MA Criminology

The University holds regular events throughout the year, including webinars and the annual on-campus Master's Expo, all of which offer the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses from our academic and admissions staff.

We also attend a number of education fairs both in the UK and overseas throughout the year.

For more details on how you can meet us, visit our events page: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/meet-us/

Please note, due to the high volume of applications we receive the course may close before the advertised deadline and as such, early application is advised.

If you meet our entry requirements but we are unable to make you an offer you may be placed on a waiting list. Candidates on a waiting list will receive an offer only if places become available.

Tackling complex problems of crime, including its causation and control, requires skilled thinkers. Our MA in Criminology will give you specialist knowledge of current themes and historical debates across various areas of criminology.

Our innovative course is taught by experts from sociological, legal, and psychological backgrounds with real-world experience. You’ll benefit from research-led teaching, as well as strong links to wider criminal justice professions and industry.

You’ll put the theory into practice from day one and develop intellectual, critical, and analytical skills needed for a successful career.

You’ll study core areas of criminological theory and research, including the relationships between criminology, criminal justice, and public policy.

Specialise in cutting edge topics such as the application of data science to crime; themes that relate to social responsibility such as youth offending, domestic violence, and modern slavery; and subjects that are traditionally ignored by criminologists, such as genocide.

Our course provides you with a strong foundation for careers in research, policy, advocacy and the wider criminal justice sector. You’ll gain a critical understanding of contemporary criminological issues, as well as vital transferable skills such as research, analysis, communication and independent thinking.

This course is eligible for the 1+3 studentship offered by the Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC) North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), offering a unique, fully-funded route into postgraduate research. If your application is successful, you’ll be able to seamlessly transition from master's-level study to a PhD. Find out more on our 1+3 ESRC NWSSDTP webpage .

This course aims to:

• Develop your intellectual, critical and analytic skills in the academic areas of criminology and criminal justice.
• Provide you a thorough understanding of the key theoretical and political positions and concepts within criminology and criminal justice, as well as the ability to use this knowledge in sophisticated ways in the critical assessment and development of public policy and interventions.
• Provide you with the opportunity to explore a range of optional courses in particular areas of study that are either professionally relevant or of academic interest.
• Improve your quantitative and qualitative research method skills in a way that is consistent with the demands of the discipline and the professional market.
• Develop your appreciation for interdisciplinary studies as the only way to confront the complexity of our object of study, an interest in the applied dimension of scientific knowledge and the awareness of the ethical implications of the scientific criminological project.
• Enhance your transferable skills including proficiency in oral and written communication; the capacity for independent learning; the ability to reflect on the ethical and ideological components of your work; and the capacity for working co-operatively with others to produce professional outputs in a timely fashion.
• Develop criminological knowledge and research skills for the writing of a master's dissertation.

A prestigious department

You will study in a department which has set the foundations in several areas of criminological study. Professor Ken Pease received an OBE for his service to crime prevention; Professors Russell and Rebecca Dobash are known as pioneers in the study of intimate partner violence; and Professor Howard Parker changed the way we think about drug-use.

Real-world impact

We put theory into practice. Our academics and students are dedicated to shaping policymaking and practice nationally and internationally in diverse areas including drug policy, domestic abuse, and policing. We work closely with government, civic organisations like the police, and private companies to advise and effect meaningful change.

The MA in Criminology is taught by an interdisciplinary team using a variety of delivery methods:

• lectures;
• workshops;
• student-led presentations and debate;
• group work;
• individual research.

Most course units are assessed by 3,500-word essay, or by essay and presentation.

The highlight of my course has been taking Data Analysis and Crime Mapping course units. Both areas have opened many opportunities for me in the field of criminology.

Prerna Meshram, Criminology MA

As a School of Social Sciences student, you are supported by first-class resources.

As well as access to networked study areas and one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the country, The University of Manchester Library .

The University of Manchester is the most targeted university by the UK’s top graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2026).

Our MA Criminology gives you the specialist knowledge and skills required for a range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors, such as in:

• academia;
• local or national governments;
• social agencies such as the police, probation services and social work;
• the voluntary sector and NGO’s.

You will acquire vital skills relevant to many different sectors and roles, such as data analysis, qualitative and quantitative research design, academic writing, communication and teamwork. You could also progress to a PhD in Criminology at Manchester or another university.

Our highly skilled graduates go on to succeed in areas such as:

• the Civil Service;
• think tanks and pressure groups;
• social research;
• business and management;
• data analysis;
• academia and teaching

Careers support

At Manchester you will have access to a number of  opportunities to help boost your employability , such as careers fairs, employer presentations, and workshops through the University’s dedicated  Careers Service . As a student at Manchester, you would have full access to this service during your studies and for two years after you graduate.

Professional accreditation / exemptions

This course is an ESRC recognised 1+3 doctoral training course.