Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc
Study at the UK birthplace of critical criminology, and gain the skills, research expertise, and real-world experience to drive social change and excel in a wide range of impactful careers
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Viewing course details for 2025-26 year of entry
- Code
- 011L381
- Attendance
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start
- September 2025, January 2026
- Fees
- £10,700 (UK) £18,000 (INT)
- Duration
- 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
- Course Leader
- Dr Jenni Ward
- Study mode
- On campus
- Location
- Hendon campus
- School / Department
- Department of Law and Social Sciences, Department of Criminology and Sociology
Why choose Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc at Middlesex?
Engage with real-world criminal justice issues, problems and challenges and contribute solution-focused ideas to local, national and international justice contexts.
The course is designed for graduate students seeking specialist studies in criminal justice and those currently employed in criminal and social justice organisations seeking to advance career and promotion opportunities.
- A Leading Centre for Criminology: Middlesex has been at the forefront of criminological teaching and research since the 1970s. Study at a university that helped establish criminology as an independent discipline in the UK.
- Research-informed Education: Learn specialised modules delivered by academic experts engaged in research and impact activity on topics of criminal justice and societal importance.
- Practical experience: Participate in field trips to the criminal courts and prisons and hear from guest speakers in professional practice. Critically examine criminal justice policy-making and the intersecting role of stakeholder and civil society groups.
- International Collaboration and Exchange: Middlesex’s membership of the Common Studies Session in Critical Criminology and partnership in the International Masters in Advanced Research in Criminology provide unique student exchange opportunities.
- Global Networks and Careers: Middlesex’s international collaborations and extensive networks open doors to careers in public, private, government, NGO, and academic sectors. Criminology is an excellent foundation for roles in research, policy, professional practice, and more.
What you will gain
Our MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice course offers a rich, career-focused learning experience that prepares you to make a real impact in the field of criminal justice.
You’ll develop a critical understanding of crime, justice, and punishment in both national and global contexts, exploring key themes such as policing, criminal law, human rights, and the role of institutions in society. You’ll also gain practical research skills and analytical tools that are highly valued in policy, government, and justice sectors.
Throughout the course, you’ll benefit from:
- Expert-led teaching by academics and practitioners with real-world experience in criminology, law enforcement, and justice policy.
- Field trips to prisons, courts, and other key institutions—giving you firsthand insight into how the justice system operates in practice.
- Access to placement opportunities with organisations such as the police, NGOs, charities, or local government—providing valuable experience and professional connections.
- Guest lectures and networking events with professionals across the justice and security sectors.
When you graduate, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue a wide range of roles in criminal justice, policing, research, policy analysis, and beyond. You’ll also be well-prepared for further academic research, including PhD study.
This course is ideal for those who want to make a meaningful contribution to justice and social change, whether you're entering the field for the first time or building on existing professional experience.
3 great reasons to pick this course
Modules
Here's a brief overview of the modules you will study:
The module aims to foster an in-depth understanding, critical awareness and engagement with major theoretical trends and debates in contemporary criminology, with particular attention to critical criminological debates that have global relevance and practical application.
This module will equip you with a solid foundation in research design, ethical principles, and theoretical approaches. It develops skills for conducting quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, analysing findings using descriptive and inferential statistics and thematic analysis. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed for dissertations, organizational research, and advanced methods and analysis.
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of contemporary and international issues in respect to youth crime and justice. It engages with interconnected dimensions of schools and education, families and wider community partnership arrangements, such as safeguarding, social services and social welfare support.
This module uses the key criminal justice institutions to critically examine contemporary issues, debates and official policy. It draws on comparative perspectives to assist an understanding of different approaches to crime, offender management and justice system reform across European and international jurisdictions. It builds critical appraisal skills on whether approaches and philosophies in certain countries are more meaningful, socially just responses than in others, and from which policy transfer ideas can be learned.
This module addresses contemporary transformations of violent extremism and terrorism, together with policy and practice directions emerging in response. The learning pathway is built around case studies and theoretical frameworks, with a focus on the UK and Europe, and is structured around the tension between transformations in violent extremism and theoretical, policy and practice frameworks. This task will include mapping counter-extremism and prevention actors and stakeholders at local, national and European levels, and the role of social science graduates in this field.
The dissertation is an opportunity for you to study independently and investigate a criminological and criminal justice topic in depth. It is an inquiry-based approach that employs the application of research skills. You will define your own topic area, conduct a comprehensive review of existing knowledge on the subject, formulate a methodology for conducting their inquiry and write an in-depth report of their research findings in the form of a dissertation.
This module is the culmination of a student’s Masters study and provides the opportunity to synthesise professional and academic learning. You will undertake a substantial work-based project that is designed to develop their professional practice and address reflectively their role in practice or a service issue. The module aims to link academic study with the 'real world’ of work by facilitating a process of reflective practice and applied learning and is designed to advance personal and professional development.
This module aims to develop advanced skills in the application of theoretical concepts and frameworks in relation to drugs, drug use and drugs control and in critically analysing the relationship between drugs and crime. You will evaluate initiatives within the criminal justice system to address the drugs ‘problem’. The module aims to foster a critical interest in the reform of drugs policy and institutions at both national and international levels.
This module aims to develop your understanding of how psychology can assist law enforcement investigations. You will examine the application of cognitive and social psychology to the practice of investigative interviewing. You will analyse interpersonal behaviour of both interviewers and suspects in investigative interviewing situations.
This module is an in-depth exploration of the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and society, examining how AI and digital media are reshaping personal, social, and political landscapes. Ethical issues such as privacy, surveillance, data governance, and algorithmic fairness, are examined while assessing AI's effects on power dynamics, social inequality, and identity. Using theoretical frameworks, case studies, and real-world applications, the course will equip you to critically engage with AI’s evolving role in contemporary society.
It will also provide you with essential skills to assess and navigate the ethical, social, and governance challenges of AI, preparing you for careers in digital policy, management, technology ethics, data governance, research, and social and political impact analysis across various industries and the public sector.
This module focusses on the societal drivers of climate change, who it impacts and how it is linked to global social inequalities. It interrogates the implications of colonialism, race, climate migration and climate refugees and hegemonic political and economic agendas in relation to climate. We examine critically a range of climate mitigation and adaptation solutions and social movements and develop an understanding of the necessary transformational change for an equitable, climate resilient future.
This module seeks to provide you with a general introduction to international criminal law, to the extent that it operates as a mechanism for the international protection of human rights. The aim to attain a comprehensive understanding of the rules, principles and machinery of international criminal justice, the relationship of international criminal law with other bodies of law and prospects for the future development of the law.
This module offers a dynamic and immersive exploration of key concepts and practices within the realm of cyber safety and security. The module engages directly with prominent researchers and leading practitioners in the field, where students will gain unique insights into real-world strategies for addressing cyber risks and creating safe digital environments.
This module seeks to advance your personal and professional development through a work-based learning experience and advancing your ability to link theory with practice. You will organise their learning to align with the work-based situation, its constraints, and the goals to be achieved, incorporating critical reflection and reflexivity.
To find out more about this course, please download the MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice programme specification (PDF).
Register your interest
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Teaching
You’ll explore key theories and debates in criminology and criminal justice with attention to debates that have global and societal relevance and practical application. You’ll learn about different types of crime—like terrorism, cybercrime, youth violence, and drug offences and develop the skills to critically examine research, policies, and real-world practices. You’ll gain hands-on experience in research, from collecting data to analysing it, and deepen your understanding of how criminal justice policies are made. You’ll look at how these policies connect with government, communities, and organisations working in the field.
The course is taught through weekly on-campus seminar and workshop sessions, supported by self-directed study and real-world assessments.
You’ll take part in interactive and participatory activities, including courtroom observations, prison visits, field trips, and guest lectures from professionals working in the criminal justice system.
You’ll learn from experienced academics who bring research-informed teaching and sector expertise into the classroom. Your learning will be further supported by small group work, set readings, and guided independent study.
Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.
We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on campus sessions.
Typical weekly breakdown
A typical week looks like this:
| Learning | Hours per week |
|---|---|
| On-campus | 8 (FT), 4 (PT) |
| Online | As required |
| Independent study | 43 (FT), 21.5 (PT) |
Learning terms
FT: Full-time students
PT: Part-time students
On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.
Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like MS Teams or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.
Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.
Part-time study
You can also study this course part-time.
You will study at our leafy campus in Hendon.
There are no exams on this course. Instead, you’ll be assessed through a range of coursework methods, including individual seminar and recorded presentations, a variety of written assignments, project and portfolio work, policy reports, research briefings, empirical research and data analysis, contribution to online discussion boards, podcasts, case studies, observation, and a dissertation.
Academic support
Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop your skills from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus.
Feedback
You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress. Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.
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North London campus
Our north London campus is just 20 minutes from central London, giving you easy access to everything this vibrant city has to offer. Make the most of incredible professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and more affordable living, all within a supportive and close-knit campus community.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library has over 1000 study areas with and 600 computer spaces, with some areas open 24 hours a day
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Make the most of our free laptop loans, e-books, printing and photocopying
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We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.
Our facilitiesStudent support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Entry Requirements
At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we’ll support you all the way. We’ll always be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning. And, if you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications. Things like your work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.
For this course, ideally, we are looking for these qualifications:
- A minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or above in the social sciences, criminology, law or in a related discipline
You will be expected to have experience in carrying out research.
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements. You're also welcome to apply if you have another degree, provided you can demonstrate relevant coding skills and experience.
We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:
- Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
- Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
- Work placements and networking with top London employers
- Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.
Qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office.
English language
You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.
Apply as early as possible to make sure you get a place. You can submit your application before you receive your final qualification.
Personal statements
Make sure that you highlight your best qualities in your personal statement that are relevant to this course. Such as forward-thinking, creative and collaborative
Interviews
You won’t be required to attend an interview.
How can the Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc support your career?
As a graduate of this course, you’ll have access to a wide range of career opportunities across sectors, including:
- Public and private sector organisations
- Governmental justice departments
- Key criminal justice institutions, such as police services, prisons, probation services, and youth justice agencies
- Charities and civil society organisations
- Third sector organisations
- International and transnational non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Previous Middlesex postgraduate criminology students have gone on to roles such as Senior Principal Research Officer at the Ministry of Justice, Independent Witness Advocate at Victim Support, and Restorative Facilitator with a school-based youth programme in Canada.
MDXworks
Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.
Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognized with the following awards:
- The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023
- A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023
MDXcelerator: student start-up support
Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.
Global alumni network
You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.
Fees
The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year:
UK students1
Full-time students: £10,700
Part-time students: £71 per credit
Part-time students: £35 per dissertation credit
If you were to study over two years part-time, you would usually pay £4,200 for the first year of study, and £6,300 in the second.
International students2
Full-time students: £18,000
Part-time students: £120 per credit
Part-time students: £60 per dissertation credit
If you were to study over two years part-time, you would usually pay £7,200 for the first year of study, and £10,800 in the second.
Additional costs
Apart from fees, we cover your costs for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies.
- Free – laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing
- Free specialist software for your course
- Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.
Attendance at the bi-annual Common Studies Session in Critical Criminology is voluntary. Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs are student funded and total approximately £400.
Financial support
We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about Postgraduate funding.
Postgraduate scholarships
You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:
- The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
- The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
- The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
- The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
- Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees.
For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.
Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.
Help from your employer
Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
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Get answers from our Unibuddy student ambassadors
View our range of student ambassadorsWe’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.