MA Criminology

The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses.

See open days for more information.

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 Criminology will give you specialist knowledge of current themes and historical debates across various areas of criminology. You’ll put the theory into practice from day one and develop intellectual, critical, and analytical skills needed for a successful career.

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 study core areas of criminological theory and research, including the relationships between criminology, criminal justice, and public policy. A broad selection of optional course units allow you to explore specialist topics in depth, such as:

• Crime mapping and spatial analysis;
• White collar and corporate crime;
• Crime and networks;
• Prisons in the UK.

See a full list of mandatory and optional course units below.

The course provides 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.

Part-time students

Part-time students complete the full-time course over two years. There are no evening or weekend course units available on the part-time course.

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 one of the most targeted universities by the UK’s top graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2024).

Our MA Criminology course gives you the specialist skills required for a range of criminal justice careers, such as:

• careers in local and central government;
• roles in criminal justice and social agencies such as the police, probation services, and social work;
• the voluntary sector and NGOs.

You will also acquire vital skills relevant to many different sectors and roles, such as data analysis, research design, academic writing, and communication and teamwork. Our highly-skilled graduates go on to succeed in areas such as:

• think tanks and pressure groups;
• social research;
• business and management;
• data analysis;
• academia and teaching.

Another popular option is to continue specialising for a career in research and universities through a PhD in Criminology or a similar subject.

The University has its own dedicated, award-winning Careers Service where you can benefit from tailored careers support, practice interviews, CV and application support, job listings for Manchester students, and much more. Better yet, you will have access to our Careers Service both during your course and for two years after you graduate, so we know you’re on the right path