Course summary
This degree is for independent, critical thinkers who want to work, or are working, within criminal justice or want to undertake further research. Many of our students have undergraduate criminology degrees, and come from universities across the world. Often they want to continue their learning or specialise within a specific subject area. Students also come from other science, humanities and legal backgrounds and from within the criminal justice system. Research methods form a key component of the programme so having an interest in data collection and analysis is valuable. We live in a criminogenic global society; one that is producing new forms of crime, and new criminal opportunities. City’s Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc course unpicks the power of the criminological imagination within this society. This is not a Masters that focuses purely on criminal justice or crime control – instead we emphasise cutting-edge theoretical analysis and methodological training, so you can research the contemporary significance of crime and see how it can be a powerful marker of social and institutional change. This degree offers a distinctive perspective on the relationship between criminology and human rights violations. It is global in outlook because, by its nature, crime is transnational and is taught by eminent criminologists who author the books that appear on reading lists across the country.
Modules
You will take two 30-credit compulsory core modules and one 15-credit elective core module. Your choice of elective modules will hone your degree towards your own area of interest. In the final part of the course you take part in a dissertation workshop and produce a dissertation over the summer period. Core Modules
- Analysing crime (30 credits) This module will introduce you to the main theoretical perspectives used in criminology and will provide you with the conceptual knowledge to formulate a critical understanding of developments in crime and crime control.
- Criminal justice policy and practice (30 credits) - This module focuses on the formulation of crime and justice policy within Britain. It will take you through the main areas of criminal justice policy and highlight the political climates when key developments in the criminal justice system occurred.
- Research Design, Methods and Methodology (15 credits) - This module will provide you with a broad overview and understanding of a range of methodological approaches to empirical research, their characteristics, strengths and limitations, and the processes involved in putting them into practice
Assessment method
The majority of postgraduate sociology modules are assessed by coursework. However, if you choose to study some modules outside of the Department of Sociology and Criminology you may have different assessment methods so please check this carefully. In the first and second term from September to April, you will learn through lectures, interactive workshops and seminars. This is supported by insight from visitors such as external criminologists or practitioners. You can ask questions, debate ideas and present your own evidence around particular arguments. We encourage you to use the dissertation research to explore specialist areas of criminal justice and network with useful contacts. London is an ideal environment to seek out respected relevant institutions and initiatives. Most modules are assessed by coursework but the opportunity to study modules outside the department can involve different assessment methods. Our course has an emphasis on theoretical analysis and methodological training, allowing you to research the significance of a crime and identify how it might mark social and institutional change.
Entry requirements
Applicants will normally have an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent. We also encourage applications from students with significant professional experience in a field of employment or research related to criminology and criminal justice. If English is not your first language you will need the following qualification: - IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.5 for each sub-test) OR - A first degree from a UK university or an overseas institution recognised by City as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language, for example, from institutions in Australia or the USA. All applicants that require a Student visa must meet the minimum Home Office English Language ability requirements before City can issue the Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS) that is needed to apply for a Student visa.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £18055 | Year 1 |
| International | £18055 | Year 1 |
| England | £11361 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11361 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11361 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11361 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
City, University of London
Northampton Square
City of London
EC1V 0HB