MRes Criminology

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Please note, due to the high volume of applications we receive, an 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.

As societies confront evolving forms of crime and harm, explore the forces shaping justice, security and social control.

Our MRes in Criminology provides you with the advanced theoretical, conceptual and methodological expertise and skills necessary to undertake and critically evaluate criminological, socio-legal and criminal justice research.

You will critically examine the theoretical foundations that underpin applied criminological research. You will receive specialist criminology and criminal justice teaching from research-active staff, studying 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.

You will also benefit from comprehensive, multi-disciplinary training in research methodologies. This will develop your advanced research skills and build competencies in technical areas such as data analysis, qualitative research, and research design.

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 .

Upon graduating, you will be well placed to pursue further academic research. You’ll also have developed highly transferrable skills, setting you up well for a professional research career in the voluntary, public or private sectors.

This course aims to:

• Meet national and regional demands for new research and policy-oriented competencies in criminology and socio-legal studies.
• Provide advanced, systematic and critical knowledge of research methods and theoretical arguments in criminology or socio-legal studies which are at the forefront of the subject area in a vibrant research context.
• Offer a course that integrates a grounding in research methodology and that provides an understanding of the implications for policy.
• Offer you the opportunity to develop your understanding of the key theoretical and epistemological debates within the subject area and to assist you to engage in theoretical debates at an advanced postgraduate level.
• Provide a formal, comprehensive, and multi-disciplinary training for you in research methodology and transferable employment-related skills.
• Prepare you for PhD-level research careers in academic life or as professionals in government and voluntary agencies.
• Contribute to the national need for skilled social science researchers in criminological, socio-legal and related matters.
• Train you to appreciate the relationship between research and the implementation and operation of policy and practice in the implementation of justice.
• Provide you with the tools for further research or study in criminology or socio-legal studies

ESRC-recognised

This acclaimed course is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESCR)and the North West Social Science Doctoral Training Centre (NWSSDTP) as a Foundation Course for Research Training and is an essential step if you wish to progress onto doctoral studies or pursue a career in research in the public or voluntary sectors.

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 thought 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.

Our MRes Criminology is taught by an interdisciplinary team using a variety of delivery methods:

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

Discover why our students chose our MRes in Criminology and what they loved about their time at Manchester – take a look at our student spotlights.

In addition to the networked study areas, you have access to 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 MRes 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.