Build on your knowledge and professional development to achieve the career you want in criminology
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Overview
Choose a programme to invest in your future with MSc Criminology
This MSc programme provides an opportunity for you to work within our dedicated psychology and criminology team, comprised of active researchers who have extensive experience, both academically and professionally, who look forward to helping you accomplish your ambitions.
Our research and practice-informed approach is designed to help you understand the complexities around the criminal justice system. By the end of the programme, you will have obtained transferrable skills and the practical knowledge to pursue your career.
Learn with the experts
Whether you’re a recent graduate or already embarking on your career journey, our MSc programme will be delivered by research-active academics and individuals who have led extensive careers in the criminology sector.
There will also be the opportunity to network and have taught sessions by a variety of guest speakers, which will give you the understanding of the various careers open to you as a postgraduate.
The Course
What you will study
Are you ready to challenge assumptions, explore the complexities of crime, and gain the skills needed to make a real-world impact? Our MSc Criminology programme is designed to equip you with advanced knowledge, transferrable skills, and professional expertise that open doors to diverse career opportunities.
- Career-Focused Learning
Our programme is designed with employability in mind, blending academic theory with practical application. Whether you aim to work in law enforcement, policy-making or academic research, our programme prepares you for success in a competitive job market.
- Multidisciplinary Approach
Explore the intersections of law, sociology, psychology and data science, to approach criminology from a variety of approaches, offering you a rounded view of this social science.
- Research Opportunities
Conduct your own independent research on topics that align with your interests in criminology and career goals.
Modules
Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
This module will equip students with an understanding of how the criminal justice system operates. From reporting crime to investigation, prosecution and beyond. You will obtain an understanding of the current issues facing the CJS, as well as, formulating links between criminological study and the formation of social policy.
Criminal Behaviour
This module will explore various criminological theory and research studies in relation to real-world case examples and the role of criminology in today’s understanding of different forms of crime. An exploration of current theory and use of critical evaluation should be applied in order for students to ascertain gaps and contradictions in current research.
Criminal Investigation
This module will apply current policing practices in the application of investigation for a variety of crimes inclusive of homicide, sexual violence and violent street crime. Students will obtain an understanding of what powers police have, their main roles within an investigation and the core principles of modern policing.
Penal Systems, Restorative Justice and Offender Management
This module will explore the functionality of the penal systems within England and Wales. We will explore how practitioners manage offenders, the complications they face and how they can overcome ethical challenges.
Victimology
This module will focus on victims’ lived experiences of crime and the treatment of individuals by not only the criminal justice system but also support agencies and society. Students will explore contemporary academic literature, media representation and relevant policies, to understand the extent of victimisation.
Advanced Research Methods and Approaches 1
The module is designed to equip students with a wide range of methodological skills to conduct research of high quality and impact in their chosen field, enabling students to become successful professional researchers.
Advanced Research Methods and Approaches 2
The module will engage students with an in-depth and critical knowledge of advanced applied research design and associated analytical techniques, developing an advanced understanding of cutting-edge applied research skills.
Independent Project
The dissertation will show evidence of the ability to identify problem areas, locate issues within a wider context, obtain relevant data, analyse findings, work within relevant theoretical/conceptual frameworks, synthesise complicated material, employ relevant and innovative research approaches, and present findings in an accessible manner with appropriate technical apparatus.
Teaching and Assessment
How you will learn
Be part of a close-knit community
The process of ‘action learning’ plays a crucial role in this programme and thus offers a solid platform for you to collaborate with peers, share insights and connect with them in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
Hybrid learning
Our modules are delivered online alongside face-to-face blocks at Bishop Otter Campus, Chichester. You will be taught through a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops and student-led learning.
Rigorous assessments
Assessments will differ across our modules and assignments includes coursework essays, project reports, group presentations and portfolios.
Meet programme coordinator Hollie Trollen
Hollie Trollen
Facilities
Use industry standard equipment
Specialist Advanced Research Software
Software for measuring and manipulating a broad range of psychological constructs, such as Inquisit, Qualtrics, Noldus Observer XT, E-prime, Superlab and Nvivo.
Learning Resource Centre
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) contains the library, a café, IT/teaching rooms, and the Support and Information Zone (SIZ).
Library
Our campus library holds more than 200,000 books and over 500,000 eBooks.
Careers
Where you could go after your studies
A career in Criminology
The primary focus of this MSc programme is to equip you with the knowledge and skills that you will need to become a successful practitioner in your chosen career.
The curriculum of the programme is not only designed to help students construct their understanding of criminology, but also encourages the development of positive efficacy beliefs which employers value.
Successful completion of the MSc Criminology means you will graduate with transferable skills suitable for working in sectors outside of psychology.
Transferrable skills:
- Knowledge of relevant legislation in England and Wales
- Knowledge of relevant and numerous policing strategies in England and Wales
- Knowledge of relevant professions related to criminology
- Knowledge of current offender management protocols
- Knowledge of safeguarding vulnerable persons through a variety of means
- Risk assessment skills
- Scientific reasoning
Successful completion of the MSc Criminology means you will graduate with transferable skills suitable for working in sectors outside criminology.
Career opportunities:
- Intelligence Analyst
- Police Detective
- Scenes of Crime Officer
- Paralegal
- Probation Services
- Court Reporter
- Youth Offending Team Officer
- Charity Sector Worker
- Social Worker
- Suitable preparation for undertaking a PhD in Criminology & Psychology and/or other postgraduate training
Course Costs
Course Fees 2025/26
UK fee
International fee
For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fee page.
For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.
University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.
To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.
Entry Requirements
- A minimum 2:2 (Hons) degree (or equivalent*) in a relevant subject (criminology, psychology, social science or humanities degree)
- An academic reference
- A personal statement outlining your interest in the MSc
- We would normally expect applicants to have Grade 4 / C in GCSE English and mathematics
- Applicants will also need to meet the minimum English language requirement of an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no component below 5.5, or an equivalent recognised test. Visit our English Language Requirements page for more information
Non-standard entry routes would be considered, for example, for those returning to academic study after a period of leave or who are already in full-time employment.
Contact
Are you interested in this course and would like to learn more? Please email Hollie Trollen on: h.trollen@chi.ac.uk for admissions queries.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Click the ‘Apply now’ button that can be in the Apply section of this page.
