MA Criminology at University of Manchester

Develop specialist knowledge of the debates surrounding crime causation, crime control and regulation. Explore crime, justice and social harm through contemporary criminological theory, research and real-world debate. Harness your ability to critically evaluate criminological, socio-legal and criminal justice research, with a focus on data analysis and qualitative research methods, opening doors to various careers.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities  |  Department: School of Social Sciences  |  Duration: 1 year (full-time)  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

A master’s degree is formed of 180 credits. On the MA Criminology, there are five mandatory course units, including a dissertation worth 60 credits. Compulsory units include Dissertation (MA Criminology), Advanced Theoretical Criminology, Evaluating Policy & Practice, Criminal Justice Research & Policy, Criminological Research Methods.

Career pathways

The University of Manchester is the most targeted university by the UK’s top graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2026). Our MA Criminology gives you the specialist knowledge and skills required for a range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors, such as in: academia; local or national governments; social agencies such as the police, probation services and social work; the voluntary sector and NGO’s.

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