LLM Criminology and Criminal Justice at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

LLM giving a wide introduction to the study of crime and criminal justice in contemporary society, drawing on Northern Ireland's overhaul of its police, prisons and restorative justice after the 1998 settlement. It covers the motivations for offending, the operation of criminal justice and how the state responds to criminality and victimisation. It is not a qualifying law degree.

Department: Law | Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time | Intake: Entry year 2027/28 | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Criminology and criminal justice, with staff strengths in community safety and crime prevention, policing, prisoner reintegration, restorative justice, sex offending, victimology, anti-social behaviour, youth justice, climate justice and crime and the life course. Teaching is under the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Career pathways

Relevant to those working in legal practice, government and non-governmental organisations, and to recent graduates pursuing criminal justice-related careers or advanced study. The page notes three of the most senior officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland studied this LLM, and Law ranks 3rd in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2026).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in Law, Social Sciences, Humanities or a cognate discipline. Exemption may be considered for applicants holding a relevant Master's degree. Recognition of Prior Learning is available. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 (taken within the last 2 years), or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,250 a year (2027/28). Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland (ROI nationals resident in ROI) rate. Single year of study; subject to annual inflationary increase. Source

International applicants: GBP 24,400 a year (2027/28). International fee (EU Other students are charged the same). Single year of study; subject to annual inflationary increase. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

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