MSc Criminology
University of Stirling
Key Information
Campus location
Stirling, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
12 - 24 months
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* For up to date fee information, please see website
Introduction
Our MSc Criminology course establishes clear connections between conceptual theories of crime and justice, and applied examples of how they affect contemporary societies. The course has an international focus that goes beyond UK or Scottish borders, making it appealing for a diverse student cohort.
The course content encourages the pursuit of innovative and socially just responses to the problem of crime, from crimes in the street or at home, to crimes of the powerful, crimes across borders, the much newer phenomenon of online crime, and the drug problem. Throughout the course, there's an emphasis on the need for a strong critical understanding of how research is framed, used and developed, which is delivered via modules in data analysis and research design, as well as criminological and socio-legal research methods. You’ll have the opportunity to explore concepts of criminal justice, the social contexts of crime, and a variety of criminological theoretical perspectives as well as applied insights.
With elective modules in specialist subjects you can acquire and develop a range of skills which will significantly enhance your confidence in criminology and your employability. Subjects include:
- rehabilitation and criminal justice work
- drug policy and interventions
- criminalisation, social control and human rights
The course is ideal for those who are keen to continue their studies at postgraduate level, as well as for practitioners who wish to consolidate existing experience and training with a Masters qualification.
Top reasons to study with us
#1 Ranked 1st in Scotland and Top 5 in the UK for Criminology (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)
#2 Our course showcases international perspectives on criminology and criminal justice, which go beyond a UK focus
#3 We're ranked 2nd in Scotland for Criminology (The Guardian University Guide 2022)
Curriculum
Course objectives
This course offers interdisciplinary insights into pressing current social issues such as terrorism, ethical uses of technology in criminal justice, the issues faced by women in criminal justice, drug policy reform, emergence and regulation of psychoactive substances, or tracing the links between poverty and imprisonment.
You'll gain a critical understanding of how research is framed, used and developed, and by whom, in criminology. Our academics are members of an internationally leading research centre; the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR), as well as being affiliated with the Scottish Institute for Policing Research (SIRP). Our research features in the media and is used by policymakers and practice leaders.
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research
When you study MSc Criminology at the University of Stirling, you’ll be introduced to pioneering empirical and theoretical research in a vibrant, multi-disciplinary environment.
Underpinning the expertise of our staff, the University of Stirling scored highly in the most recent Research Excellence Framework 2021 – a UK-wide assessment of universities’ research output. In the Social Work and Social Policy unit of assessment, we ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.
Teaching
We emphasise participation, creativity and reflection in our teaching of this course.
Assessment
Our course involves a wide range of assessment choices, providing stimulus and variety, but also stretching students with assessments that test a wide breadth of skills and competencies. In addition to conventional essays and critical report writing, you'll also be assessed through presentations, the production of poster presentations, blogs, observation-based reflective reports, drafting briefing papers, and a professional writing exercise.
Also, you'll typically undertake a research dissertation that may involve a range of fieldwork activities depending on the student project (e.g. interviews, focus groups, visual research methods, survey design and administration, and secondary data analysis).
Classroom hours
Teaching on this course generally takes place all day on a Friday, and on half a day on a Thursday, but certain modules may be taught on other days.
Admissions
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Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
As a Masters graduate in criminology, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue a number of career routes in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Graduates in criminology can go onto roles including:
- police
- prison service
- probation and community justice
- courts
- human rights advocacy
- youth work
- women’s justice and recovery services
- victim support
- surveillance
- intelligence services
- services for individuals or families affected by drug use
- drug policy and information organisations
- charities and social enterprises
With a combination of specialist theoretical and methodological knowledge, as well as critical-analytical skills, our course is also a great platform for those considering research and policy-related roles.
Boost your employability by studying at Scotland’s top-rated university for criminology (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023).
Benefit from our links to the criminal justice sector and Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR).