Programme Director Dr Alistair Henry

MSc Studentship Opportunities!
UK and EU students may apply for an Economic and Social Research Council '1+3' or ‘+3’ Studentship.

Read more about funding opportunities and how to apply.

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

Edinburgh is an exciting environment in which to study criminology and criminal justice, and on this MSc (Master of Science) postgraduate degree programme you will be able to study with criminology staff who have expertise in a wide range of topics, from the theoretical to the applied. Staff teaching on the MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree include Professor Richard Sparks, Professor Lesley McAra, Dr Richard Jones, Dr Alistair Henry (Programme Director of the MSc), Dr Anna Souhami, Susan McVie, Dr John Crichton and Dr Andy Aitchison. Edinburgh has a particular focus of research on 'punishment and society', broadly understood, and on youth crime and justice, policing and crime prevention, cybercrime, and comparative criminal justice.

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. 

Read more about the degree structure.

MSc course modules expected to be available in 2010-11 include:

• Media and Crime
• Youth Crime and Justice
• Mental Health and Crime
  
• Police and Policing
• Crime, Justice and Public Policy
• Cybercrime
• Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
• Criminal Justice and Penal Process
• Theoretical Criminology
• Criminological Research Methods

Click here for course descriptions.

Applications for the 2010-2011 MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice are now welcome.  Should you wish to discuss the MSc or your application, please do not hesitate to contact either Dr Alistair Henry (Programme Director) or Maria Byars (Postgraduate Office).

Contact Dr Alistair Henry

Contact Maria Byars

Apply to the MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice