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.

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 (The Guardian University Guide 2021).
• Benefit from our links to the criminal justice sector and Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR).