Criminology and Criminal Justice

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The MSc degree offers a proven career development opportunity. This postgraduate degree (equivalent to an MA, Master of Criminology, MS, or taught MPhil degree) gives you the opportunity to become knowledgeable about important specific areas of criminology, study with expert staff, be intellectually stimulated, significantly enhance your CV, and gain a valuable and internationally respected qualification that will be attractive to future employers.
The MSc postgraduate degree is suitable whether you have studied criminology at undergraduate level or are new to the subject. The degree is also suitable whether you are coming directly from an undergraduate degree, or will be taking the Masters degree as part of your ongoing professional development (for example, as a practitioner in criminal justice, police, security, or social work).

The University of Edinburgh is a central partner in The Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research. Organisations such as the Scottish Association for the Study of Offending, and The Howard League (Scotland), regularly host lectures in Edinburgh, many of which are held here in the Law School. Together, these features mean that Edinburgh offers you a wide of range of events and resources to enhance your studies. The Law School organises a range of seminars, lectures, workshops and conferences throughout the year that you will be able to attend, including a seminar series run by the Centre for Law and Society featuring guest speakers from other universities.

Former graduates of the MSc degree have gone on to successful careers and employment in a wide range of fields, including at the Home Office, Scottish Government, UK Ministry of Defence, government agencies worldwide, as prison governors, in policing and law enforcement, at offender counselling agencies, drug treatment centres, crime prevention, welfare and charitable organisations, in the legal profession (including as prosecutors), at criminal intelligence agencies, and in the media. Many MSc graduates have progressed to jobs as researchers. Many others have progressed to academic careers at universities.

This Masters degree provides comprehensive training in criminology, criminal justice and research methods, and offers an excellent foundation for those interested in undertaking subsequent doctoral research.

What our graduates say ...

'I did the MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice and I can honestly say it was the best thing that I have ever done. I would recommend anyone interested in criminology or criminal justice to do this degree.' Briege Nugent, Ireland

'Studying at Edinburgh helped me realise my potential in criminological thinking, writing and research... I am grateful to all the staff at the University as they all willingly aided me in this unique learning experience. Edinburgh is an extremely lively city with lots to experience and a vast variety of activities to fully enjoy one's student life.' Maria Xanthou, Greece

'The MSc was the ideal space for me. It gave me skills and confidence, and allowed my interests to develop into further research, which led to a PhD.' Ali Mackenzie, UK

'Studying in Edinburgh is the most marvellous experience.' Chung-hui Ma, Taiwan

Programme Structure
You may take the MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice either full-time (over one year) or part-time (over the course of two years). The degree consists of core and optional course modules taken over the first and second semester; a research project (which forms part of the module in Criminological Research Methods); and a dissertation, which is planned and written over the summer.
Students must take all of the core modules listed below and choose a further two modules from the options available.

MSc in Criminology and Criminal Courses

Core Courses:

* Criminal Justice and Penal Process
* Theoretical Criminology
* Criminological Research Methods

AND either

* Core Quantitative Data Analysis 1

OR

* Research Skills in the Social Sciences: Data Collection

Optional Courses:

* Cybercrime
* Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
* Global Crime, Justice and Security: Theories and Frameworks
* Media and Crime
* Mental Health and Crime
* Penal Politics
* Police and Policing
* Surveillance and Security
* Youth Crime and Justice

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its equivalent if outside the UK. English language standard: 7.00 IELTS or equivalent. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Edinburgh Law School will offer five Tercentenary Awards for Excellence across all the LLM and MSc Programmes in the School starting in 2012, including the LLM in Law. This award will provide funding of £1,000 towards tuition fees.