Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc

Duration

13 Months

13 Months

2 Years

2 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Do you want to work in criminal justice sector? Do you already work in the sector and want to advance your career? Do you want to further your education and follow your passion for criminology? Whatever the reason, our Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc is for you.

Our MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice has been designed for both graduates and practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of the debates surrounding crime and the criminal justice system. It offers an exciting opportunity to study both theoretical criminology and the more applied aspects of criminal justice.

We provide an engaging and flexible educational experience to a diverse range of students by utilising a wide range of learning and teaching methods and technologies. The course is highly participative; while teaching and learning sessions will provide periods of structured teaching, they will also provide a forum within which you will take responsibility for your own learning and share your knowledge and views with other students and staff.

Throughout the course, there is a focus on research and we will help you develop the capability to design, manage and disseminate a research project to a professional standard.

This course can be studied full-time or part-time and on campus or via distance learning. 

Our MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice has been designed for both graduates and practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of the debates surrounding crime and the criminal justice system. It offers an exciting opportunity to study both theoretical criminology and the more applied aspects of criminal justice.

We provide an engaging and flexible educational experience to a diverse range of students by utilising a wide range of learning and teaching methods and technologies. The course is highly participative; while teaching and learning sessions will provide periods of structured teaching, they will also provide a forum within which you will take responsibility for your own learning and share your knowledge and views with other students and staff.

Throughout the course, there is a focus on research and we will help you develop the capability to design, manage and disseminate a research project to a professional standard.

This full-time course is studied via distance learning. We also have a distance-learning part-time course or a full-time and part-time on-campus course, if you prefer to be taught face to face.

Our MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice has been designed for both graduates and practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of the debates surrounding crime and the criminal justice system. It offers an exciting opportunity to study both theoretical criminology and the more applied aspects of criminal justice.

We provide an engaging and flexible educational experience to a diverse range of students by utilising a wide range of learning and teaching methods and technologies. The course is highly participative; while teaching and learning sessions will provide periods of structured teaching, they will also provide a forum within which you will take responsibility for your own learning and share your knowledge and views with other students and staff.

Throughout the course, there is a focus on research and we will help you develop the capability to design, manage and disseminate a research project to a professional standard.

This part-time course is studied on campus, however you can also choose to study the course full-time on campus or part-time or full-time via distance learning. 

Our MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice has been designed for both graduates and practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of the debates surrounding crime and the criminal justice system. It offers an exciting opportunity to study both theoretical criminology and the more applied aspects of criminal justice.

We provide an engaging and flexible educational experience to a diverse range of students by utilising a wide range of learning and teaching methods and technologies. The course is highly participative; while teaching and learning sessions will provide periods of structured teaching, they will also provide a forum within which you will take responsibility for your own learning and share your knowledge and views with other students and staff.

Throughout the course, there is a focus on research and we will help you develop the capability to design, manage and disseminate a research project to a professional standard.

This part-time course is taught via distance learning. You can also study the full time-course via distance learning, or full-time or part-time on campus. 

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice

Part-time study

You can study this course full-time over 1 year or part-time over 2 years.

Part-time study

You can study this course full-time over 1 year or part-time over 2 years.

Distance learning

This course is studied full-time via distance learning. 

Part-time study

This part time course is studied over 2 years. 

Part-time study

This course is studied part-time over 2 years.

Distance learning

This course is a distance-learning course.

Course content

During the course, you'll develop an understanding of the organising categories and central claims of a range of modern criminological perspectives of crime and social control. Not only this, you'll gain a thorough grounding in the criminological understanding of criminal justice/penal institutions and processes.

During the later stages of the course, you'll learn the challenges and the opportunities that different methods of data collection have for validity and reliability of data. You'll also use your experience of working (or volunteering) in a criminal justice role to inform your study and consider your own personal skills, values and attributes.

To finish the course you'll create a research project, which will take the form of a 15,000 word dissertation, this will relate to a key question, issue and problem within Criminology and/or Criminal Justice be supervised by an expert member of our academic staff.

On the successful completion of each level of study (PgCert, PgDip, MSc) you will have the option to either progress to the next level of study or leave the programme with the qualification that reflects the total amount of credits successfully completed. Available qualifications are as follows:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice (60 credits)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Justice (120 credits)
  • MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice (180 credits)

During the course, you'll develop an understanding of the organising categories and central claims of a range of modern criminological perspectives of crime and social control. Not only this, you'll gain a thorough grounding in the criminological understanding of criminal justice/penal institutions and processes.

During the later stages of the course, you'll learn the challenges and the opportunities that different methods of data collection have for validity and reliability of data. You'll also use your experience of working (or volunteering) in a criminal justice role to inform your study and consider your own personal skills, values and attributes.

To finish the course you'll create a research project, which will take the form of a 15,000 word dissertation, this will relate to a key question, issue and problem within Criminology and/or Criminal Justice be supervised by an expert member of our academic staff.

On the successful completion of each level of study (PgCert, PgDip, MSc) you will have the option to either progress to the next level of study or leave the programme with the qualification that reflects the total amount of credits successfully completed. Available qualifications are as follows:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice (60 credits)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Justice (120 credits)
  • MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice (180 credits)

Academic year

During the course, you'll develop an understanding of the organising categories and central claims of a range of modern criminological perspectives of crime and social control. Not only this, you'll gain a thorough grounding in the criminological understanding of criminal justice/penal institutions and processes.

During the later stages of the course, you'll learn the challenges and the opportunities that different methods of data collection have for validity and reliability of data. You'll also use your experience of working (or volunteering) in a criminal justice role to inform your study and consider your own personal skills, values and attributes.

To finish the course you'll create a research project, which will take the form of a 15,000 word dissertation, this will relate to a key question, issue and problem within Criminology and/or Criminal Justice be supervised by an expert member of our academic staff.

On the successful completion of each level of study (PgCert, PgDip, MSc) you will have the option to either progress to the next level of study or leave the programme with the qualification that reflects the total amount of credits successfully completed. Available qualifications are as follows:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice (60 credits)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Justice (120 credits)
  • MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice (180 credits)

Academic year

During the course, you'll develop an understanding of the organising categories and central claims of a range of modern criminological perspectives of crime and social control. Not only this, you'll gain a thorough grounding in the criminological understanding of criminal justice/penal institutions and processes.

During the later stages of the course, you'll learn the challenges and the opportunities that different methods of data collection have for validity and reliability of data. You'll also use your experience of working (or volunteering) in a criminal justice role to inform your study and consider your own personal skills, values and attributes.

To finish the course you'll create a research project, which will take the form of a 15,000 word dissertation, this will relate to a key question, issue and problem within Criminology and/or Criminal Justice be supervised by an expert member of our academic staff.

On the successful completion of each level of study (PgCert, PgDip, MSc) you will have the option to either progress to the next level of study or leave the programme with the qualification that reflects the total amount of credits successfully completed. Available qualifications are as follows:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice (60 credits)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Justice (120 credits)
  • MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice (180 credits)

Academic year

MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice - Postgraduate Webinar Series - Friday 11 July 2025

Event

Join our postgrad webinar—focused on Criminology but also covering related courses in Sociology and Transnational Crime.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Advanced Criminological Theory 20 credits
Contemporary Issues In Criminology And Criminal Justice 40 credits
Postgraduate Project 60 credits
Researching Crime And Society 40 credits
Show 2 optional modules

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Contemporary Issues In Criminology And Criminal Justice 40 credits
Researching Crime And Society 40 credits
Show 2 optional modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Criminological Theory 20 credits
Postgraduate Project 60 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Criminological Theory Dl 20 credits
Postgraduate Project 60 credits

Entry requirements

You’ll normally be expected to hold a relevant honours degree with at least a 2:2 from a recognised university or body.   

If you have an undergraduate degree in Sociology, Law, Criminal Justice, Forensic Investigation, or a related discipline you will be eligible to apply for this course. 

If students do not have the required qualification but have professional experience, we would encourage you to apply as we consider all applications on their individual merit.  Similarly, if you are unsure whether your degree would be appropriate, please contact our enquiries team who will be able to assist you.

You’ll normally be expected to hold a relevant honours degree with at least a 2:2 from a recognised university or body.   

If you have an undergraduate degree in Sociology, Law, Criminal Justice, Forensic Investigation, or a related discipline you will be eligible to apply for this course. 

If students do not have the required qualification but have professional experience, we would encourage you to apply as we consider all applications on their individual merit.  Similarly, if you are unsure whether your degree would be appropriate, please contact our enquiries team who will be able to assist you.

You’ll normally be expected to hold a relevant honours degree with at least a 2:2 from a recognised university or body.   

If you have an undergraduate degree in Sociology, Law, Criminal Justice, Forensic Investigation, or a related discipline you will be eligible to apply for this course. 

If students do not have the required qualification but have professional experience, we would encourage you to apply as we consider all applications on their individual merit.  Similarly, if you are unsure whether your degree would be appropriate, please contact our enquiries team who will be able to assist you.

You’ll normally be expected to hold a relevant honours degree with at least a 2:2 from a recognised university or body.   

If you have an undergraduate degree in Sociology, Law, Criminal Justice, Forensic Investigation, or a related discipline you will be eligible to apply for this course. 

If students do not have the required qualification but have professional experience, we would encourage you to apply as we consider all applications on their individual merit.  Similarly, if you are unsure whether your degree would be appropriate, please contact our enquiries team who will be able to assist you.

VIDEO: REF results interview – Professor Kevin Hetherington

REF results interview – Professor Kevin Hetherington

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Mock Courtrooms

One room is designed as a crown courtroom and the other for cases at magistrates’ court. Read more

Students can present legal arguments, act as expert witnesses, or take part in mooting.

Our digitally enabled mock court rooms are designed to create simulated scenarios for students to put theory in to practice and gain confidence, skills and knowledge to take forward in to their career. 

One room is designed as a crown courtroom and the other for cases at magistrates’ court. Students can present legal arguments, act as expert witnesses, or take part in mooting. Each space includes a dock, lawyers’ area and a bench for the judge or magistrates.

The courtrooms are used by a wide range of students from different perspectives including law students, policing, forensics, international relations and more, to give practice with not only mooting but also in presenting evidence and various other aspects of trials.

In our video, learn about simulation in our Mock Court Room, used by students to practice their skills to prepare them for their future career.
Watch video View virtual tour

Libraries

We have Libraries and service desks at both sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Our experienced and friendly staff can answer your IT queries, help you to access resources, show you how to research for your assignments and help with referencing.

Lifelike living space

The lifellike living space in Ashley 2 lets you practice your skills in a variety of non-clinical settings, including bedroom, bathroom, lounge and bedsit. Read more

Bedrooms:

The bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and is used for simulated crime scenes where students can practise investigative skills or social work and healthcare can use the space for urgent situations and interviews.

Lounges:

The lounges have a homely feel, with comfy furniture and framed photos. Students can use these spaces for policing or forensic investigations. Social work and healthcare can also use the space for realistic interviews and clinical emergencies.

Bathroom:

The bathroom provides a lifelike backdrop for students to practise their skills. It can be used a range of simulation scenarios, such as domestic crime scenes or clinical emergencies.

Bedsit:

With a kitchen diner, bedroom and bathroom, the bedsit provides a lifelike backdrop for students to practise their skills. Scenarios can range from gathering evidence at simulated crime scenes to dealing with clinical emergencies.
Watch video

Custody suite

There is a front desk where suspects are booked in after arrest. Read more

Other features include equipment for measuring height and taking fingerprints and custody photos, along with evidence bags and lockers for personal belongings.
Watch video

Prison cell

With its single bed and toilet, this space can be arranged as a holding cell for detainees. It’s where students can practise offender management techniques. The room can also be turned into a more long-term prison cell.

Watch video

Shop simulation space

The is ideal for simulated commercial crime scenes, where students can collect evidence and speak to witnesses or victims. Read more

They can also learn about retail law and deal with medical emergencies that occur to customers in the retail space. The space includes shelves, a counter and a small café. It’s ideal for simulated commercial crime scenes, where students can collect evidence and speak to witnesses or victims. They can also learn about retail law and deal with medical emergencies that occur to customers in the retail space.
Watch video

Office simulation space

The office space is kitted out with computers and desks, making it ideal for students’ digital forensic investigations. Read more

Students from a range of courses can also practise their interview skills using an appropriate scenario. 
Watch video

Outdoor simulation space

This area is used for forensic investigations, such as examining vehicles after crashes or collecting evidence from a crime scene. It can also double up as a clinical simulation area, with space for our training ambulance.

Watch video

Careers

The MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice is designed for anyone working in or wanting to work in any of the many criminal justice professions, such as:

  • prisons
  • probation
  • police
  • national security agencies
  • voluntary organisations

It can also lead onto further research with an MPhil or PhD.

 

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

School of Justice, Security and Sustainability Blog

Blog

Read the latest blog post from different areas of the school

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice is taught by an interdisciplinary team of research-active and experienced lecturers using a variety of delivery methods: lectures, workshops, student-led presentations and debate, group work and individual research.

The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice is taught by an interdisciplinary team of research-active and experienced lecturers using a variety of delivery methods: lectures, workshops, student-led presentations and debate, group work and individual research.

The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice is taught by an interdisciplinary team of research-active and experienced lecturers using a variety of delivery methods: lectures, workshops, student-led presentations and debate, group work and individual research.

The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice is taught by an interdisciplinary team of research-active and experienced lecturers using a variety of delivery methods: lectures, workshops, student-led presentations and debate, group work and individual research.

Assessment

On the MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice, you will be assessed through a range of coursework, including writing a short journal article, producing a podcast or delivering a presentation, writing a work placement report, producing a dissertation research proposal and finally producing a Masters research dissertation. There are no traditional examinations as we believe Masters level work is best assessed through more expressive and creative assessments that have real-life application.

On the MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice, you will be assessed through a range of coursework, including writing a short journal article, producing a podcast or delivering a presentation, writing a work placement report, producing a dissertation research proposal and finally producing a Masters research dissertation. There are no traditional examinations as we believe Masters level work is best assessed through more expressive and creative assessments that have real-life application.

On the MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice, you will be assessed through a range of coursework, including writing a short journal article, producing a podcast or delivering a presentation, writing a work placement report, producing a dissertation research proposal and finally producing a Masters research dissertation. There are no traditional examinations as we believe Masters level work is best assessed through more expressive and creative assessments that have real-life application.

On the MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice, you will be assessed through a range of coursework, including writing a short journal article, producing a podcast or delivering a presentation, writing a work placement report, producing a dissertation research proposal and finally producing a Masters research dissertation. There are no traditional examinations as we believe Masters level work is best assessed through more expressive and creative assessments that have real-life application.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress and to improve. Formal feedback will be given for each assessment you submit but you will also receive formative feedback throughout the course.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress and to improve. Formal feedback will be given for each assessment you submit but you will also receive formative feedback throughout the course.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress and to improve. Formal feedback will be given for each assessment you submit but you will also receive formative feedback throughout the course.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress and to improve. Formal feedback will be given for each assessment you submit but you will also receive formative feedback throughout the course.

Staff

You will be taught be dedicated and research active lecturers, whose expertise and knowledge closely match the content of the course. Each of our team has a PhD, or is working towards one, and all are members of the Higher Education Authority. Each of our team has extensive contacts within the Criminal Justice System and/or local community partnerships.

Dr Arta Jalili-Idrissi

Lecturer

Arta is a critical criminologist and Lecturer in Criminology at Staffordshire University. Arta's main areas of interest are imprisonment, carceral space and technology, penalty and social control.

Arta's profile

Professor James Treadwell

Professor In Criminology

James became a Professor in Criminology at Staffordshire University in 2017. His expertise are in violent, professional and organised crime; prisons, prison violence and victimisation; drugs and crime; Ethnography; Crime and the Military.

James's profile

Louis Martin

Senior Lecturer

Louis worked for Derbyshire Constabulary before becoming Head of the Roads Policing Unit and Detective Inspector for Derby City Centre. He is Course Leader for Criminal Justice with Offender Management.

Louis's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,165 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,165 per course £9,165 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £9,135 per course £9,135 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in the fees:
Not included in the fees:
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Our students

This is now my fifth consecutive year at Staffordshire University across three different courses. It has almost become like a second home to me. The thing about Staffs is that you can tell the lecturers really care about you, they get to know you and take an interest in you.

Since graduating from my LLB and my PGCE, I have kept in touch with a lot of my old lecturers and they are always interested to hear how I’ve been. I have been invited back to give guest lectures at the university. I think, if I hadn’t come to Staffs, I would not have got these opportunities elsewhere.

Charlie Lovatt

MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021