen by subject specialists and experts in the field.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2:2 Bachelors (Honours) degree in criminology or a related subject area, or equivalent.  Non-graduates will be considered individually based on relevant work experience.

English Language Requirements IELTS 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements Applicants are encouraged to submit an up-to-date CV as part of their application.

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Course Overview

The Department of Law & Criminology provides a stimulating learning environment where students can engage in rigorous academic enquiry and develop their own criminological interests and skills. The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice is premised on a core belief in the importance of application of theory to practice, and utilisation of robust empirical evidence to evaluate the outcomes. Students on this programme will have the opportunity to study the application of criminological theory to real life crime contexts, social problems and their management and prevention. This degree will provide an excellent opportunity to master knowledge and skills suited to professional environments and careers, including research and academia, government departments and criminal justice agencies, and voluntary organisations in the criminal justice sector.

About this course

Duration:

One year full-time or two year part-time. The academic year (September to September) is divided into three semesters: September to January; January to June; June to September.

Contact Time:

During the first two semesters you will normally have one 2-3 hour class per module per week. This consists of an integrated lecture and seminar time. You will also have the opportunity to meet with module co-ordinators for additional assistance and learner support during their office hours. Students are also invited to attend the weekly departmental research seminars led by academics in the Department, guest speakers and PhD students. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with their Personal Tutor and their assigned Dissertation Supervisor in Semester 3.

Assessment:

The assessment regime for this scheme has been carefully considered to enable the appropriate assessment of students as per the latest QAA Benchmarking Statement for Masters Degrees Criminology (2019) and in an effort to maximise the development of transferable graduate skills suitable for careers in research, criminal justice agencies and voluntary organisations in the crime and justice field. Across the schemes, students will be engage with a variety of assessment types.

Assessment types include (depending on module choice): essay and report writing; individual / group presentations; producing an academic article; facilitating a group workshop; design and development of a portfolio; production of a Podcast and a production of a Wiki. In Semester 3, students design, conduct and evaluate their own independent research in the dissertation module.

Course Fees:

Please see the tuition fee pages for current tuition fees. Please note that all fees are subject to an annual increase.

Funding:

Funding opportunities may be available, please check our funding calculator for details.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Graduates from this degree will leave with the professional knowledge and capacity to independently practice, reflect, review and build upon disciplinary expertise and judgement. The programme's teaching, learning and assessment requires students to develop ethical practice, critical analytical skills, research skills and presentation skills which will enable you to share your criminological expertise in both academic and professional settings.

Graduate career opportunities include (but not restricted to):

  • government departments and criminal justice agencies
  • voluntary organisations / non-governmental organisations in the crime and justice field
  • international organisations, such as the UN
  • research and academia.

Teaching & Learning

You will be provided with a stimulating learning environment, with small learning groups, conducive to a focused and personalised learning experience. Throughout the scheme, there is an emphasis on self-directed learning, engagement with the classical and contemporary criminological theory and debate, and application of core criminological perspectives and principles to specific areas of consideration.

The learning outcomes (knowledge and skills) are achieved through an integrated programme of lectures, seminars, supervisions, practical sessions, group work and the independent, guided reading and your own research efforts. Lectures introduce broad areas of theory and knowledge, which you will build upon in preparing for and participating in seminars. These seminars provide you with an opportunity to learn how to engage with, and reflect on, your modules in a supportive learning environment. You can draw on this experience when preparing and completing assessments. You will be supported in your learning through academic progress meetings with your personal tutor, as well as receiving feedback on progress from subject tutors.