MA Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology at Swansea University

Programme overview

A research-led master's built on criminological theory, criminal justice policy and practice, and research skills, with applied assessments focused on the criminal justice system of England and Wales and its impact on public policy and practice.

Faculty: Humanities and Social Sciences | Department: School of Social Sciences | Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 or 3 years part-time | Intake: September | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Compulsory modules are Critical Perspectives of the Criminal Justice System, Understanding Criminological Theory, Case Studies in Applied Criminal Justice and Criminology, Developing Criminological Research and Dissertation Preparation, and a 60-credit dissertation. Options include Online Propaganda and Radicalisation, Advanced Issues in Drugs, Alcohol and the Criminal Law, Countering Violent Extremism Online, Abolition, Activism and the Criminal Justice System, and Gendered Violence and Harms.

Career pathways

Likely destinations include criminal justice agencies (police, probation, prison service), government departments such as the Home Office and Ministry of Justice, local authorities and community organisations, and wider private and third-sector roles addressing crime, justice and social policy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Ideally a 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent in Criminology or a cognate discipline such as Law, Psychology, Sociology, Politics or Social Policy. Candidates with a 2:2 or with relevant professional work experience may also be considered. International applicants whose first language is not English need IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component, or TOEFL 88 with at least Listening 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23 and Writing 21.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,450 a year (2026/27). MA, 1-year full-time. Source

International applicants: GBP 20,100 a year (2026/27). MA, 1-year full-time. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 or 3 years part-time

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