MSc Criminological Research at University of Stirling

MSc Criminological Research develops research skills for criminology and criminal justice policy work. It meets the ESRC research training guidelines for PhD study in the social sciences, making students eligible for the ESRC 1+3 studentship.

Duration: MSc full-time: 12 months; part-time: 24 months (page also describes part-time as two and a half years)  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Study mode: full-time / part-time  |  Location: Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Taught core modules cover research strategies and methods, collecting, analysing and reporting data using software such as Stata and NVivo, and the theory behind criminological research, followed by a dissertation on a topic of your choice. Teaching is by lectures, seminars, tutorials, computer-based workshops and group work.

Career pathways

Graduates move into research, research management and commissioning roles with bodies such as the Crown Prosecution Service, the Civil Service and Police Scotland. Graduates have worked for the Scottish Government, Alcohol Focus Scotland and universities, in roles such as social science researcher, policy and research manager and research and outreach officer. Some progress to the Doctor of Applied Social Research or a PhD.

Official programme page