Criminology in Practice MSc, 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
This is for you if... you want to combine academic criminological study with an understanding of criminal justice practice.
Course information
UK fee £8,600
International fee £17,500
Taught by School of Criminology
+44 (0)116 252 2458 or 3946
criminology@le.ac.uk
Course description
Course description
By taking our Criminology in Practice MSc, you can combine the theoretical study of criminology with a core spine of practice-informed modules to provide you with an insight into the challenges and complexities of criminal justice.
You will also have the opportunity to conduct empirical research as part of your MSc Dissertation. Through the programme, you will gain a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system and develop your critical awareness of historical debates, theories and research in criminology. You will also examine the current political, economic and social context of relevant debates on crime and criminal justice practice in the UK and abroad.
Our lecturers are amongst the leading criminologists working in the UK today, and the MSc Criminology in Practice programme allows you insights from sector specialists, helping to create and inform debate on contemporary issues in the UK and globally. Our specialist teaching team has designed and prepared a range of modules that allows you to specialise in areas that relate to your professional needs, including Forensic and Legal Psychology; Crime Prevention and Community Safety; and Responding to Terrorism.
You will learn how to critically appraise research as well as conduct and write up your Dissertation research project. You will develop transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers including the ability to present and develop a coherent argument, communicate information to academic and non-academic audiences, conduct research and solve theoretical and practical problems.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
A first or second class honours degree from a British university or equivalent international academic qualifications. It is expected that this would usually be in Criminology or a cognate discipline. Comparable professional qualifications or experience will be considered. However, where more clarity is required you will be asked to undertake a short written assessment.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
This is the total course fee.
Starting in September 2023
- £8,600
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible.
International Students
This is the total course fee.
Starting in September 2023
- £17,500
You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Working closely with our award-winning Career Development Service, our MSc Criminology in Practice not only equips you with the relevant skills and practical experience for today’s competitive job market, but you will also be alerted to relevant employment and internship opportunities with appropriate organisations.
If you are already in employment, the Career Development Service can help you seek promotion, pay increases and new roles through the development of CVs, a LinkedIn profile and professional networking.
Our graduates most often seek and secure employment in statutory criminal justice agencies (police, prisons, probation, national criminal justice and security agencies), forensic health settings, third sector agencies, local and central government (nationally and internationally) and social/policy research institutes.
Moreover, each year approximately 10% of the MSc Criminology in Practice class either secure or begin to consider opportunities for doctoral studies. Doctoral work often leads to employment in a research-related area or in an academic environment.
A postgraduate qualification from the University of Leicester is career changing. It can be the springboard to promotion with your current employer, the platform from which to launch a new career, or simply an aid to becoming more effective in your current role.
Our Career Development Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Welcome Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Course structure
Core modules
Core modules
- Criminological Research Methods (double module)
- Theorising Crime and Deviance (double module)
- Crime Prevention and Community Safety
- Criminal Justice Professions: Policy and Practice
Plus your Dissertation
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Option modules
Option modules
Choose two option modules from:
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Leicester is one of very few universities in the country to have its own area exclusively dedicated to researching and teaching criminology.
Our students benefit from learning in an environment exclusively dedicated to researching and teaching criminology, which is home to some of the UK’s leading criminologists.
We are regularly called on by local, national and international private, public and non-governmental organisations to assist with policy development, and by journalists needing information and advice on crime issues.
Your studies will be enhanced by extra-curricular opportunities such as our esteemed Scarman Lecture series which regularly hosts high profile speakers.
Teaching and learning
We pride ourselves on our innovative teaching techniques and high-quality contact time with the teaching team. You will be taught through a combination of lectures; where ideas and theoretical concepts will be introduced; and seminars; where you will have the opportunity to discuss ideas with lecturers and fellow students. This is an interactive programme involving practical skills workshops, online tasks and individual study (research and reading) to help you through your learning journey.
Tutorials and seminars, including input from the Career Development Service and guest lectures from practitioners in the field.
Our assessment strategy is designed to be varied and inclusive of learners' diverse needs. This is a coursework-based masters degree that combines academic assessments such as short written pieces, with those skills required by employers such as presentations, briefing papers and reports.
You will also complete a 15,000 word Dissertation research project.
Key dates
September 2023 start
- Application deadline: 8 September 2023 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your application by 21 July 2023)
- Deposit payment deadline: 7 August 2023
- CAS request deadline: 1 September 2023
- 50% payment deadline: 1 September 2023
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Criminology in Practice | Qualification MSc | Duration 1 year full-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Criminology in Practice | Qualification MSc | Duration 2 years part-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
Learning from some of the best minds in the field of Criminology has opened my eyes to a whole new world.