The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice degree gives you the opportunity to study both theoretical and applied criminology at an advanced level to use the knowledge, skills and understanding gained to engage critically, innovatively and independently with contemporary issues in criminal justice.
Students gain a critical understanding of how key theories, concepts and empirical findings are used to create and interpret knowledge within the study of crime and criminal justice. Key issues debated include policing, crime prevention, rehabilitation and punishment.
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Melissa studies on our MSc Criminology & Criminal Justice programme at Paisley campus.
“I chose UWS because it’s a close-knit community. My lecturers know me by name, so it feels more like a friendship.”
Melissa found her place at UWS - find yours!
Completing the MSc in Applied Social Science (Criminal Justice) at UWS has given me the skills and experience to develop, immensely, both academically and personally, and to pursue a career in research. In particular, being given the opportunity to complete a practice-based dissertation in collaboration with Police Scotland was a fantastic and unique opportunity to conduct meaningful ‘real-world’ research and has helped transform me into a more confident researcher. The course offered me the flexibility to pursue my own academic interests in greater depth alongside expert, helpful staff. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending the course to anyone looking to further explore their interests within the social sciences, or to those building a career in policy, practice or research.
Conor Wilson, 2018 graduate, PhD researcher
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Don’t worry if your qualifications are not listed here, we take a range of factors into account when assessing your application and are happy to consider other alternative combinations of qualifications and experience
If you are applying with an EU or non-EU qualification, please check our Postgraduate Entry Requirements page which gives more information about country-specific entry requirements.
You should normally hold a relevant Honours degree at 2:2 or above in any of the subjects below:
You will also be considered if you have a degree in another discipline or other professional training or experience relevant to course specialisms. In order to demonstrate your academic ability you will be required to complete written work and may be invited to attend an interview prior to acceptance.
If you are an overseas student then you must also meet UWS English language requirements (see below).
All academic degrees/awards at UWS are taught in English. For applicants whose first language is not English*, the University sets a minimum English language proficiency level. All English language qualifications must have been gained within two years of the start of your UWS course.
* applicants who are exempt from English language requirements include:
In general terms, if you are applying to study a course at, or above, Year 1 (SCQF Level 7) bachelor’s degree level, then the UKVI’s minimum level of English proficiency is Common European Framework for References of Languages (CEFR) at B2 (Upper Intermediate).
At UWS, we define our general English language requirements using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) as follows:
These are minimum requirements and some courses may require a higher standard for admission†.
† Exceptions to this level of IELTS scoring exist for some accredited or professionally-recognised courses (see IELTS Score Exceptions section below for more information).
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For Midwifery courses that lead to professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (BSc Midwifery), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BSc Paramedic Science degree leads to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); it has different IELTS requirements than other Health-related courses. Although it is not possible to apply for this degree directly as an international student, for applicants who meet SAAS residency requirements and for whom English is not their first language, then the following IELTS scores are required:
For our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Advanced Biomedical Science degrees, which may lead to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BA (Hons) Social Work and MSc Social Work degrees are professionally recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council and applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
In additional to IELTS, we also accept a number of alternative English language for application and admission to our courses for both home/EU and international students at bachelor's degree study at Year 3 (SCQF Level 9), and above. From Cambridge to TOFEL iBT qualifications the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out about non-IELTS English Language Tests
UWS has also reviewed a range of High / Secondary School qualifications studied by non-EU applicants that can be used as a basis of entry to a UWS. These range from Botswana GCSEs to USA High School Graduation Diplomas, the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out more about international English Language high-hchool qualifications
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. UWS courses available are:
The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice degree has been designed to be flexible and allows for part-time and full-time study, while also blending on-campus, and online delivery techniques.
The MSc comprises five core and one optional taught, 20-credit modules followed by a 60-credit research dissertation.
If you chose to exit the course before undertaking the research dissertation, you can exit with the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip).
You will be required to design and undertake an extended piece of written research focused around a specific research question via the MSc Dissertation.
For the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) stage, you will study the following modules:
To complete the PgDip stage, you will select one 20-credit module as an option. The selection of the optional taught 20-credit module is based both on your interests and on their availability (which can change from year-to-year).
Successful completion of the PgDip allows you to proceed to the master's module:
The statistical breakdown details below describe the core modules:
LEARNING AND TEACHING
Learning is within an international context and research underpins all modules across the course. You have the opportunity to work with academics and external partners on research projects.
ASSESSMENT
Your skills development and employability are embedded throughout assessments. Academics who teach on the course draw on their research networks for the benefit of your experience through a combination of field trips to external organisations and the use of guest speakers from external bodies.
Programme Specification and Module Descriptors for Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses are available to download (PDFs). These provide you with core information concerning your chosen subject.
The programme equips students with essential skills and knowledge for a range of careers in the criminal justice sector including the police, prison service and criminal justice social work, policy analysis and evaluation, and policy work in governments, local authorities or charities.
Graduates may also use the MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice programme as an opportunity to commence doctoral-level research studies (MPhil/PhD) or a research career.
£7,500 Total cost of tuition
£11,750 Total cost of tuition
£11,750 Total cost of tuition
£15,500 Total cost of tuition
£1,070 per module (20 credits)
£1,680 per module (20 credits)
£1,680 per module (20 credits)
£2,210 per module (20 credits)
£7,500 Total cost of tuition
£12,350 Total cost of tuition
£12,350 Total cost of tuition
£16,275 Total cost of tuition
£1,070 per module (20 credits)
£1,760 per module (20 credits)
£1,760 per module (20 credits)
£2,330 per module (20 credits)
Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) postgraduate tuition fee and living cost loans may be available for eligible (Scottish/EU) students. Check SAAS website for more information.
All students should apply directly to the University through our online application system. Before you apply, you should check that you meet our entry requirements and you should have all your supporting documents ready.
The first stage of the process is to complete the initial application form. You will then receive a follow-up email with further instructions relating to your application including documents that you will need to forward to support your application, e.g. degree transcripts and certificates etc.
Most courses don't have a formal closing date, but they will close when they are full; apply early to avoid disappointment. There may also be funding deadlines that apply to you.
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects.
Students and researchers who are nationals of EU countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States of America do not need an ATAS certificate.
An ATAS certificate may be required for certain taught postgraduate master's degrees for international students at UWS.
For the latest information on ATAS and details of eligibility and how to apply for a certificate check the UK Government's dedicated ATAS web pages.
Do you have a question about applying for this course? Our friendly admissions teams are here to help!
International prospective students
Our international team is ready to support you with your application and any questions about joining UWS from abroad.
UK-based prospective students
If you’re applying from within the UK, our applicant enquiry team is here to guide you every step of the way.
With cutting edge facilities, specialist knowledge and world-leading and internationally excellent expertise, we aim to develop research outputs that have a tangible, early and positive impact on society across the globe.
DiscoverWe will always try to make sure that we publish accurate course information but we do not accept responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We will also try to make sure that we deliver our courses in line with our published information. However, we may not always be able to do so and you can find further information about this in our enrolment terms and conditions.