Course summary

Examine real-life case studies of serious crime and the methods used to police it. Gain the skills and knowledge you need for a career in criminal justice. Learn from criminal justice practitioners how serious crime is detected and policed. On our MA Criminology you’ll explore the practice and theory of criminal activities and investigate issues such as organised illicit trade and criminal enterprise. You’ll study case studies of criminal activities including financial crime, human trafficking and violence prevention. As a Criminology Masters student at ARU you’ll also engage with our Policing Institute for the Eastern Region, which has links to local and regional forces and policing bodies, and to chief officers at local and national level. On this postgraduate Criminology degree you’ll examine different theoretical standpoints. This will give you an understanding of various Western legal and social traditions and how they compare to each other. You’ll have the opportunity to specialise in areas of particular interest, such as the nature of violence, terrorism and policing transnational crime. Most teaching takes place in research-seminar format. This will enable you to develop critical thinking, but your learning will be also be supported by lectures, guest speakers and workshops. Study in Cambridge and take the opportunity to contribute to our research seminar series, go on field trips and attend our annual Criminology Conference. You can study part-time or while you work: our postgraduate courses fit into your life. Throughout the course you’ll be supported by our close community of students and experienced teaching staff, as well as dedicated social media groups. Careers Our MA Criminology will prepare you for many criminal justice-related careers, such as the immigration and border agencies, the Police, the Prison Service, the National Probation Service, youth justice, the Home Office, the court system, violence prevention or social policy and research. Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our Criminology PhD. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.