University of Leicester

Criminology MSc

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

The MSc in Criminology will provide you with an in-depth theoretical and applied understanding of crime, deviance, offenders, and victims and will enable you to focus on your particular area of interest. You will gain the knowledge and skills sought by the broad spectrum of agencies associated with the criminal justice process. The course will provide you with a thorough insight into the criminal justice system and develop your critical awareness of historical debates, theories and research in criminology and victimology.

You will also examine the current political, economic and social context of relevant debates on crime in the UK and abroad. The course has been prepared by lecturers who are at the forefront of research in this field. Our selection of option modules allows you to specialise in areas of interest that relate to your professional needs.

This degree will develop your capacity for imaginative, rigorous and critical thinking. As well as gaining specific knowledge of the social processes of crime, criminalisation and the criminal justice system, you will strengthen your ability to understand and use different types of evidence. You will develop transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers, including the ability to present and develop a cohesive argument, communicate information to academic and non-academic audiences, conduct research and identify solutions to theoretical and research problems.

Candidates should normally possess a First or Second Class honours degree from a British University or equivalent international academic qualifications. It is expected that this would usually be in Criminology or a cognate discipline. Comparable professional qualifications or experience will be considered.

However, where more clarity is required applicants will be asked to undertake a short written assessment. IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.

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Key highlights

  • Theoretical and applied study of crime, deviance, offenders and victims
  • Thorough insight into the criminal justice system and victimology
  • Option modules let you specialise around your professional needs
  • Taught by lecturers at the forefront of criminology research
  • Examines crime debates in UK and international contexts
  • Builds research, argument and communication skills valued by employers

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2nd class — or above

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount

    You are entitled to a discount of 20% of the new course fee.

    Up to 20% of fees
  • Chancellor's International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000
  • Chevening Scholarship

  • Chevening-Leicester Partner Scholarship

  • Distance Learning (DL) Sanctuary Awards

  • Distance Learning Merit Scholarship

    The awards available are: MA: £800, PGDip: £500, PGCert: £300

  • International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship

    International Merit Scholarship worth a tuition fee discount of £5,000.

  • Leicester Postgraduate Partnership Scholarship

    Enjoy a 20% fee discount on a selection of postgraduate taught courses at either University of Leicester or De Montfort University.

    Up to 20% of fees

Careers this course leads to

  • Probation officer
  • Police officer
  • Crime analyst
  • Victim support officer
  • Criminal justice policy officer
  • Criminology researcher

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,800 | International: £19,400

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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